Bad habits you need to break…
So two habits you need to break yourself of is:
1. Chasing after your dog when they’ve done something bad. Because this actually teaches them that “bad actions” will get their desired result (YOU playing with them.)
and
2. Scolding or yelling at your pup when they finally do stop running from you or do return to you after they’ve come back. Again, this just confuses them because they don’t understand where in the timeline of events they got in trouble and they equate it to the last thing they did.
Here’s the deal. Your dog wants attention and wants you to play a game so they jumped on the counter, grabbed something you don’t want them to have and then they take off through the house or out the yard and down the block.
Remember most dogs love to play chase and tag. Watch dogs play and see what they do… Tag is one of their most enjoyable games. They will take each others toys to get each other to chase…
And you CHASE THEM! You are running after them yelling and trying to get your dog to stop and come back.
The dog got you to play…. finally… Of course this wasn’t what you wanted… but you are too busy and frustrated to realize you’ve BEEN PLAYED… I know a dog trainer who says “dogs are smart, people, not so much”
To stop this from happening you could do a few things, in no particular order:
- Play with the dog more, challenge the dog to use their brains not just their legs. Play hide and seek (find it). Hide their toy for them to find, or you can hide. Most dogs love to play. Some can play for hours, and some just need a few minutes.
- Another way to keep from having to chase your dog when they grab something they are not supposed to touch is to have them understand “leave it” and “drop it”.
- Having a great recall (they come when called) is also one of the most important things you can do with your dog.
Stop the Confusion: How Common Habits Can Make Your Dog Stop Listening
As a professional dog trainer serving Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Margate, and Tamarac, Florida, I see one thing time and time again — well-meaning owners who love their dogs, but accidentally teach them to ignore commands or act out. At Dog Training Does Matter, I (Tom Savoca) help dog owners understand that most dogs aren’t “stubborn” — they’re simply confused by mixed signals or inconsistent training.
When a dog doesn’t listen, it’s not about dominance or defiance — it’s about communication. And that’s exactly where good dog training makes all the difference.
Common Bad Habits That Confuse Your Dog
Many owners unintentionally create habits that make training harder and daily life more stressful. Here are a few examples I see regularly:
Repeating commands over and over.
Saying “sit, sit, sit!” only teaches your dog that the command means nothing until it’s been repeated multiple times. Dogs learn better when you say it once, wait, and guide them if needed — and then reward the correct response.
Being inconsistent.
Allowing your dog to jump up sometimes but not others, or letting them pull on the leash when you’re tired but not when you’re focused, sends mixed messages. Dogs thrive on clear, consistent rules.
Rewarding the wrong behavior.
It happens all the time — your dog barks, whines, or jumps, and you pet them or give attention to calm them down. Unfortunately, that teaches them that misbehavior earns a reward.
Yelling or showing frustration.
Dogs don’t understand yelling as authority. They respond to calm, confident leadership. At Dog Training Does Matter, I teach owners to use steady energy and clear communication — not emotion — to get lasting results.
Not following through.
If you tell your dog “come” but let them keep sniffing the grass, they learn that listening is optional. Consistency builds respect.
Letting your dog pull on the leash.
This is one of the biggest issues I correct during my training sessions. Allowing leash pulling teaches your dog that they lead the walk, not you. I always tell my clients, “Do not let the dog pull you, ever, for any reason — unless you are in the middle of the street.” That consistency builds trust and balance between you and your dog.
Why Professional Training Makes a Difference
The truth is, most owners don’t even realize they’re reinforcing bad habits — but once I point them out, the light bulb goes off. Working with a professional dog trainer helps you build clear communication and eliminate confusion.
When you and your dog both understand each other, life gets easier. You can enjoy peaceful walks, polite greetings, calm behavior at home, and a dog who truly listens — even with distractions around.
At Dog Training Does Matter, my goal is not just to train dogs, but to teach owners how to communicate effectively. Whether you’re dealing with pulling, jumping, barking, or general disobedience, I create personalized training plans that fit your lifestyle and your dog’s unique needs.
The Benefits of Correcting Bad Habits Early
Fixing these habits early saves frustration and prevents bigger behavioral issues down the road. When your dog knows what’s expected and feels confident in following your lead, you’ll see:
- More focus and attention from your dog
- Better obedience and calmer energy
- Safer, more enjoyable walks
- A stronger bond between you and your dog
- Less stress in everyday life
A well-trained dog is a joy to live with — not a source of chaos.
Ready to Start?
If you’re in Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, or nearby South Florida areas and you’re ready to take your dog’s behavior to the next level, reach out today.
I’m Tom Savoca, owner of Dog Training Does Matter, and I’d love to help you turn frustration into understanding and confusion into confidence. Together, we’ll create a calm, obedient, and happy dog that you’ll be proud to take anywhere.
Call or message Dog Training Does Matter today — because the difference between a dog that listens and one that doesn’t truly matters.