Why Even Loving Owners Make Dressage Mistakes
You love your chiot. You want the best for them. So why isn’t your dressage training going as planned? At Puplora, we’ve worked with thousands of US dog owners, and we’ve identified seven common mistakes that derail progress—often without the owner even realizing it.
The good news? These mistakes are completely fixable. With a few simple adjustments, you can transform frustration into fun, and confusion into clarity—for both you and your puppy.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Foundation
Many eager owners jump straight into complex moves like pivots or side passes. But without a solid foundation—attention, targeting, and basic halts—your chiot will struggle to understand what you want. Always start with 1–2 weeks of foundation work before advancing.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Commands
Using 'stop', 'halt', and 'freeze' interchangeably confuses your puppy. Choose one word per command and stick to it. Puplora recommends 'halt' for dressage, as it’s clear and rhythmic.
Mistake #3: Overtraining in One Session
It’s tempting to train for 30 minutes when your chiot seems engaged. But small breeds like the chiot have short attention spans. Sessions longer than 10 minutes lead to fatigue and regression. Stick to 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily, for best results.
Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Treats
Large or crumbly treats break rhythm and cause weight gain. Use small, soft, high-value treats (like freeze-dried liver bits) that your chiot can eat quickly. Puplora’s training kits include a treat guide tailored to small breeds.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Body Language
If your chiot licks their lips, yawns, or looks away, they’re stressed or confused. Pushing through these signs damages trust. Take a break, reset, and simplify the task.
Mistake #6: Training in Distracting Environments
Starting in a busy park or near other pets sets your chiot up for failure. Begin indoors, in a quiet space. Gradually introduce distractions only after your puppy masters the behavior in calm settings.
Mistake #7: Forgetting to Celebrate
Dressage should be joyful. If you only correct and rarely praise, your chiot will lose motivation. Celebrate every success with treats, petting, or a happy voice. Puplora’s motto: 'Five praises for every correction.'
How Puplora Helps You Avoid These Pitfalls
Our Masterclass Dressage Chiot program is designed to prevent these mistakes before they start. With step-by-step video lessons, real-time feedback from certified trainers, and a supportive online community, you’ll never feel alone on your journey.
Plus, our app sends gentle reminders to keep sessions short, track progress, and suggest when to move to the next level. Over 94% of Puplora users report feeling more confident and connected to their chiot within the first month.
Don’t let common mistakes slow you down. With awareness and the right support, you and your chiot can achieve dressage harmony—starting today.