“Bark” to School:Debunking Dog Myths & Training Tips
As kids head back to school this fall, why not let your dog join in on the learning fun? Training isn’t just about obedience, it’s about building communication, trust, and a stronger bond with your pup. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths floating around that can make training feel harder than it needs to be. Let’s debunk some of those common misconceptions and discuss some practical training tips that you can start using today!
Myth #1: “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.”
This classic saying couldn’t be further from the truth! Learning doesn’t have an expiration date. Sure, puppies may pick up on good habits more quickly, but dogs of any age can learn new skills, behaviors, and expectations.
Here’s what to keep in mind when training older pups:
They’re efficient learners. Dogs naturally take the “path of least resistance.” If jumping has always worked to get attention, it may take some extra repetitions to show them that sitting politely is the new way to earn attention and praise. Consistency matters here—if you stop rewarding the polite sit, they may slip back into old habits.
Physical limitations exist. Senior dogs may not be able to jump as high, run as fast, or make sharp turns. That doesn’t mean they can’t learn new things! Just focus on age-appropriate skills and be mindful of their comfort level.
Long-standing habits take more time to rewrite. If your senior dog has always barked at the doorbell, changing that response will require patience and persistence.
The bottom line? Don’t underestimate your older dog. Training can actually enrich their golden years and keep their brains sharp!
Myth #2: “My dog doesn’t listen because he’s being spiteful.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear. Many pet parents notice their dog follows commands beautifully at home but seems to “forget everything” the moment they step outside. It can feel like defiance or spite, but it’s actually about learning context.
Dogs aren’t great at generalization—the ability to apply learned behaviors in every setting. Your dog may know how to “sit” in your kitchen, but he might not realize that “sit” also applies at the park, in the vet’s office, or on a busy sidewalk.
So if your dog “forgets” his training outside, don’t take it personally. It’s not spite; it’s just learning in progress.
Myth #3: “All dogs learn the same way.”
Just like people, dogs are individuals when it comes to learning. All dogs will benefit from establishing behaviors through positive methods, but what rewards work best will vary from dog to dog. Once desirable behaviors are understood, it is appropriate to add consequences for mistakes. Consequences depend on what the dog finds undesirable and can vary between individuals
Rewards:
Extra Treats/ Food/ Water
Praise/ Affection
Toys/ Play
Access to Playmates
Time Outdoors
Consequences:
Reset Position/ Try Again
Increase Distance
Leash Tap
Remove Item
Spray Bottle
Training Tip #1: CPPR
To make training stick, keep these four principles in mind—Consistency, Patience, Persistence, Repetition.
Consistency: Clear, simple rules help your dog succeed. If jumping is “never okay,” make sure everyone in the household reinforces that.
Patience: Progress takes time. If your dog doesn’t master a new cue in one session, don’t give up!
Persistence: Training isn’t always linear. Sometimes you’ll need to take a step back before moving forward again. But don’t give up!
Repetition: Practice is how habits are formed. The more your dog practices the right behavior, the more automatic it becomes.
Training Tip #2: Clear, Positive Goals
Another key to success is knowing exactly what you want. Instead of saying, “I want my dog to stop jumping,” reframe it to, “I want my dog to sit to greet guests.” This shift gives you something specific to practice and reward and also changes your mind set from negative to positive.
Why this matters: Dogs don’t easily follow a “don’t do that” rule; they need an alternative behavior to succeed.
Train with intention and write down 2–3 clear, actionable training goals for the season.
Training Tip #3: Break Goals into Smaller Steps
Don’t forget—big goals are built on little victories. Celebrate the “baby steps” along the way! If your dog can sit for 2 seconds today, that’s a win worth cheering just as much as a 2-minute sit later on.
Once goals are clear, the second focus should be how to achieve them.
Why small steps matter: Big goals can feel overwhelming for both dogs and people. Breaking them into baby steps creates opportunities to celebrate progress.
How to do it: Slice a behavior into tiny teachable moments (2-second sit → 10-second sit → sit with distractions → sit when guests arrive).
Example: For “calm greetings at the door,” start by practicing sit far from the door, then gradually move closer, add knocking sounds, then add a person walking in.
This reinforces patience and helps us to see progress even when the “end goal” feels far away.
Final Thoughts
Training is an educational journey you and your dog take together, and it doesn’t matter if your pup is a playful puppy or a wise old senior. By letting go of common myths and focusing on consistent, patient, and intentional training, you’ll see progress and strengthen your bond along the way.
So as the kids head “back to school,” consider setting some goals for you and your pup. Whether it’s learning a new trick, mastering polite greetings, or simply practicing calm leash walks, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you celebrate each step forward.
After all, school isn’t just for kids, our dogs deserve a little “Bark to School” time too!
For additional help or questions on any of these exercises and concepts, drop me an email at dogtrainer@fydoland.com. I’d love to help you and your dog learn more!