The 7 Worst Mistakes Dog Owners Make—And How to Fix Them

Even the most loving dog owners can make mistakes—sometimes without even realizing it. But dogs are incredibly forgiving and resilient. With a little awareness and a lot of heart, you can strengthen your bond, rebuild trust, and help your dog live a happier life.

Here are seven common (and harmful) mistakes—plus how to turn each one into a chance to connect better with your pup.

1. Ignoring Your Dog’s Communication Style

Dogs don’t just bark—they speak. Whether it’s with body language, facial expressions, or even AAC buttons (like my Cane Corso, TuxnDog), they’re always trying to tell us something.

Fix it:

Start paying close attention to your dog’s subtle cues: ears, eyes, posture, breathing. You don’t need a button board to listen—just a willingness to slow down and observe.

2. Punishing Instead of Teaching

When dogs act out, it’s usually from fear, boredom, or confusion—not defiance. Punishment may stop a behavior, but it doesn’t teach what to do instead.

Fix it:

Use redirection, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Your dog needs a guide, not a tyrant.

3. Skipping Mental Stimulation

A tired dog isn’t always a happy dog. Physical exercise helps, but mental enrichment is what keeps a smart dog calm, focused, and fulfilled.

Fix it:

Try food puzzles, scent games, training challenges, or even talking buttons to get your dog thinking in new ways.

4. Overlooking Social Needs

Dogs are pack animals. Leaving them isolated or under-socialized can lead to stress, reactivity, and confusion.

Fix it:

Expose your dog to different sights, sounds, people, and dogs gradually. Even confident breeds like the Cane Corso thrive when they understand their world isn’t a threat.

5. Being Unclear or Inconsistent

If you change the rules every day—sit means sit, unless today it means nothing—your dog will feel anxious and unsure.

Fix it:

Use clear commands, consistent responses, and structure. Dogs feel safest when they know what’s expected and how to win.

6. Underestimating Emotional Intelligence

Dogs don’t “just live in the moment.” They remember tones, experiences, and patterns. Repeated frustration or dismissal can erode their trust over time.

Fix it:

Speak with respect, even in correction. Dogs like mine respond better to a low, calm voice than loud, emotional scolding. Teach, don’t shame.

7. Treating Them Like Property, Not Partners

This one’s big. A dog isn’t a pet to control—they’re a living being who chose to walk beside you. If you see them as a thing, they’ll never reach their full potential.

Fix it:

Involve your dog in your day. Let them speak, play, express preferences. A true bond forms when you treat them like a teammate, not a tool.

Final Thought

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to listen, learn, and love with intention.

Dogs like TuxnDog aren’t emotionally “different.” They’re proof of what happens when we expect more from our dogs—and offer more of ourselves in return.

Bookmark our blog and check out our weekly articles for more insights into raising emotionally intelligent, button-talking, joy-filled dogs.