Dogs are amazing creatures. They provide us with companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love.
As a dog owner, it’s essential to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Unfortunately, many dog owners make common mistakes that can lead to behavioral issues, health problems, and other issues.
In this post, we’ll look at some of dog owners' most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Stay safe! And don’t forget to give your pup a big hug for me!
#1 Not Learning More about Dog Breed Before Getting One
Each breed has unique breed-specific characteristics. You shouldn’t pick the dog just because you like the way it looks!
Ensure you understand your future dog's specific needs for training, nutrition, and socialization so you can commit to fulfilling the needs and growing a happy dog!
For example, if you spend a lot of time out and pick a dog who doesn’t like being alone, the dog will be very unhappy!
Also, if you already have pets, research who the new dog will get along with and can take care of multiple pets.
#2 Not Taking Care of Your Dog’s Teeth
You take good care of your teeth, so why would you neglect the dental hygiene of your dog?
No, an awful dog’s breath isn’t normal for a furry pet; it is a disease called halitosis.
Halitosis starts as a tartar buildup in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss and other diseases.
A dog’s dental hygiene depends entirely on your commitment. Frequent teeth brushing is a must, but you can also use dental care products for dogs.
Also, commit to regular veterinary dental cleaning. If you have a good tooth brushing routine for your dog, he won’t need dental cleaning frequently, maybe once every five years.
But, if you don’t have a satisfactory dental care routine, your dog will have to go to veterinary dental cleaning once a year if you want to prevent diseases.
#3 Not Sticking to The Rules
One day, you forbid your dog from entering the bedroom, and the next day, you let him come and cuddle with you before sleeping.
Maybe you don’t let your dog jump on the guests, but you allow him to do so with your best friend?
The inconsistency confuses the dog and makes rule-following much more difficult.
When you get a new dog, devise a set of behavior rules and stick to the rules. Everyone must stick to the set rules if you live with more family members.
#4 Skipping Socialization
Some dog owners are very protective of their furry friends and don’t let them play with other dogs because of the risk of transmitting disease.
But dogs seek socialization and interaction with other humans and animals, so keeping them away from everyone can lead to behavior issues.
The unsocialized dog can become aggressive and develop anxiety issues.
Early socialization is the key to a happy dog!
#5 Taking Obedience Lessons When the Dog Already Has Bad Habits
It is always better to take several obedience classes with a pro who will teach you how to train your dog to obey at an early age.
These classes should be a preventative tool for shaping your dog’s behavior and preventing it from developing bad habits.
Some dog owners take the lessons after noticing excessive aggressiveness, food picking, evident disobedience, and other issues.
You can correct some bad habits later in life, but it is in the dog's best interest to start with these lessons as early as possible.
Final Thoughts
Conclusion paragraph: There you have it; dog owners make the five most common mistakes.
You’ll be on your way to a better relationship with your furry friend by avoiding these simple errors.
And if you still struggle, don’t worry – we’re always here to help. www.gooddognow.com or call 470-615-2215 to set up a Free Discovery Call