At Playful Pups Retreat, one of the most common conversations we have with pet parents, whether they are joining us for group classes, our A to Z Day Training program, or our Stay & Train program, is about training advice they have heard over the years that may not actually be true. Dog training has evolved so much over time, and what we now know about behavior, confidence, and how dogs learn has changed for the better. Let’s talk about some of the most common training myths we hear, and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: “My dog will grow out of it.”
This is one of the most common myths, especially with adolescent dogs. Many behaviors that people assume dogs will outgrow, jumping, pulling on the leash, not listening, rough play, poor manners, are actually learned behaviors that become habits over time. The longer a behavior is practiced, the more ingrained it becomes.
The truth: Dogs do not grow out of behaviors, they grow into them. Training, guidance, structure, and consistency are what help dogs mature into well-mannered adult dogs. This is why consistent, structured training, especially during puppyhood and adolescence, can make such a big difference.
Myth #2: “My dog is stubborn.”
We hear this all the time. In reality, most dogs are not stubborn, they are either confused, distracted, under-motivated, or have not been properly taught a behavior in a way they understand.
The truth: Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarding and successful for them. Good training is about clear communication, consistency, and making the right behavior the rewarding choice.
For families who want a strong training foundation but have busy schedules, immersive training programs can be a great solution. Our Stay & Train program provides multiple daily training sessions, enrichment activities, and a structured learning environment to help dogs build manners, confidence, and focus. We offer both a 7-Day and 14-Day Stay & Train program so pet parents can choose the option that best fits their dog’s needs and their schedule. Throughout the program, pet parents receive updates, photos, and videos, and go home with the knowledge needed to maintain their dog’s training and continue their progress at home.
Myth #3: “Training is just for puppies.”
While early training is extremely important, dogs of any age can learn new skills.
The truth: It is never too early or too late to start training. Training provides mental stimulation, builds confidence, improves communication, and strengthens the bond between dogs and their families.
We offer group classes including Puppy Manners, Manners 1, Manners 2, and additional classes to help dogs continue learning and progressing through different life stages. Group classes are a great way to practice skills around distractions in a structured and supportive environment.
Myth #4: “My dog is good at home, so they’re trained.”
Many dogs listen well inside the house but struggle in new environments or around distractions.
The truth: Dogs do not generalize behaviors well. This means “sit” in your kitchen is very different from “sit” at the park, when guests come over, at the vet, or when another dog walks by. Dogs need practice in different environments with different levels of distraction to truly understand and reliably perform behaviors.
That is something we focus on in all of our training programs, whether it is Day Training, Stay & Train, group classes, or training add-ons during lodging stays.
Myth #5: “Training has to be harsh to work.”
This is an outdated myth that can damage a dog’s confidence and trust.
The truth: Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, consistency, clear communication, and confidence building. Training should be effective, but it should also be enjoyable for the dog. When dogs enjoy learning, they learn faster and retain skills better.
Our training programs focus on building confident, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement methods that are effective, engaging, and tailored to each individual dog.
Training Options to Fit Your Life
We know every dog and every family is different, which is why we offer several training options to fit different needs, schedules, and training goals.
A to Z Day Training – Hershey Rd. & Milton Grove Rd.
Our A to Z Day Training program is designed for busy pet parents who want consistent, professional training for their dog without the time commitment of attending weekly classes and doing all the training on their own. Dogs receive multiple training sessions throughout the day using our structured training curriculum, and each program is customized to the individual dog.
This program is ideal for puppies, adolescent dogs, shy or timid dogs who need confidence building, high-energy dogs who need help with self-control, dogs who need a refresher on basic manners, and even unaltered dogs who cannot attend traditional daycare.
Stay & Train – Milton Grove Rd.
Our Stay & Train program is a comprehensive, immersive training program where dogs stay with us and receive multiple daily training sessions, enrichment activities, and a personalized training plan. We offer both a 7-Day and 14-Day option depending on your dog’s needs. This program is great for building a strong foundation of manners, improving focus, building confidence, and helping dogs learn how to make good choices consistently. We partner with pet parents throughout the process and provide the tools needed for continued success at home.
Polite Pup Training Add-On for Lodging Stays
For dogs staying with us for overnight lodging (4 nights or more), we offer Polite Pup Training sessions that focus on basic manners like sit, wait, polite greetings, leash manners, attention, door manners, and jumping. This is a great way for dogs to work on their skills while they are staying with us and helps reinforce good behavior in a real-life environment.
Group Training Classes – Hershey Rd. Location
We also offer group classes including Puppy Manners, Manners 1, Manners 2, Agility for Fun, Nosework, and more. Group classes are perfect for dogs who need to practice listening and focusing with distractions while continuing to build on their training foundation.
Final Thoughts
Training is not just about teaching commands. It is about building confidence, improving communication, teaching life skills, and creating a dog that is easy to live with and happy to be part of your daily life.
Whether you have a new puppy, an adolescent dog who needs guidance, a newly adopted dog, or an older dog who needs a refresher, the right training program can make a huge difference in your dog’s behavior and your relationship with them.
At Playful Pups Retreat, we believe training should be positive, consistent, and tailored to each individual dog. Our goal is not just to train dogs, we partner with pet parents to set both dogs and their families up for long-term success.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing the right training program for your dog can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out alone. Our team at Playful Pups Retreat is here to help guide you every step of the way so you can choose the program that best fits your dog, your goals, and your schedule.
We also welcome you to download our “Comprehensive Guide to Selecting the Best Dog Training Program for You and Your Dog!” This guide will help you determine which training option will best suit you and your dog’s needs.
If you are ready to get started with Day Training, click here to fill out our Day Training Registration Form and one of our team members will contact you to talk about next steps and scheduling.
A Training Evaluation is the first step for our Day Train or Stay & Train Programs. During the evaluation, one of our trainers will get to know their personality and current skill level with obedience cues, ability to focus, confidence with new people, dogs, and places, etc. This will allow us to tailor our time together to have the greatest training outcome.
We look forward to partnering with you and your dog on your training journey.
Written by Kinsey Gall
Kinsey has been a valued member of the Playful Pups Retreat team for over 10 years, with a background in dog training and comprehensive experience across all areas of care, including enrichment daycare, group play, bathing, nail trims, and training support. Guided by Christian, faith-based values, Kinsey brings patience, integrity, and compassion to her work each day. Outside of Playful Pups, she is a proud boy mom, happily married, and shares her home with one dog, one cat, and two snakes.