Top 5 Puppy Training Mistakes – Common Misunderstandings

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This is Kim's Pups, Korea's specialized teacup puppy breeder and boutique.

 

 

 

“Why isn’t my puppy learning?”

Many pet parents feel frustrated when training doesn’t go as planned.

You might think,

“I’ve told them a hundred times,”

“They know better than this,”

“Why do they still pee on the carpet?”

But in reality, it’s often not about your puppy’s personality — it’s about how training is approached.

In this post, we’re breaking down the Top 5 puppy Training Mistakes that pet parents commonly make, and what you can do instead to build a better bond and better behavior.

 

 

 

❌ Mistake #1: “Puppies only learn when they’re punished”

Many assume puppies need to be scolded to learn right from wrong.

But puppies live in the moment, and punishment often leads to fear or confusion, not understanding.

 

✅ What to do instead:

• Use positive reinforcement — reward the behavior you do want

• Timing matters: give treats or praise within 2 seconds of the behavior

• Ignore bad behavior when safe, and redirect calmly

Example: If your puppy barks, don’t shout. Wait for silence, then praise — so they associate quiet with reward.

 

 

 

❌ Mistake #2: “They’ll get it after a few tries”

Puppies don’t generalize quickly.

Just because they “sit” at home doesn’t mean they’ll do it in a park full of distractions.

 

✅ What to do instead:

• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) but consistent

• Repeat training daily in different places

• Incorporate commands into daily life: ask for a “sit” before meals, walks, or opening doors

 

 

 

❌ Mistake #3: “Puppies understand how we feel”

It’s tempting to treat our puppies like humans, but they don’t interpret tone or emotion like we do.

They respond to your energy, actions, and consistency more than your words.

 

✅ What to do instead:

• Use clear hand signals + consistent commands

• Don’t say “no” emotionally — instead, redirect their action and praise the right choice

• Example: If they scratch the couch, calmly lead them to a scratching post and reward that behavior

 

 

 

❌ Mistake #4: “Socializing means meeting every puppy and person”

Too many pet parents rush the socialization process — forcing puppies into crowded spaces or unwanted interactions.

This can actually lead to anxiety and fear-based behavior later.

 

✅ What to do instead:

• Start with distance-based exposure: watch people or puppies from afar

• Give treats while observing calmly to form positive associations

• Let your puppy initiate interaction — don’t push physical contact

 

 

 

❌ Mistake #5: “Training at home is enough”

Puppies may behave well in your living room — but struggle at the park, vet, or on walks.

Why? Because they haven’t learned to apply commands in new environments.

 

✅ What to do instead:

• Gradually train in different settings: backyard → sidewalk → park

• Add real-world distractions (noises, strangers, other puppies) over time

• Make sure they succeed in every context, not just indoors

 

 

 

🎯 Training Success Comes from Consistency + Timing

 

📌 Quick Recap – Top 5 Training Mistakes

 

 

 

 

🐾 How Kim’s Pups Can Help

At Kim’s Pups, we go beyond adoption — we support you throughout your journey as a puppy parent.

• ✔️ 1-on-1 new owner training guidance

• ✔️ Free printable basic command cheat sheets

• ✔️ Step-by-step puppy development plans

• ✔️ Ongoing Q&A through DM or chat

 

💬 Questions? Message us on Instagram or KakaoTalk @kimspups

 

 

 

About the Author

Youngsang Kim is the CEO and a breeder at Kim's Pups and Cheongdampets, a premium teacup puppy store in Seoul, Korea.

With over 18 years of family expertise in the industry, Kim is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and ethics.

Under his leadership, Kim's Pups and Cheongdampets have become trusted names in the teacup puppy world, backed by numerous international accolades and certifications from the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

 

For more information or assistance in finding the perfect puppy—or any of our other Korean Teacup Puppies—please feel free to contact us at any time.

And, for any questions, feel free to message Kim on Whatsapp: +82 10 8691 2094 😁

This is Kim's Pups. Thank you.

Every picture in this article is from Kim's Pups puppies.