The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Training: A Guide for Pet Parents from Boston Made

At Boston Made, we believe that good pet parenting begins with education, empathy, and the right tools. Through our flagship brands—Boston Made Pets, Dalton Dog Wash, and Discount Surfaces—we’re on a mission to help pet parents create better lives for their animals. From providing safe and affordable grooming spaces to offering durable, pet-friendly flooring and stylish accessories, we’re also here to help you navigate one of the most important parts of pet ownership: training.

Whether you’re a new dog owner or looking to correct years of bad habits, dog training is about more than obedience—it’s about building a bond based on trust, respect, and communication. That’s why we’re sharing our top do’s and don’ts of dog training, along with how Boston Made is giving back to animals in need through Seuk’s Army, our animal rescue initiative.

DOG TRAINING DO’S: BUILDING POSITIVE HABITS

1. Do Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward-based training is one of the most effective methods. Praise, treats, toys, and affection all go a long way in reinforcing good behavior. Dogs thrive on encouragement, not fear.

2. Do Be Consistent

Consistency is key. Whether you’re teaching “sit” or correcting jumping, your cues and reactions need to be the same every time. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and commands.

3. Do Socialize Early

Expose your dog to different environments, people, and other animals—gradually and safely. Early socialization reduces fear and helps your dog become more confident and well-adjusted.

4. Do Keep Sessions Short and Fun

Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans. Keep training sessions to 5–15 minutes and always end on a positive note.

5. Do Be Patient

Progress takes time. Every dog learns at a different pace, so be patient and celebrate the small wins.

DOG TRAINING DON’TS: AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES

1. Don’t Use Punishment-Based Methods

Yelling, hitting, or using tools like shock collars can damage your dog’s trust and lead to anxiety or aggression. These tactics are not only ineffective long-term—they’re harmful.

2. Don’t Train When You’re Frustrated

If you’re having a bad day or your dog isn’t responding, take a break. Training should be a calm and positive experience for both of you.

3. Don’t Expect Instant Results

Training is not a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process. Expecting overnight transformation will only lead to frustration.

4. Don’t Overwhelm Your Dog

Too many commands at once can be confusing. Focus on one skill at a time and gradually build complexity.

5. Don’t Ignore Unwanted Behavior

Redirect behavior early. Waiting too long to address bad habits can make them harder to break.

BOSTON MADE BRANDS: SUPPORTING PET PARENTS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Boston Made Pets offers stylish, functional pet accessories that align with your lifestyle and your dog’s needs—whether it’s durable leashes, washable beds, or enrichment toys that support training.

Dalton Dog Wash, located in Dalton, GA, is a self-service dog wash experience designed to take the stress out of bath time. Clean dogs are easier to train and more comfortable in their skin—literally.

Discount Surfaces ensures that pet parents don’t have to sacrifice style for durability. Our flooring collections include scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and pet-friendly carpets designed to stand up to zoomies, accidents, and daily wear.

We know pets are family. That’s why all our brands work together to offer thoughtful solutions for modern pet households.

SEUK’S ARMY: GIVING BACK TO ANIMALS IN NEED

At the heart of our pet-first mission is Seuk’s Army, Boston Made’s animal rescue initiative named in honor of a beloved dog who reminded us all of what unconditional love really means.

Through Seuk’s Army, we donate a portion of sales from Boston Made Pets and Discount Surfaces to support:

• Animal shelters and rescues across the Southeast
• Emergency vet care and rehoming services
• Community education on responsible pet ownership

Whether it’s sponsoring adoption events, funding spay/neuter clinics, or providing resources to local shelters, Seuk’s Army is our way of ensuring that every dog—trained or not—gets the second chance they deserve.

IN CONCLUSION: TRAIN WELL, LIVE WELL, GIVE BACK

Training your dog isn’t just about obedience—it’s about building a meaningful connection. At Boston Made, we’re here to help every step of the way with tools, resources, and products that make pet parenting easier and more joyful.

By choosing Boston Made Pets, Dalton Dog Wash, and Discount Surfaces, you’re not only investing in quality for your home and your dog—you’re helping animals in need find safety, care, and love through Seuk’s Army.

Better training. Better products. A better future—for all pets.

Explore our full line of pet-friendly offerings at bostonmade.com and follow Seuk’s Army on social media to see the impact you’re helping create.