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Let’s just get this out of the way: I’ve heard every excuse in the book—and then some. As the head trainer at BetterDog, I’ve seen it all, from the “I was busy” crew to the “He’s just being a dog” philosophers. Look, I get it. Life's a full-contact sport. You're juggling a full-time job, daycare pickups, hockey practice runs, and now it’s snowing sideways because, of course it is—it’s Ottawa in March. Adding dog training to that chaos feels like trying to juggle chainsaws while shoveling the driveway with one hand and making dinner with the other. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: your dog doesn’t care about your excuses. And honestly? Neither do I. Because excuses don’t change behavior—consistency does.
Studies have shown that even short, daily training sessions can significantly improve a dog’s obedience and behavior. Let’s break down the top 5 excuses I hear—and why they’re just noise keeping you from the dog (and the peace) you actually want.
“I was too busy for dog training ”
Ah yes, the King of Excuses. Life’s busy—kids, jobs, obligations, even Netflix binging can steal your time. But you made the decision to bring a dog into your life, and that commitment comes with responsibility. Research indicates that even 5 minutes of structured, daily training can yield massive dividends in your dog's behavior (Woods & Mills, 2012 ). You’re not training forever; you’re training for freedom.
BetterDog Principle: We preach Emotional Marking and Consent-Based Training because they cut through chaos and get to the point. Clear, emotionally honest communication speeds up learning. If you’re “too busy” now, you’ll be busier later—chasing your dog through traffic or explaining why he bit the neighbor.
Our Solution: Every new dog that comes into our house, whether a rescue or a puppy, starts with the same routine. I keep Crocs and a leash by every door for those routine calls. When I call them in? They’re often too busy "vibing with the fireflies" to notice. So what do I do? I call once. No response? I deliver a negative marker. Second chance? If still ignoring, it’s time for action: I grab those Crocs, leash up, and stomp outside like a grumpy dad—no debate, no "next time." Two weeks of this structured dog training and I have perfect recall. Consistency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s proven effective.
“He’s just being stubborn.”
Translation: “I haven’t shown him what I expect—and I haven’t followed through.” Dogs aren’t inherently stubborn. Often, they're either confused, unmotivated, or simply smart enough to figure out that waiting you out is an option. Research in canine cognition suggests that dogs quickly learn the consequences of your actions (or lack thereof) (Miklósi, 2007 ). If your dog thinks ignoring you works, then it’s not defiance—it’s a signal that you’re inconsistent.
BetterDog Principle: We train dogs with clarity and consistency. Every command you give is a commitment. I never issue a command unless I’m ready to enforce it. That’s why, after two weeks of rigorous practice, my dogs know: when I say “Come,” it means come—no ifs, ands, or buts.
“We don't get many visitors—it’s hard to do dog training.”
Ummm… fake it! Think about it: professional athletes don’t wait for a championship game to practice their drills—they rehearse every day until muscle memory kicks in. Similarly, you don’t need constant doorbell rings to teach your dog proper greeting behavior. Studies on habit formation reveal that consistent repetition in controlled environments lays down the neural pathways for automatic behavior (Lally et al., 2010 ).
BetterDog Principle: We provide you with the tools to avoid years of struggle. Our Mandatory Initial Training Session sets the foundation right—just like you wouldn’t skip the foundation of a house, don’t skip it with your dog.
Practical Drill: Role-play door scenarios with family or even solo. Knock on the door when your dog isn’t looking, then gradually introduce distractions. Rehearse until your dog performs the behavior with the consistency of an athlete executing a practiced move.
“He’s a rescue—we’re still adjusting.”
Respect. Rescues deserve patience, but not permissiveness. Structure isn’t about being rigid; it’s about providing the security your dog needs to thrive through dog training. Research emphasizes that dogs—especially rescues—flourish with consistent boundaries and predictable routines of dog training (Overall, 2013 ). Without these, your dog may assume a chaotic role, inadvertently taking on responsibilities you never intended.
BetterDog Principle: Our Consent-Based Training builds trust through repetition. We guide your dog gently but firmly, turning fear into confidence and chaos into calm. The goal is to create a home environment where your rescue understands exactly who does what.
“The thing you taught me stopped working!”
And? You called us right away, didn’t you?
Here’s the reality: those aren’t tricks that magically vanish—they might have been fronted. Sometimes, dogs test boundaries once they figure out you’re bluffing. Research on canine learning shows that dogs adapt quickly to consistent reinforcement. When reinforcement is inconsistent, behavior may temporarily waver, but with corrective action, you can regain control (Hiby, Rooney, & Bradshaw, 2004).
BetterDog Principle: Consistency and follow-through are paramount. The moment you slip, your dog notices. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you adjust and get back on track.
Final Thoughts: Excuses Are Easy. Training Is Worth It.
Four weeks of consistent, structured effort can give you 15 years of a calm, responsive, well-behaved dog. That’s the best ROI in your life—possibly even better than real estate, stocks, or, dare I say, your kids (just kidding… sort of).
Here’s the deal: 👉 I understand your dog’s issues, and I’ll show you exactly how to overcome them. Book your Initial Training Session today. Let’s stop making excuses and start getting results.
Already a BetterDog Pack Member and still stuck? Send us a message saying you liked this article—we’ll be in touch to help you push forward in your dog training.
Got another excuse I didn’t roast here? Send it in. I might feature it—and you—in the next round.
Let’s get to work. Remember, every small win is a step toward a life where you and your dog thrive.
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