A lot of what is trending in dog training right now looks good on video but falls apart fast in real life.
The internet is packed with dog training content. Every platform has reels, shorts, and TikToks of dogs showing off their skills or trainers giving quick advice. It looks great at first. The problem is that a lot of what goes viral is more about entertainment than solid behavior science. Some of it is not just bad advice, it is advice that can set your dog back or create new problems.
Even trainers with big followings are not always showing the full story. Context is missing, crucial steps are skipped, and what works in one video clip does not always translate to a real world dog. If you want your dog to thrive, it is worth knowing which trends to be skeptical of. These are the red flags showing up most often in online dog training advice right now.
1. Advice that promises to “fix” a behavior instantly.
Quick fixes look great on camera. A video where a leash puller suddenly walks perfectly or an anxious dog magically stops reacting gets clicks. The truth is that deep behavior change takes time. Instant “solutions” often rely on suppressing symptoms, not addressing the root cause, according to Positively.com.
If a trainer shows a dog going from reactive to calm in one session, it usually means the dog has been overwhelmed or shut down, not truly trained. Long term, this leads to more anxiety or fallout behaviors. Trust any trainer who shows the process, not just the polished before and after. Real progress does not happen on a social media timeline.
2. Methods that rely on aversive tools as the first step.
Any trainer whose first move is to grab a prong collar, e collar, or other aversive tool should raise a red flag. Good training starts with understanding the dog’s emotions, building trust, and using positive reinforcement. Aversive tools can have a place, but not as a shortcut or replacement for teaching skills, as reported by Koinonia Dogs.
When online advice jumps straight to “just pop the leash” or “stim the dog here,” it is skipping the foundation. You may get compliance, but at the cost of your dog’s emotional well being. The best trainers show how to build behaviors without fear or pain first. Tools should be layered in thoughtfully, if at all, not thrown on for internet clout.
3. Content that relies heavily on dominance language.
Dominance based language is still everywhere online. Phrases like “show them who is boss,” “alpha roll,” or “they are testing you” sound authoritative but are rooted in outdated science. Dogs are not trying to dominate you. Most behavior problems stem from stress, unmet needs, or unclear expectations, as stated by DogsThat.
When training advice focuses on winning a power struggle rather than teaching, it often damages trust between dog and human. You will see short term compliance but long term stress behaviors, shutdown, or escalating reactivity. Follow trainers who talk about communication, not control. That mindset shift makes all the difference.
4. Videos that skip over the dog’s emotional state.
A lot of flashy dog training videos show perfect sits, downs, or heel work, but if you watch the dog closely, the body language is tense. Ears pinned, mouth tight, tail low or still. These are signs the dog is uncomfortable, even if the behavior looks technically correct, according to Rover.
Good training should create dogs who are engaged and relaxed, not robotic or stressed. If you see a video where the human looks calm but the dog looks miserable, that is a red flag. Behavior is only half the story. A truly skilled trainer prioritizes the dog’s emotional state and shows happy, confident learners, not just compliant ones.
5. Blanket statements that ignore individual dog differences.
Advice like “all dogs should…” or “this method works for every dog” is almost always a red flag. Dogs are individuals with unique learning histories, genetics, and needs. What works beautifully for one dog can backfire with another.
Trainers who understand this nuance talk about adapting methods, watching the dog, and being flexible. They do not rely on one size fits all solutions. When you hear absolutes online, be skeptical. The best trainers teach you how to read your own dog and adjust your approach accordingly. That is what leads to lasting success.
6. Training that ignores the role of choice and agency.
Dogs are active learners, not passive subjects. Modern training emphasizes giving dogs choice and agency whenever possible. This builds confidence and resilience. When online advice is all about forcing compliance or micromanaging the dog’s every move, it ignores this key principle.
If a trainer’s videos show dogs being corrected constantly, dragged into positions, or prevented from disengaging, that is not real learning. It is coercion. Look for content where dogs are offered choices, reinforcement is used creatively, and engagement is built through partnership, not pressure. That is where real progress happens.
7. Overly complex routines that look good on video but are impractical in daily life.
Trendy online training often features elaborate routines, multi step drills, or highly stylized obedience. While impressive, this can give dog owners unrealistic expectations. Most pet owners need training that works in messy, unpredictable real life, not just in a staged video.
If a method looks great on camera but would fall apart on a busy sidewalk, at the vet, or when guests arrive, it is not as useful as it seems. The best trainers teach functional, sustainable skills that make everyday life better, not just Instagram friendly moments. Always ask: would this help my dog in the situations we actually face?
8. Trainers who do not show mistakes or setbacks.
Progress in dog training is never linear. There are plateaus, regressions, and moments when things do not go as planned. Trainers who only post perfect sessions, edited highlight reels, or dogs succeeding on the first try are not showing the full picture.
When a trainer is honest about the process, it helps you set realistic expectations. You learn that it is normal to hit bumps, and you see how they adjust and troubleshoot. That is what makes you a better trainer for your own dog. Be wary of content that only sells perfection. Real life with dogs is messy, and good training embraces that.
9. Claims that certain breeds require harsher methods.
There is a persistent myth that “strong” or “stubborn” breeds need more forceful training. This shows up all over social media, especially with working breeds or bully breeds. The reality is that all dogs learn through the same basic behavioral principles. The difference is how those principles are applied based on the dog’s needs and temperament.
When online trainers lean into breed stereotypes to justify harsh methods, that is a red flag. Good training adapts to the individual, not the label. Plenty of so called tough breeds thrive with positive reinforcement and thoughtful structure. If a method sounds breedist, it probably is, and your dog deserves better.
10. Advice that encourages ignoring your dog’s fear signals.
One of the worst trends online is advice that tells owners to “push through” when their dog is showing fear. This can look like forcing a dog to tolerate loud environments, scary surfaces, or overwhelming social situations. Ignoring fear teaches dogs that communication does not matter and increases stress.
Trainers who respect the dog’s emotional experience teach gradual exposure, desensitization, and trust building. They never tell you to power through or dismiss fear signals. If online advice minimizes your dog’s fear, move on. That approach creates long term fallout, not resilience.
11. Trainers who refuse to cite or reference behavior science.
Dog training is a science based field. The best trainers stay current with research and are transparent about where their methods come from. When a trainer dismisses science, says “this is just how dogs are,” or relies solely on personal anecdotes, it is a red flag.
You do not need a peer reviewed journal for every tip, but solid trainers can explain the why behind what they do and are open to evolving their methods. The field changes fast. If someone is stuck in old narratives or avoids evidence altogether, your dog is unlikely to benefit from their advice.
12. Videos that prioritize clicks over canine welfare.
At the end of the day, social media rewards spectacle. Trainers who chase views sometimes stage scenarios, provoke reactions, or prioritize flashy results over the dog’s well being. If a video seems designed to shock or entertain more than to educate, it is worth questioning.
Ethical trainers center the dog. Their content reflects care, consent, and respect for the animal’s experience. When a video puts pressure, fear, or conflict on display for the sake of engagement, that is not training, it is exploitation. Your dog deserves better, and so do you.