If you've adjusted a pair of rim brakes with the wheel in a forward position in the dropout, then move the wheel all the way back in the dropout, it's possible the brakes may cut the sidewall of the tire.
regarding the kind or horizontal dropouts where the wheel is removed by pulling it forward out of the dropouts, only:
I always found these horizontal dropouts easy to use, but i might think differently if I didn't use this process to put a wheel in:
- put the axle in, and push the right side of the axle as far back as it will go, keeping the wheel reasonably straight. Tighten down the right axle nut, making sure the right side of the axle doesn't slip forward. don't make it super-tight.
- tighten the left side of the axle; use one hand on the rim/tire to keep the wheel straight at the same time. look at the chainstays to verify that the wheel is reasonably straight.
- tighten the right axle nut again, making sure not to change the axle position - the axle nut has to be tight enough to keep all of the force you put on the chain from pulling the axle out of position... don't break the axle nut though.
- if this is your first time using this process on a particular bike, look at the brakes. if necessary, reposition the brake pads so they'll contact the rim properly.
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I recommend the above process as a quick & easy way to put a wheel in.