Puppy Training Mistakes to Avoid: Tips from Hampshire’s Professional Trainers Copy

Raising a well-behaved puppy isn’t just about plenty of cuddles (sadly!); it takes consistent training, patience and the help of expert advice. 

At Canine Kids, we’ve helped thousands of dog owners across Hampshire complete their training effectively. Along the way, we’ve seen a few common missteps that can slow down progress or even undo hard work.

Here are the top puppy training mistakes to avoid, and what to do instead.

1. Waiting Too Long to Start Training

Many people assume they need to wait until their pup is older to begin training. That’s a myth. The best time to start is as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually around 8 weeks old. At this age, puppies’ brains are like sponges, soaking up every experience. Putting off training can lead to bad habits forming fast.

Our puppy training classes in Hampshire are designed for pups as young as 8 weeks (after vaccinations have begun).

2. Inconsistency Between Family Members

If one person allows the puppy on the sofa and another doesn’t, confusion quickly reigns. Dogs thrive on consistency and mixed signals mean it takes much longer to learn. It can also be stressful for your puppy.

Tip: Make a household plan for training commands, rules, and routines- and stick to it. Everyone should use the same words for the same actions (e.g., “down” vs. “off”).

3. Overusing Punishment

Shouting ‘no’ or punishing unwanted behaviour is a big mistake. It can make your puppy anxious or even fearful. Worse, it doesn’t teach them what to do, only what not to do.

Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. This is the approach we always use at our training classes in Hampshire. Praise and reward the behaviours you want. Ignore or redirect the ones you don’t. This approach builds trust and creates a happier learning environment.

4. Lack of Socialisation

One of the biggest mistakes we see is owners avoiding socialisation because they’re afraid of their pup getting overwhelmed. But a poorly socialised puppy can develop behavioural issues later on.

Proper, gradual socialisation is critical. Our classes in Hampshire and Surrey offer a controlled space where puppies meet new people and dogs in a safe and positive environment. 

5. Expecting Too Much, Too Soon

Like many people nowadays, puppies have short attention spans! They need time to understand what’s expected of them. If you get frustrated or assume they’re being ‘stubborn’, it’s usually a sign they need clearer guidance.

Tip: Keep sessions short, positive and appropriate to their age. Celebrate small wins. Progress may be slow at first, but consistency quickly makes a difference. 

Training your puppy doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right approach, and a bit of expert help, you’ll set your pup up for a lifetime of good behaviour and confidence. If you’re looking for trusted, friendly, and professional puppy training classes in Hampshire and Surrey, Canine Kids is here to help.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our trainers or book your puppy’s place today.