A new survey reveals that while 73% of UK dog owners believe that “you can teach an old dog new tricks,” confidence in their ability to train their dog varies across the nation. The survey of over 1,000 UK dog owners reveals the most common issues dog owners face and the training methods they are adopting, uncovering a mix of optimism and challenges in the world of dog training.

This new data comes at a time where there has been a rise in dog behavioural issues, particularly since lockdown and as PDSA Animal Wellbeing’s (PAW) 2023 report noted, 60% of veterinary professionals saw a rise in dog behavioural issues between 2021 and 2023. 

Most common dog training troubles revealed

Petplan’s survey reveals the most common adult dog behavioural challenges owners face is lead pulling (32%). This is followed by excessive barking (26%) and 24% of dog owners reveal their dogs have a habit of jumping on people. These findings highlight the diverse range of challenges that dog owners encounter, underscoring the importance of effective training techniques to address these behaviours and ensure well-behaved dogs.

UK dog owners share their top training techniques

Despite these behavioural issues, dog owners prove they are proactive when it comes to training their adult dogs, as promisingly, only 5% of dog owners who experience behavioural issues don’t train their dogs. The most common training method by 57% of dog owners is reward-based training, followed by positive reinforcement/verbal praise (52%) and 39%verbally tell their dogs off. Whilst 28% use classical conditioning to train their pets and another 16% use clicker training.

The key challenges holding dog owners back

However, Petplan’s survey revealed significant barriers to effective dog training, with 27% of dog owners citing insufficient time as the primary barrier to effective training. A quarter of dog owners (25%) admitted to being inconsistent with their dog training and 23% noted it’s “too expensive” to train their dog (and wanted expert guidance). This suggests a clear need for greater support and accessible resources, as 19% say training their dog is “too difficult” and 16% say they don’t know how to train their dog.

Confidence gaps across the UK

While the majority of dog owners (83%) express confidence in their training abilities, regional and generational differences are prominent. Edinburgh leads with 94% of owners feeling confident, while Birmingham, Leeds, and Plymouth trail at 77%. Millennials (aged 25-34) emerge as the most confident age group (85%), in contrast to the more hesitant 16-24-year-olds, where only 8% feel fully equipped to train their pets.

UK dog owners reveal the training support they need 

Petplan asked the 17% of dog owners who said they weren’t confident in dog training on what support and tools they would like to improve their confidence. Nearly half (47%) wanted expert advice from a dog trainer (this was highest among both men and women) and 33% wanted advice from a dog behaviourist. These results suggest a lot of dog owners don’t want to take on the responsibility of dog training alone. Yet a notable 31% of dog owners want to train their dogs themselves, so as long as they have easy to understand resources - this was significantly high among Liverpool dog owners (71%).

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Despite the challenges, there is widespread belief among UK dog owners that older dogs can be trained effectively. The survey indicates that it's never too late to start, with many embracing the idea that with the right techniques and resources, any dog can learn new behaviours. 

Training an older dog can come with some challenges, with insufficient time being a key barrier for UK dog owners. However, it's important to be consistent with dog training and to demonstrate patience. To help dog owners with their training troubles, Petplan has created online resources with leading expert advice here.

Petplan’s Dog Behaviourist, Nick Jones, MA, says "The findings from Petplan’s survey confirm what many of us already know: training a dog, regardless of age, is not only possible but can be highly beneficial.

“As our furry friends grow older and our own lifestyles change, it’s crucial to adapt our training methods to ensure our pets remain happy and well-behaved. From addressing common challenges like lead pulling to utilising positive reinforcement techniques, effective training can significantly enhance the bond between owners and their dogs, which helps lead to content owners and happy dogs. Too much change, too quickly, can be stressful for older dogs, so usingage-appropriate training techniques is essential.”

“Petplan is dedicated to supporting dog owners with practical advice and resources to help them navigate these challenges successfully.”