14. Puppy Training Myths That Are Ruining Your Dog (Stop Believing These)

Your neighbour gives you advice. Your mum tells you what worked 30 years ago. You read something contradictory online.

Now you don't know what's actually true.

Let's clear up the biggest myths about puppy training.

Myth #1: Puppies Need To Meet 100 People In Their First 16 Weeks

This is difficult. Socialisation is about quality, not quantity.

The goal is calm, positive exposure to a variety of people, sounds, and environments.

That said, far too many people are way too low (under 20 dogs), and that's a problem.

You should aim to have your dog meet 100 dogs by the end of 6 months. Not 100 in the first 16 weeks, but 100 by 6 months.

Myth #2: A Tired Puppy Is A Good Puppy

Over-tired puppies become bitey, cranky, and overstimulated.

Balanced rest and gentle enrichment are key.

Think about toddlers. An exhausted toddler isn't well-behaved. They're having a meltdown.

Puppies are the same.

Myth #3: You Should Let Puppies "Work It Out" With Other Dogs

This is difficult. At the beginning, try to find play partners that are broadly the same size.

Puppies will squeal, and you'll think something terrible has happened. Most of the time, it's just an "I don't want to play anymore" yelp.

But "letting them work it out" without intervention can teach bad habits and create fearful dogs.

Myth #4: Crate Training Is Cruel

Total myth.

When done properly, it's the opposite. Crates provide a safe den and help with toilet training and calmness.

Dogs are den animals. A properly introduced crate becomes their safe space.

Myth #5: You Can't Train A Puppy Until 6 Months Old

Totally false.

Training begins the moment they come home. In fact, early learning is crucial before habits form.

Waiting until 6 months means you've already let bad habits develop for months.

Confused about when to start specific training? Our community has age-appropriate training guides and experienced owners who can help you understand what to teach when. Join our weekly Q&As to ask about your specific puppy's age and readiness.

Myth #6: Aggressive Play With Puppies Helps Them Learn

No. It teaches the wrong lessons.

Rough play can encourage nipping, overarousal, and poor bite inhibition.

Play should be appropriate for their age and size. Not aggressive.

Myth #7: Puppies Should Always Have Food Available

Do not do this.

Scheduled meals help with toilet training, routine, and portion control. There's no reason to have food out all the time.

Free feeding makes toilet training nearly impossible. You can't predict when they'll need to go.

Myth #8: Rubbing A Puppy's Nose In Accidents Teaches Them

It only teaches fear and confusion.

Puppies don't connect punishment to the act after the fact. Use supervision and redirection instead.

By the time you've found the accident, they've forgotten they did it. You're just scaring them for no reason.

Myth #9: Socialisation Is Just About Meeting Other Dogs

False.

It's about exposure to all aspects of life. People, sounds, textures, environments, handling, and novel experiences.

Dogs who only meet other dogs are not properly socialised.

Myth #10: Puppies Stop Teething After A Few Weeks

Teething lasts several months, usually up to 6 months of age.

However, at 16 weeks, your puppy should not be teething on you. You must decide what to do when that happens.

Bonus Myth: Rescue Puppies Are Always "Damaged"

Absolutely false.

Many rescues are well-adjusted, resilient dogs with the same potential for success as any other puppy.

The idea that rescue dogs are broken or damaged is harmful and untrue.

Why These Myths Persist

Most of these myths come from outdated training methods or misunderstandings about dog behaviour.

They spread because someone's neighbour's friend tried something once and it seemed to work.

But anecdotal evidence isn't the same as understanding dog behaviour properly.

Get Ongoing Support For Your Puppy Journey

Separating myths from facts is crucial. Having support as you navigate conflicting advice and learn what actually works makes all the difference.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about specific advice you've received and whether it's actually sound
• Complete puppy courses based on current behavioural science, not outdated myths
• A supportive community of owners who've sorted through the same conflicting information
• Myth-busting resources covering common puppy training misconceptions
• Troubleshooting help when well-meaning advice makes things worse
• Updated resources as behavioural science evolves

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to train your puppy based on facts, not myths.