When a dog jumps on visitors, chews the furniture or begs at the dinner table, it’s easy to point a finger at the four-legged culprit.

But according to Cody Horner, trainer at Marks Park All Breeds Dog Training Club, the real lesson often begins at the other end of the leash. While many owners arrive at a club such as hers expecting instructors to teach their dogs to sit, stay and heel, Horner reckons the focus is actually on equipping people with the knowledge and skills to communicate clearly with their pets. “We, as instructors, don’t teach the dog. We teach the owners. They teach their own dogs.”

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One of the biggest mistakes she sees is owners unintentionally setting their dogs up for failure. From feeding dogs a full meal before a food-reward training session to assuming every dog wants to greet every stranger or canine they encounter, Horner said many misconceptions stem from treating dogs as though they all think the same. “They don’t – just like humans, dogs also like their personal space.”

Many of the behaviours owners complain about are, in fact, learned responses to human habits. A dog that begs may simply have discovered that those pleading puppy eyes are rewarded with scraps from the table. A dog that steals food has learnt that unattended snacks are fair game. Chewing often comes from boredom, while accidents indoors usually occur because the dog has never been properly taught where it should relieve itself. “If your dog does something ‘wrong’, it is your fault, not the dog’s.”

She also believes consistency and clear communication are the keys to success. Simple tools, such as correctly using a clicker or marker word, help dogs understand exactly which behaviour is being rewarded. Equally important is allowing dogs time to think and make good choices instead of constantly directing every movement.

Another lesson many owners don’t realise is how much their own emotions influence their pets. “Anxiety is a very common mirrored emotion from owner to dog. If the owner is calm and confident, especially away from home, they have much calmer, happier dogs.” She is also keen to dispel some of the biggest myths surrounding dog ownership. Highly intelligent breeds such as border collies, German shepherds and Belgian malinois are often assumed to be naturally obedient because of what people see on television and social media. “They’re not born trained. They need patience, consistency, effort and time just like every other dog.”

Likewise, she says small breeds shouldn’t be excused from basic training simply because they are easier to pick up. “They’re still dogs, with all the same instincts and behaviours.” For families wondering when to begin training, Horner’s advice is to start as early as possible.

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Teaching puppies their names, toilet routines and household boundaries should begin from the moment they arrive home. Formal training can start once vaccination requirements are met, but age should never become an excuse. “The day it is too late to start training a dog is the day the dog dies.”

Above all, Horner encourages owners to invest in activities that strengthen the bond with their dogs rather than simply tiring them out. Mental stimulation through training, taking part in activities such as agility or scent work, and joining a reputable training club can all help build happier, more confident dogs and owners.

And if dogs could speak? Horner believes most would spend less time complaining than people expect. “They would probably ask for some of whatever you’re eating, explain why the vacuum cleaner is terrifying, thank you for giving them a loving home – and then ask for one very good belly rub.”

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