There are some risky mistakes new dog owners make. Whether it’s improper feeding or not providing enough exercise, these are all things that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of knowledge. Here are five common mistakes made by new dog owners, so you don’t have to:
Improper Feeding
One of the most common mistakes new dog owners make is improperly feeding their pets. This can include overfeeding or feeding them the wrong things. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the best diet for your specific dog.
In addition, your dogs should eat whole foods. Food with high-quality ingredients like those from Earthborn Holistic Pet Food can help ensure your pup stays healthy and happy.
Dismissing Training and Socialization
Dogs are social animals, so it’s important to train them and get them out in the world. You should teach your dogs how to behave on walks while also teaching basic commands like sit or stay. If you want help with training, consider hiring a dog trainer who will work on this with you every week until both of you learn all the necessary commands.
Dogs who don’t get enough socialization can become aggressive or fearful of people and other animals. It’s important to take your dog out in public often so they can learn how to behave around others. This will make life much easier for both you and your pet.
Teasing Your Dog
New dog owners often mistake teasing their dogs without realizing how sensitive they can be. It’s important to remember that dogs are not toys. They can get very excited or agitated quickly, and anything can trigger their primal instincts. Be sure to always be kind and gentle with your dog, even when you’re just playing around. It’s important to set the tone for a calm and loving relationship early on.
Not Enough Exercise
Dogs need a lot of exercise, and if you don’t provide your dog with enough exercise, they will become restless and destructive. Not only is this bad for your house, but it’s also hazardous for your dog. A lack of exercise can cause them to become obese or develop joint problems.
It’s important to set aside time every day for your dog to get some exercise. This can be a walk around the block, playing fetch, or running with them. Whatever you do, make sure they’re getting enough activity.
Allowing Aggression
Many new dog owners think that aggression is just a part of having a pet. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s easy to prevent aggressive behavior if you’re willing to take some time and effort. It all starts with socialization during puppyhood, when they can learn how to interact with other dogs and people.
If your dog does become aggressive, it’s important to contact a professional trainer who can help you work on this problem together. This is much better than simply dismissing the behavior as impossible to fix.
Mistakes are made by everyone, even new dog owners. While it may seem like common sense at first, some things can be easily overlooked if you don’t know much about dogs. Make sure to always do your research and talk to a professional if you’re not quite sure about something.
