Dogs are a great addition to any family. They’re loyal, fun, and make the perfect cuddle buddy when y’all want to snuggle up after a long day. Training is a vital responsibly every pet owner should take on after signing those adoption papers. Untrained pups may try to rule the pack or otherwise misbehave. Check out these top mistakes first-time pet owners make so you know what to avoid!
Lacking Consistency With Training
Just like children, dogs need a consistent schedule and set of rules if you want them to display their best behavior. So remember to reprimand your dog anytime they break the house rules. Every time your dog jumps up on y’all or a guest, say “no” and remove them from the situation until they’ve calmed down.
Pro Tip
Catching your dog in the act is as important as remaining consistent. Y’all can’t reprimand your pooch for having an accident inside hours after it’s happened.
Reinforcing Negative Behaviors
Sometimes when we adopt a puppy, we mistakenly allow undesirable behaviors. While jumping on guests is one of these, so is excessive barking and other attention-seeking actions. If you coddle your pup every time they bark, they develop a simple equation in their little mind: barking plus owner equals attention! This leads to an errant dog that demands attention.
One of the tips for training an attention-seeking dog is to ignore them anytime they act up. Whether your pooch continuously barks at you or nudges you in the search for 24/7 attention, your response should be silence.
Neglecting an Exercise Routine
Some breeds have more energy than others, which means more walks and other forms of exercise—unless y’all want an overactive pooch destroying the house. Mental and physical exercise is vital to your furry friend’s health and also their happiness.
Dogs lacking mental stimulation may become destructive or highly anxious because they have nothing to do with their excess energy. This is unfair to your furry friend, especially because bad behavior results in punishment, or worse yet, the title of “bad dog.”
Misunderstanding Canine Speech
Dogs don’t communicate quite like we do and instead rely on body language to reveal what they think in any situation. If y’all never had a dog before, it’s always a good idea to talk to a trainer or read a few books to know what to expect.
Lacking proper communication with your pup is a top mistake first-time pet owners make and can be dangerous if you don’t know when to leave your canine alone. Most dogs growl when they’re upset or frustrated, and this often means “back off.” By becoming fluent in doggy lingo, you can give your pooch what they want as you develop a healthy bond for a lifetime of memories!
