Bringing home a puppy feels like starting a new chapter filled with wagging tails, playful moments, and maybe a few chewed-up shoes. As much joy as they bring, puppies also come with a fair share of challenges—especially when it comes to training. If it feels like you’re hitting a wall, you’re not alone. Here are some of the most common training setbacks and how to move forward with patience and confidence.
1. Your Puppy “Forgets” What They Learned
One day your pup seems to know “sit” like a pro, and the next they look at you like it’s a brand-new word. This is frustrating, but totally normal.
Why it happens: Puppies, like kids, are easily distracted. A new environment, smells, or even your tone of voice can throw them off.
What to do: Go back to basics. Reinforce commands in short, consistent sessions and practice in a variety of settings. Don’t assume they’ve mastered it just because they did it once.
2. Potty Training Regression
Maybe your pup was doing great for weeks, then suddenly starts having accidents indoors again.
Why it happens: Stress, changes in routine, or even just excitement can lead to a temporary backslide.
What to do: Re-establish the routine. Take them out more often and reward every success. Clean up mistakes thoroughly to eliminate lingering smells that might encourage repeat accidents.
3. Biting and Nipping Isn’t Stopping
Those puppy teeth are no joke. And despite trying every trick in the book, they’re still using you as a chew toy.
Why it happens: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Teething and play behavior both involve biting.
What to do: Offer appropriate chew toys and consistently redirect their biting. If they bite during play, calmly stop the game and walk away. This teaches them that biting ends the fun.
4. Leash Training Feels Like a Tug-of-War
Walking a puppy can feel more like being dragged around—or trying to drag them forward.
Why it happens: New sights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming or overly exciting.
What to do: Practice leash walking in low-distraction areas first. Use high-value treats to reward them for staying near you. Gradually increase the complexity of the environment as they improve.
5. They Listen… Until Something More Interesting Happens
Distractions are a puppy’s greatest weakness. That squirrel across the yard? Way more interesting than you.
Why it happens: Puppies have short attention spans and are still learning to prioritize you over the environment.
What to do: Practice recall and commands with increasing levels of distraction. Use irresistible rewards and lots of praise when they focus on you.
6. You’re Feeling Burned Out
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the puppy—it’s our own exhaustion and doubt.
Why it happens: Training a puppy takes time, and progress can feel slow or invisible some days.
What to do: Take breaks when you need to, but stay consistent with your routines. Even a few minutes a day of focused training can make a difference. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional trainer for guidance.
Training setbacks are part of the journey, not a sign that you’re failing. Every puppy is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is patience, persistence, and a good sense of humor. Your bond with your dog is built in these tough moments—and you’re both learning more than you realize. Keep going. You’ve got this.
