Getting your first puppy is an exhilarating feeling but most people are soon to realize that the new responsibility of caring for a dog can be quite challenging if they are not adequately prepared.
At the beginning, while you and your new puppy are getting to know each other you will inevitably make some mistakes. Do not worry, it is not a big deal as long as you do your best to correct them as soon as possible.
If you are a new dog owner you need to take some time to familiarize yourself with the common mistakes and how to avoid them.
#10— Lack of proper socialization
During the first four to six months of a puppy’s life, it is incredibly important to socialize him properly. When you bring your new puppy home you have to let him interact with other people and pets. These new experiences will determine how we will react to change and unfamiliar situations later. An improperly socialized puppy will most likely become a shy, anxious, or even aggressive dog.
#9— Waiting too long to train
While it is tempting to have some fun and cuddle time with your new dog, don’t wait too long to start training him. Once bad habits are formed they are pretty hard to correct. So start your basic obedience training soon after bringing your dog or puppy home.
#8— Not preparing the house
If this is your first time of owning a pet that is free roaming in your house you may not realize that your house is full of potential dangers. Make sure to keep food, sharp objects and chemicals like cleaning products or medication out of your new dog’s reach.
#7— Buying or adopting a dog or puppy on a spur of the moment
Owning a dog is a big responsibility so do it only if you are prepared to care for him for his whole life; let it be 7 years or 15. They need regular care, attention and most of all, your unconditional love.
#6— Lack of consistency
Your new dog or puppy will learn very quickly if you are consistent with your training methods; using the same commands, consistently rewarding him for good behavior and completed tasks. Inconsistent obedience training only makes your new dog confused.
#5— Giving away treats too freely
Dogs are crazy about treats and it is tempting to offer them some just to see that tail wagging a thousand mile per hour. During the training period though it is important that you use dog treats only as a reward for good behavior. This way your new puppy will soon learn to associate dog treats with certain behaviors.
#4— Using punishment as a training method
Punishing your dog is not an effective way to teach him obedience. Though it may eventually teach him to avoid certain behaviors, it will result in a fearful attitude toward you. Praises and positive reinforcement, on the other hand, will give you an obedient and perfectly trained dog fairly quickly.
#3— Not exercising your new dog enough
All dogs, even the tiniest ones require some daily exercise to work off their energy. If they don’t get enough exercise they can become hyperactive and develop behavioral problems like excessive barking.
#2— Not giving your new dog enough mental stimulation
Simple playtime, games, and toys will give your dog or puppy the mental stimulation he requires. It is not only fun for both of you, it will help keep your dog from getting bored and developing problem behaviors, like chewing things they are not supposed to.
#1— Leaving your new dog or puppy alone too long
If you leave your new dog alone for a long time there’s a good chance he will have an accident in the house. If this happens you have to keep in mind that it was your fault and your dog should not be punished for the accident. Being left alone for excessive periods of time is also proved to be the culprit of developing destructive behaviors and separation anxiety.
The bottom line is that as a new dog owner it is unavoidable to make some mistakes, but preparing yourself for the challenge will make all the difference. As long as you are familiar with the common mistakes above, you should not have any problem avoiding the most significant mistakes yourself.
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