Dogs are man’s best friend and can be a great addition to any family, but people often make the same mistakes when it comes to dog ownership and these mistakes can end up doing long-term damage to the dog while negatively affecting your life. Being aware of these mistakes is important so that you can avoid them or correct any negative behaviors, so if you own a dog or you are thinking of getting one now or in the future, keep reading to discover a few of the main mistakes that people make and how you can avoid them.
1. Lack Of Routine
Dogs are animals of routine, so it is important that you try to develop a routine and stick with this. Not only is this good for the dog, but it will also make them much easier to look after because you know what needs doing and at what time. Ideally, this will involve getting up at around the same time, going for walks at the same time, feeding at the same time, playing at the same time, and going to bed at the same time.
2. Inconsistency
Following this, it is also important that you are consistent with the boundaries you set; otherwise, you put them all at risk. So, for example, if you decide that you do not want the dog on the sofas or to come upstairs, then it is important that you (and everyone else) is consistent with these rules; otherwise, it will be very difficult to train or keep any other rules in place.
3. Leaving The Dog Alone
While it is a good idea to leave a dog alone in the house for short periods from time to time so that they do not become too attached, you should never leave them for too long; otherwise, they can become distressed, leading to behavioral issues. If you have to go out to work, a dog day camp like exceptionalpets.com will be a good idea because they can get attention, care and exercise while being able to socialize with other people and dogs, which can be good for their development (this will also give you peace of mind).
4. Lack Of Socialization
Leading on from this, another common mistake that people make regarding dog ownership is not socializing the dog from a young age. For the dog to be well-behaved, friendly, and social with other dogs and people, it needs to get used to being around them. Puppy socialization classes are an excellent idea for this, but you should also be taking the dog out regularly, introducing it to different people and dogs, and putting it in new situations. If a dog does not socialize well early on, this can be a very difficult trait to stamp out when they are older.
These are four of the main mistakes that dog owners make and all mistakes that need to be avoided at all costs. When you can avoid these, it will benefit both you and your dog and allow you to bring up a happy, healthy, and social dog.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.