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The most heartbreaking thing that can happen to any new dog owner is making mistakes and finding out too late. As much as we try to be perfect, there are moments when we struggle to play catch up. And that can sometimes be a tad bit overwhelming. But not to worry! Let’s go through some of the common new dog owner mistakes and, of course, how to actually avoid them!
Top 5 Common New Dog Owner Mistakes (And Solutions)
1. Skipping Obedience Training Courses
Your dog has been waiting for you to teach them obedience, let’s just start there! For some reason, most new dog owners assume their pups will learn good behavior naturally. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s not always the case!
Your dog will only follow your lead. And if you don’t teach them anything, dogs will develop bad habits such as excessive barking, over-excitement, and even aggression faster than they would form good ones. Yes, most dogs are exceptionally good at being naughty ones!
If you don’t know how to properly train your pooch, you should consider enrolling your pup in obedience training courses. You will learn how to reinforce good behavior, establish boundaries, and more.
2. Not Providing Enough Exercise
New dog owners tend to underestimate the exercise dogs truly need. Without enough exercise, dogs get bored and become destructive. That’s probably the reason why your pooch might have bitten through some valuable items around the house.
Invest in dog toys, and if possible, consider hiring a professional to help with your doggy walks. Consistent and regular walks will help alleviate some of that pent-up energy in your new furry BFF.
3. Neglecting Microchipping for Safely as a New Dog Owner
Let’s face it— one of the worst things that can happen to a new dog owner is losing their pup. Imagine this: their dog’s collar ID tags fall off, leaving their furry friend without identification. It’s a nightmare— maybe even worse than heartbreak (okay, we might be exaggerating, but you get the idea, right?). Thankfully, there’s a better alternative: Microchipping! This is a permanent and more reliable way of ensuring your pooch never gets lost.
4. First-Time Dog Owner Mistake: Overfeeding and Fast Eating Habits
You might not know this, but an extra plate when your dog barks, seeking your attention, could be classified as overfeeding. Dogs are generally fast eaters, and not monitoring their food intake leads to overfeeding, which is terrible for their health and can lead to other serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Use a slow feeder to help regulate your pup’s feeding habits and prevent your dog from gulping down all the food in a short amount of time. This item can also improve your dog’s digestion as well. Replacing your typical calorie-dense, sweet, and fattening treats with carrots, apple slices, and peanut butter, to name a few, is also a great way to avoid overfeeding your pup with unhealthy treat options.
5. Lack of Socialization
Not exposing your dog to different environments, other people, and other dogs can also be a contributor to their bad behavior. So, when you can, take your furry pal out to the park to meet other dogs for socialization. You can also consider professional doggy daycare services to provide well-structured playtime for your fur baby.
Bonus Tip. Ignoring the Importance of Pet Insurance
Vet bills can really break the bank. We found out the hard way when we brought our pup home for the first time. So, to prevent dipping into your savings account, invest in good pet insurance. If you have a hard time narrowing down your options, The Swiftest is a pet insurance platform that allows you to compare and customize insurance plans and quotes from several pet insurance carriers at once!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! With these tips, you will have at least covered most, if not all, of the bases. You can also check out Naturewatch’s article to expand your knowledge on the same topic further. All in all, as a new dog owner, with these tips handy, you should have a smooth experience with your new pooch.
Chime in the comments section below- are you a new dog owner struggling to get things in order? We’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to receive a free gift and stay informed as we provide ongoing pet care tips, recipes, and more!
