Most Common Dog Training Mistakes
of First-Time Pet Owners
Deciding you are ready to become a pet owner is a big step in life. It shows that you are ready and willing to take on the responsibility of caring for another living creature. While there are many kinds of pets for you can choose from, few can rival the joys and satisfaction of being a dog owner.
Once you bring that puppy home, the training begins. However, it’s important to correctly train a dog to avoid making mistakes that could lead to a dog that is very difficult to live with or control.
If you are embarking on the journey of training your dog, then check out some of the most common dog training mistakes an owner can make:
Picking the Wrong Breed
One of the first mistakes that many new dog owners make is in their choice of which dog to get. Most breeds have different tendencies, traits, etc. In fact, some breeds may just be more trainable than others especially when it comes to your specific lifestyle. With that said, it’s a good idea to spend time looking into various breeds so that you can find one that best fits your lifestyle.
Not Instilling House Rules from the First Moment Puppy Comes Home
Another common mistake is that new owners think puppies are too young to be trained or that you can’t expect much from them; this couldn’t be further from the truth. Training should begin the moment your new dog sets foot in your house. Whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog, training is necessary for all ages. Not only that, you need to be firm, be consistent, and patient. Show your new dog that you are in charge – not them, which is even more important with breeds that have dominant tendencies.
Letting Your Dog Get Away with Poor Behavior
Just as you probably wouldn’t allow a child to get away with poor behavior, a dog shouldn’t be allowed to either. It’s important to catch them in the act, correct their behavior right there, and make sure you stay consistent each time they behave poorly. If you slip up even once and let them get away with something, then you’re going to have a much harder time changing the behavior in the future.
Related:
How to Properly Engage Your Dog in the Training Process
Letting a New Puppy Have Free Range of the House
One of the most common dog-training mistakes, in particular, applies to new puppies even more than adult dogs, as they are still going through the housebreaking stage. Giving your new dog free range of the house, especially when you aren’t home or aren’t paying attention, is setting yourself and your dog up for failure. They haven’t been taught the rules yet, so it’s impossible to expect them to behave as you hope.
Instead, give your dog a safe space to hang out in when you aren’t home or can’t watch them. In most cases, a crate is the best idea. Once you have gone through the training stages and your dog proves they can be trusted, then you may be able to give them more freedom.
Not Taking Your Dog to the Vet Regularly
Just as humans need to see their doctor for regular check-ups, dogs are the same. Dogs require vaccinations, check-ups, and medications to protect them from various conditions and diseases. If you aren’t willing to do the vet visits, then a dog isn’t the right pet.
Not Giving Your Dog Enough Exercise
There is no way around this one; dogs need exercise. It’s that simple. It doesn’t matter how old your dog is or what breed it is; daily exercise is imperative to its physical and mental health. If you start skipping that regular exercise, you’re going to see some rather drastic changes in your dog’s behavior and usually for the worse.
Related:
Getting a Dog? 4 Ways to be a Responsible Dog Owner
Feeding Your Dog Table Scraps and Human Food
While it may not seem like a big deal to give your dog human food or table scraps, you might be causing more harm than good. Not only is there an extensive list of human foods you should never feed a dog, but you may also be teaching your dog that it’s ok to always beg for food when you eat. Additionally, you may be training your dog just to come and take the food whenever they see you eating.
It’s a Learning Curve
Bringing home a new dog is a joyous and memorable time in life. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and fall into the trap of making any of the most common dog training mistakes, and this is why it’s important to do as much research as possible beforehand and make sure you’re prepared for the commitment you are about to take on.
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Most Common Dog Training Mistakes of First-Time Pet Owners
Guest Writer: Jeffery Roberts
Jeffery is a pet enthusiast and volunteer at his local pet shelter. His passion for animals started at an early age and through his work on becoming a veterinary student he understands and cares for pets of all species. Jeffery currently writes for The Happy Pooch and has two cats, a bird and a dog named Lucy.
Most Common Dog Training Mistakes of First-Time Pet Owners Share on XA QUESTION FOR YOU:
Do you train your own dogs, or do you have a professional do it?
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Very good read! Hahaha! I think the one thing my parents and my family always did was give table scraps and human food! Only to complain about how our pup begs for food each time we eat! It’s so tempting but I definitely recommend that pet owners should only give pet treats and not human food! Thanks for the information!
My mom got her first dog several years ago and it was the first time she was responsible for raising a puppy. We tried to give her advice and she’s done a great job with Bandit. There are many things she could have done, but she just didn’t know.
It is very important to research a breed to make sure their characteristics fit in with your life style.
I think the main thing in any training is learning how to see the things you want and rewarding them. I think that’s the hardest thing for most people.
See the good, reward the good. All else will fall into place.
Newbie dog owners and cat owners always need to be primed about the best things they need to do and those to avoid.
Research the dog you want, and find out if it has any special specific needs and care – then go adopt, don’t shop.
Thank you for the reminder to adopt, not shop. I think I’ll add that to the post. Thanks so much for your visit. I sure do appreciate you. Cheers!
I did take Mr. N to a basic training class when we got him (in fact it was a condition of his adoption) but I do the bulk of his training myself. We did give him free range when we first got him but he was fostered for a long time so he already had house manners.
I think Mr. N is just the perfect little dog. You can just tell he’s a good boy, and that you take very good care of him. I’m glad you did the bulk of the training yourself because that creates a certain bond. Thanks for your comment. Come back soon!
I definatley agree with letting a new puppy roam free in the house! This can cause so many problems later on in their life such at potty training difficulties. I’ve had so many clients who have had that trouble cause they felt bad and let their furbaby run loose alone in the house! Great advice!
It’s so easy to do, though, isn’t it? You get a cute little puppy and you want to give him everything he wants, let him do anything he wants because he’s so darn precious. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to read my post. All the best.
Such great tips!! My biggest pet peeves are people not researching the needs of a particular breed and then giving them up because it was a bad fit for their lifestyle. Picking a dog who can fit relatively seamlessly into your life is so important. So is making sure you have the proper amount of time to dedicate to your new dog’s needs. A tired dog is a happy dog. A happy dog is a good dog.
Thanks for your input, Debbie. Yes, research is so important. My pet peeve is when someone gets a pet on an impulse. Yikes, what a bad idea. People need to be more responsible in choosing a dog, and not be in a hurry. Thanks for your visit. Come again now, ya here?
Spot on! Raising a puppy or bringing a new dog into your home has many challenges. We must be prepared and understand what we are getting into before hand.
Hey, Kelly, you’re so right. We do need to be prepared before getting any pet. I confess I didn’t research my dogs when I got them years ago, but I was lucky enough to have everything end up just right. Now that I’m more educated about mistakes made I’m more careful when choosing a pet. I’m so glad you stopped by Animal Bliss today. I appreciate you. Peace