Top 5 New Dog Owner Mistakes
Listed here are the top 5 new dog owner mistakes, and how you can avoid them.
Inconsistent Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, especially when they are young. When pet owners do not follow a precise and consistent routine for their dog’s care – including mealtime, potty time, and play time – the dog can become confused and exhibit behavioral problems. Before you bring your new dog home, decide on a routine and make sure everyone in the household is on board.
Ignoring Socialization
Socialization is the act of introducing your dog to new sights, smells, sounds, people, animals, and experiences. A well-socialized dog will experience less fear and anxiety in new and unknown situations when given the opportunity to socialize frequently from a young age. Plan to take your puppy to new places as often as possible while providing plenty of positive reinforcement.
Waiting to Train
Contrary to popular belief, puppies and new dogs can and should begin their training as soon as possible. While the dog’s ability level will depend on age (you shouldn’t expect an 8-week old puppy to master “stay” in the first week), you can begin teaching your dog its name, the word “no,” and to come when called right away.
Feeding Improperly
The outcome of your dog’s life is directly related to how (and how much) you feed your pet. Once a puppy stops growing, he or she should be placed on a maintenance diet. More than half of household pets are significantly overweight or obese, so it is important that you understand your dog’s proper body weight. A Smart food bowl can help ensure that your dog gets the right amount of nutrition. Steer clear of calorie-laden training treats, and instead opt for low-calorie bite-sized treats or bits of cooked green beans instead.
No Exercise Schedule
Just because your new dog is playful does not mean that exercise isn’t important. Develop good habits early by taking your puppy for short walks. As your dog ages, you can increase walking distance. As a bonus, exercise doubles as socialization! An Activity Tracker will make sure your new dog gets the right amount of exercise and help you reach your daily goals.
Ultimately, avoiding these mistakes is necessary for helping your dog live a healthy and fulfilling life. Inconsistent routines lead to confused and agitated dogs, while lack of socialization can create fearfulness. Waiting to train your dog will significantly delay the training process and encourage the development of bad habits. Finally, improperly feeding your pet and failing to set up an exercise schedule hurts your dog’s health and can shorten his or her life.
We know and understand that buying or adopting a dog can be a daunting task, but the Actijoy Smart System takes the stress out of many aspects, helping you monitor nutrition and exercise.
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Please note: all dogs should be treated as individuals. The Actijoy™ blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only. In the case of emergency, always seek qualified healthcare from a local veterinarian or emergency facility. Actijoy™ blogs are not designed to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medication for your pet.
