06/10/2025
Live and learn.🐾
Before I became a professional trainer, I made some mistakes with my own dog that taught me invaluable lessons – and I want to share them so other dog owners can avoid the same struggles.
1️⃣ Free play at dog parks & meeting every dog on walks
I used to think socialisation meant letting my dog meet every dog he saw. In reality, unstructured interactions at dog parks can overwhelm dogs, trigger fear, or even lead to attacks. My dog developped severe reactivity because I didn’t set boundaries or read his signals. The lesson? Controlled, positive introductions are far safer than “letting dogs figure it out themselves.”
2️⃣ Not using a long line before granting freedom
I assumed recall would come naturally. Without a long line to practice reliable recall in a controlled way, my dog would bolt to other dogs, creating stress, safety risks, and missed training opportunities. A long line is an essential bridge between leash training and off-leash freedom.
3️⃣ Ignoring natural chasing instincts
I didn’t consider how his instinct to chase moving things could affect his behaviour. When he started chasing runners, it created dangerous situations and reinforced undesirable habits. Managing a dog’s natural drives isn’t about suppression – it’s about safe, structured outlets and teaching self-control.
4️⃣ Neglecting separation in a small apartment
I didn’t think about how my dog would cope alone in our tiny apartment. Without gradual management, he developed severe separation anxiety, barking nonstop for up to 9 hours. Teaching a dog to be comfortable alone is a step-by-step process, using desensitisation, enrichment, and independence training.
✨ The takeaway: Mistakes are part of the journey. Observing, understanding, and adjusting is what turns frustration into progress. Every dog is different, and what I learned the hard way now informs how I train my clients’ dogs safely and effectively.