Why YouTube Dog Training Doesn’t Work for Everyone — and What You Can Do Instead

If you’ve ever felt like YouTube dog training advice just doesn’t apply to your life, you’re not alone. And you're not doing anything wrong.

At RL Dog Training, I hear from people all the time — often older owners, people with physical limitations, or those managing complex rescue dogs — who feel left behind by standard online training videos. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and frankly unnecessary.

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The Comment That Sparked This Blog

Recently, a brilliant comment on one of my recall training videos really hit home:

“Old man here. Walking stick. Can’t run. Deep voice, no high squeaks. I still want to train my dog well, but I can’t find a trainer who gets it.”

This is something I care deeply about — not just because it’s true, but because I’ve lived it. I actually injured my foot while filming a recall demo and couldn’t walk properly. That forced me to adapt everything I was doing — and it reminded me exactly how many people don’t fit the mould YouTube seems built for.

Why YouTube Dog Training Isn’t Enough for Many Owners

The truth is, YouTube favours training advice aimed at the widest possible audience. That means videos often assume:

• You can run and move quickly

• You have a loud or expressive voice

• Your dog is starting from a fairly clean slate

• You’re confident, mobile, and able to practise outdoors

And while there’s nothing wrong with that — it leaves out a huge number of owners with real challenges, real dogs, and real motivation to do things properly.

So What Can You Do Instead?

You don’t need to give up — you just need training that fits you. That means:

• Starting in environments where your dog can succeed

• Using tools that suit your body and lifestyle (like whistles or long lines)

• Building cues based on connection and routine, not spectacle

• Having someone who can help you adjust exercises around your needs, not just the dog’s

And that’s exactly where tailored one-to-one training can make all the difference.

One-to-One Dog Training That Adapts to You

At RL Dog Training, I specialise in personalised, real-world training sessions for:

• Older or less mobile dog owners

• People with injuries, disabilities, or chronic pain

• Families with multiple handlers or carers involved

• Owners of reactive or rescue dogs who need slow, steady progress

Whether you’re working on recall, lead walking, reactivity, or confidence-building, we can create a plan that fits your life, not someone else’s highlight reel.

Practical, Adaptable Recall Tip (That You Can Try Today)

Want to start making progress today? Here’s one simple approach:

Go to a quiet, enclosed space (your garden, hallway, or an enclosed field). With high-value treats in hand, toss one a short distance. As your dog finishes eating and looks back, say your recall word — calmly. When they return, drop another treat by your feet.

Repeat slowly. Let the cue mean proximity, not excitement. You don’t need to shout. You don’t need to run. You just need clarity and consistency.

This is how we build recall as a reflex, not a decision — and it’s just one of the many ways we can adapt training around you.

Ready for Training That Fits You?

If you're ready for dog training advice that works with your life — not against it — I’d love you to take a look at how my one-to-one support might help.

👉 Explore one-to-one training options Learn how I work with owners of all ages, abilities, and experience levels — and how we can tailor a plan for you and your dog.

Let’s make training achievable, kind, and genuinely helpful — whatever your situation.