Congratulations—you’ve got a new dog! As exciting as this time might be, it’s easy to make a few slip-ups that can affect your pup’s health & happiness. But don’t worry. We have a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them, so stick with us to make sure you & your furry friend start on the right paw.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Skipping Obedience Training
A lot of new dog owners think their puppies don’t need training yet but the truth is that they do. Starting obedience training early helps your dog know what to expect. If you skip this, you might find yourself with a dog that doesn’t listen—-that’s definitely no fun for anyone. Get them in doggy school!
Neglecting Socialization
When dogs don’t meet new people or other pets early on, they can get rather nervous or skittish around unfamiliar faces later. After all, just imagine having one friend your whole life and suddenly going to a huge party. It’d be quite overwhelming! As such, introducing your dog to new sights & sounds early helps them relax around others.
Overlooking Routine Healthcare
Going to the vet when your dog seems healthy seems counterintuitive but these visits are so important. They keep your dog up to date on shots & catch any health issues before they become big problems. Dogs often keep their injuries a secret and you don’t want anything to happen to them just because you didn’t take them to the vet.
Feeding Improper Diet
As a new dog owner, you probably think that grabbing any dog food off the shelf is okay. Sadly not! Not all dog food fits all dogs and giving them the wrong food can lead to weight or health issues. You should do your homework or speak with your vet about what’s best for your pup’s breed & age.
Ignoring Dental Care
A lot of people forget about their dog’s teeth, which can cause bad breath and all kinds of dental diseases. So start brushing those chompers early! Yes, your dog might not love it at first but it’s better than dealing with tooth troubles down the line. And the earlier you start, the more they’ll be used to it.
Insufficient Exercise
Every dog needs to get their zoomies out. Not giving them enough exercise can mean your hyper pup starts tearing up your couch. You should find out how much exercise your breed needs—it varies a lot!—and then stick to a routine. It’ll be better for their health and your own sanity.
Not Setting Boundaries
If you don’t set rules, your dog might think they’re the boss. It doesn’t matter how cute they are—consistent rules make a dog feel secure & prevent them from forming bad behaviors. After all, you wouldn’t spoil your child by giving them everything they asked for so why are you doing it for your dog?
Lack of Grooming
Everyone knows that neglecting dog grooming affects their looks but most people don’t realize it’s bad for their health, too. Mats & tangles can cause pain and skin issues for your dog, while regular brushing will make your dog comfortable. And don’t forget to give them the occasional bath—you don’t want them to stink!
Leaving Dogs Alone Too Long
Despite what you might’ve heard, most dogs aren’t good at being alone for long. Of course, some are better at it than others but that doesn’t mean you should leave them alone all day. If you’re out a lot, consider taking your pup to a doggy daycare or a pet sitter because it’ll help them avoid separation anxiety. This, in turn, can stop destructive behaviors.
Ignoring the Need for a Safe Environment
Dogs chew and explore, often with their mouths, which is why dog-proofing your house is so important. Keep dangerous items out of reach and secure things like trash bins because your new pup won’t know which things will hurt them. The goal is to make sure there’s nothing harmful they can get into. Safety first, right?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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