As a dog owner, you want your dog to have the best life possible.
After all, your dog provides you with unconditional love and cuddles.
If you’re like me, you love them like a family member.
Here are a few of the common mistakes, shared with me by veterinarians and dog trainers.
double-check you are prepared before making that commitment.
Pets require time and money."
In addition, be careful when selecting which pop in of breed to adopt.
Barrack added, “If you are interested in a specific breed of dog, do your research first.
Do not make an impulse decision.
verify to make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.”
A little bit of research and forethought will save you a lot of headaches later on.
Barrack told me, “Often times pet stores obtain dogs from puppy mills.
Puppy mills confine dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary, deplorable conditions.
Instead, Barrack recommended, “Do not support this cause.
Rescue a dog from your local animal shelter or carefully research a quality, reputable breeder.”
They’ll help you choose the right dog for you, as well.
But you also have the responsibility of socializing them at a very young age.
The ‘magic’ window for socialization of puppies ends around 14 weeks of age.
Waiting until your dog is older to socialize them can cause problems.
He continued, “The same goes with introducing them to people, cats, etc.
It has to be done in a safe environment though.
Puppy classes, enclosed yards, or someone’s house are all okay.
Until the puppy is fully vaccinated, he is at risk.
Safe socialization is the key.”
One of the easiest mistakes to make as a dog owner is not being consistent with your training.
A dog who has consistency will be more likely to behave the way you want them to.
In reality, they are hiding due to the response the owner had to the circumstance.”
She continued, “If you yell, it will frighten the dog because he was sleeping.
He doesn’t make the connection that chewing the couch was wrong.
Not giving your dog enough mental stimulation
Dogs get bored just like humans do.
And your dog’s destructive behavior might be a result of boredom.
verify that you give them enough mental stimulation that they don’t resort to destroying things.
They think he has had plenty of exercise.”
Plus mental stimulation such as hiking creates a bond between pet owner and dog, and is fun."
Patrolia told me, “Teachable moments are used all during the day with your dog.
‘Training’ doesn’t just occur 5-10 minutes a day.
Training in different locations also provides a well-rounded dog.”
If not, start today.
You may think dental disease isn’t a big deal.
To avoid this, you should (ideally) brush his teeth every day.
You brush your teeth twice a day as part of your daily routine.
This means a fresh, whole food diet such as a balanced diet of fresh raw or cooked food.
Freeze dried or dehydrated fresh foods can work well also."
He added, “I recommend my patients stay away from kibble or canned foods.
The first step with pet foods is to keep the ingredients natural.
No artificial ingredients or preservatives should ever be used.
Dogs are somewhat omnivorous, so their food does not need to be 100 percent meat-based.
That said, the protein source in the food should be 100 percent meat-based.”
Inexpensive and filler ingredients such as meal, corn, wheat, etc.
are best avoided."
Many dog food brands now offer a “grain free” option.
I would know I adopted an obese sheltie when she was five and a half years old.
To confirm your dog is a healthy weight, carefully measure the amount of food you give them.
Dr. Barrack told me, “Obesity is an epidemic in pets.
