Anthropomorphism—attributing human emotions and intentions to dogs—can be tempting for dog owners who want to connect deeply with their pets. However, this tendency can be dangerous because it often leads to misunderstandings about a dog’s behavior and needs. Dogs communicate through body language and instinct, not human reasoning, so interpreting growls as "anger" or avoidance as "defiance" may cause owners to overlook true stress signals or trigger negative reactions. And it is destroying many people’s relationship with their dog.

Many owner-trainers dive into teaching their dogs without realizing there are essential training foundations they might be missing. This blog post uncovers the most common mistake dog owners make when first training their dog themselves. Learn why understanding why your dog does what they do isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial for building a confident, well-mannered pup and a stronger owner-dog bond.