Common Mistakes Of First Time Dog Owners

 

With so many new people owning dogs for the first time it's normal for them to make some mistakes. What are some common mistakes of first time dog owners?

1. I love my dog. My dog is like a child to me. Therefore, I should treat my dog like a child.

We all love our dogs. And, it's true that our ideas about dog care have changed rapidly over the course of the last century. We share our homes with dogs. We buy them food fit for people. They receive human level veterinary care. All of these changes show that dogs occupy a very important place in our lives. However, for your dog's sake, it is a mistake to forget that he is an animal and not a human. For instance, your dog cannot live on a vegetarian diet. Dogs can and do bite. If you forget this fact you may accidentally allow yourself or a child to be bitten. A dog has needs that are quite different from a human's needs.

2. I can't make my dog do anything. He doesn't listen to me.

Dogs are happiest when they clearly understand the rules. They respond best to structure and clear leadership. You don't have to be harsh or brutal in order to firmly establish the rules of your home. If you don't want your dog to sleep on the sofa you will have to insist that your dog gets down when you find him there. And you will have to be consistent about enforcing the rule.

3. We have communication problems.

This is big with first time dog owners. It often shows up when you're trying to housetrain a dog for the first time. For example, if your dog continues to use the bathroom in the house after you have tried to housetrain him, chances are that there is a breakdown in communication and you aren't picking up on your dog's signals. Sometimes a dog's signals can be very subtle, especially if this is your first dog. You will have to devote yourself to watching your dog like a hawk. You should pick up on his signal and take him outside quickly. Even if it's a false alarm you are making progress since you are showing him that you are paying attention. Eventually you'll get the timing right and your communication will improve.