Top Five Mistakes New Dog Owners Make

Dogs are great to have. However, there is a pretty steep learning curve if you have never had a dog before. The learning curve is pretty steep if you have always gotten older dogs instead of puppies and find yourself with a puppy this time, too. Here are the top five mistakes dog owners make and how to remedy or avoid them.

Failing to take your dog to the veterinarian for the dog’s annual health exam and immunizations. Many people think that dogs should only go to the veterinarian when they are sick. While you should certainly take your dog to the veterinarian then, an annual physical can catch things before they get really severe. Most dogs are pretty stoic and do not show symptoms of being sick until they really feel bad. Annual exams can catch problems early and save your dog a lot of suffering.
Rewarding fearful or aggressive behavior. When a dog shows fear or aggression, the impulse is to pet them and fuss over them to try and calm them down. However, that rewards such behaviors. The dog learns that acting fearful or aggressive will get him attention and treats, so he behaves that way more and more. Eventually, someone gets bitten, and that is the kiss of death for the dog. Dogs who exhibit aggression or fearfulness also get left at shelters more often. There, they are often euthanized as unadoptable.
Unleashing your dog in public places because he is “trained” and will obey you. Most cities have a leash law and you should follow it. Your dog may be fine off leash, but many dogs become aggressive when approached too closely by another dog. If your unleashed dog gets too close, the leashed dog may start a fight. Both dogs may get hurt in the ensuing melee. Many cities now have designated “dog parks” where your dog is allowed to run free off leash and interact with other dogs at the park. If you want to let your dog run around without a leash, this is the place to do it.
Allowing the puppy to do something you are not willing to allow the adult dog to do. Many times puppy owners let their puppies get away with “cute” behaviors like begging or jumping on people. These behaviors are not so “cute” when your puppy grows up to be a dog. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to decide on what behaviors you want your adult dog to do, and what behaviors you intend to forbid them to do. Then teach your puppy what not to do from the moment he enters the house. Now, puppies can’t help some things, such as going in the house until house broken. However, there are age appropriate ways to train the puppy and manage your expectations.
Setting your dog up to fail. Dogs, especially puppies, like to chew on things. They consider anything they can reach to be fair game as a chew toy. Usually, this gets them in trouble. The solution to this problem involves a bit of human training. Never leave anything on the floor that you do not want the dog to play with. That means shoes, clothes, books, school backpacks, and whatever else generally gets dropped on the floor and left there. Put these things up off the ground or in a closet with the door closed so the dog cannot reach them. Putting things out of the dog’s reach will keep him from destroying them. Problem solved.

Don’t set your dog up for failure by making these mistakes. They are only doing what you have taught them (or not) so it is your responsibility to raise them as good canine citizens.