Training Fails 101: The Top Ways Humans Confuse Their Dogs

Dog Training Tips

Because your dog isn’t being difficult—they’re just trying to make sense of your mixed messages.

We buy the bougie treats, research the best flight carriers, and refer to our dogs as our kids. But sometimes, even the most loving dog parents unknowingly confuse the heck out of their pups—especially when it comes to training.

At Paws on Planes Inc., we work with pet parents and service dog handlers who want to raise well-behaved, travel-ready dogs. And we’ve seen it all. Here are the most common ways humans send their dogs into a behavioral tailspin—and how to clean it up.

1. Saying “Down” and “Off” Like They’re the Same Thing

Let’s get this straight:

• “Down” = Lie down on the floor, bed, or mat.
• “Off” = Get OFF the couch, the counter, or your Aunt Kathy.

Mix them up, and your dog’s left guessing, “Am I relaxing or getting scolded?”
✨ Fix it: Reserve each word for one clear action. It’s a game-changer.

2. Using “No” Without a Follow-Up

Telling your dog “No” without offering an alternative is like a boss yelling at you without telling you how to do your job.

• Jumping on guests? Don’t just say “No”—say “Sit” or “Go to place.”
• Stealing food? Redirect to “Leave it” or “Go lie down.”

✨ Fix it: Always replace “No” with clear direction. Dogs want to get it right—they just need a chance.

3. Playing Roulette with Table Scraps

Feeding your dog “just one bite” off your plate is like lighting a match in a fireworks factory. They’ll remember. They’ll wait. And they’ll beg like it’s their job.

✨ Fix it: Keep meals in their bowl, in their space. If you want to share food, do it away from the table and on your terms. You’re not mean—you’re setting them up for success.

4. Abusing the Word “Come”

“Come” should mean “drop everything and run to me.”
But if you say “Come on!” during walks, or “Come” before bath time, you’re training your dog to ignore (or fear) the cue.

✨ Fix it:
✅ Save “Come” for high-stakes recall.
✅ Use “Let’s go” for casual movement.
✅ Always reward recall like your life depends on it—because sometimes, it does.

5. Hyping Your Dog Up—Then Expecting Calm

“WANNA GO FOR A WALK!?!” And now your dog’s bouncing off the walls.
But five seconds later you expect them to calmly sit for the leash? Yeah… good luck.

✨ Fix it: Wait until your dog is calm before saying the cue. No baby talk, no hype. Calm first, fun second. That way, walks start with focus—not frenzy.

6. Accidentally Rewarding Excitement

You walk in the door and your dog’s doing zoomies, barking, leaping like a Cirque du Soleil act. You respond with excited baby talk and pets.
Congrats—you just told them this is the behavior you love.

✨ Fix it: Ignore until they settle, then reward calmness. Reinforce the energy you want to live with.

7. Letting Your Stress Travel Down the Leash

Your dog senses everything: tone of voice, body tension, your morning fight with TSA. If you’re anxious, they’re anxious. And that’s not ideal when you’re boarding a flight or navigating a new environment.

✨ Fix it: Center yourself. Take a breath before a training session, a walk, or the boarding gate. Calm human = calmer dog.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If your dog’s confused, they’re not being stubborn—they’re being human-handled. These behaviors are super common, and the good news? They’re easy to fix with clarity, consistency, and a little empathy.

At Paws on Planes Inc., we specialize in helping pet parents train calm, confident travel companions—whether you're prepping for a flight or just want better day-to-day behavior.

🦴 Want support with service dog or pet travel training?
Let’s work together. [Book a consult here] and start turning confusion into connection.