April 12, 2025, 9:59 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Katharina Marioth has been working with people and their dogs for years. In an interview, she explains the critical mistakes many make even before buying a dog–and what you should never do to your dog.
Even if you want to do everything right at the start, every dog owner makes mistakes with their pet initially. It’s not about letting the dog sleep in your bed or feeding them table scraps. The biggest beginner mistakes happen before the dog arrives, as dog trainer Katharina Marioth reveals in a conversation with PETBOOK. She has trained hundreds of dogs and their owners and knows that many underestimate what it means to be responsible for a living being for several years.
“Many believe a dog must ‘function’ after puppy school.”
PETBOOK: Katharina, you’ve been working as a dog trainer for many years. What are three typical beginner mistakes owners often make with their dogs?
Katharina Marioth: “There are many! But if I have to limit it to the three biggest problems, they would be:
1. Rushed dog selection
Many people buy a dog spontaneously–whether online, on platforms, or after just one visit to a breeder. This is problematic. You should definitely take your time, thoroughly research, and visit multiple breeding facilities or animal shelters. And please: Don’t rely solely on search engines when looking for breed descriptions! Often, dogs are advertised like used cars–focusing on positive traits and very vague descriptions like “skeptical of strangers.” What does that mean? Probably that visitors are unwelcome.
2. Too high expectations for training
Many believe a dog must ‘function’ after puppy school. But the real challenges come later–with the first and second puberty and social maturity. A dog needs time to learn, just like humans. It’s not about speed, but continuous development.
3. Lack of life planning
A dog lives ten to fifteen years–this responsibility must be realistically planned. What happens if I move, have children, or want to travel more often? Many dogs end up in shelters because life circumstances change. Therefore, you should be honest with yourself beforehand: Can and do I want to care for a dog long-term?”
Also interesting: Why bite inhibition in dogs is so important and how to train it
“A serious mistake is the use of punishment”
These are all things to consider before a dog moves in. What beginner mistakes often happen when the dog is already there?
“A classic is ‘waiting before the food bowl.’ Many think it has something to do with impulse control–but it doesn’t. It’s just a conditioned sequence. A dog that waits patiently doesn’t automatically leave a rabbit alone. Impulse control must be specifically trained–and that takes time.
A serious mistake is also the use of punishment or even violence. For me, this includes physically disciplining the dog, such as grabbing their snout. Unfortunately, social networks increasingly show so-called training methods that are dangerous: Dogs are lifted, sprayed with water, or forced onto their backs. Training harnesses that cause pain are also a no-go for me. All of this destroys the dog’s trust–often permanently.”
What would you wish for from future dog owners?
“Time. For the decision, for the selection, for the training. I wish for more honesty with oneself: Does this dog really fit into my life? Not because the breed is currently trending or performs well on social media. I advise everyone to seek advice beforehand–whether from trainers or animal welfare organizations. It’s worth it in the long run.”
You can watch the entire interview with Katharina Marioth in the video.