5 Common Dog Training Mistakes (and How Spokane Owners Can Fix Them)
Training your dog should feel rewarding — not frustrating. But even the most dedicated dog owners in Spokane run into challenges along the way. The good news? Most training issues come down to a few simple mistakes that are easy to correct once you know what’s going wrong.
Here are the five most common dog training mistakes we see at Canine Community Center — and what you can do to turn them around.
1. Inconsistent Rules
Dogs thrive on clarity. If one day your dog is allowed on the couch and the next day they’re scolded for it, they’ll get mixed signals fast.
Fix it:
Set consistent boundaries and stick with them — across everyone in the home. Whether you live in Spokane Valley or Liberty Lake, a steady routine helps your dog feel secure and confident.
2. Relying Too Much on Treats
Food rewards are great for motivation, but if your dog only listens when you’re holding a treat, you’ve got a bribery problem, not obedience.
Fix it:
Phase treats into rewards, not requirements. At Canine Community Center, we use a balanced approach — praise, structure, and accountability — to build lasting habits that work with or without food.
3. Training in Low-Distraction Settings Only
Your dog might listen perfectly in the living room… but forget everything once you hit the park.
Fix it:
Practice in new environments! We take dogs all over the Spokane area — from quiet neighborhoods to busy trails — to help them generalize commands and focus even around distractions.
4. Expecting Instant Results
Dog training is a process, not a one-and-done fix. If you’re expecting perfection in a week, you’re setting yourself (and your dog) up for frustration.
Fix it:
Focus on progress, not perfection. Every session — whether it’s a private lesson in Post Falls or a board and train program in Spokane Valley — builds on the last one. Consistency is key.
5. Skipping Professional Help
There’s no shame in calling in a professional. In fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your dog.
Fix it:
If you’ve been stuck in a rut, it might be time to bring in a trainer who can spot what’s missing. Our Canine Community Center team has helped hundreds of Spokane-area dogs overcome leash pulling, reactivity, jumping, and anxiety — and we’d love to help yours, too.
🌟 Let’s Build Better Habits Together
No matter where you are in your training journey — from Coeur d’Alene to Spokane Valley — our trainers are here to help you and your dog build a stronger, calmer partnership.
👉 Book a Free Training Consultation with Canine Community Center and see why Spokane dog owners trust us to bring out the best in their pups.
