Becoming a first-time dog owner is an exciting step. There is so much joy to be had from the love of a dog! However, it’s essential to know that owning a dog comes with a considerable amount of responsibility.
It’s helpful to know what you’re in for before you become a dog owner. Rushing in without doing your research won’t just be extra stress for you, but your dog too.
Therefore, here are some of the biggest mistakes that new dog owners make and what you can do to avoid them.
Not Researching The Breed
A lot of new dog owners choose dogs based on their looks alone. Sure, all puppies are cute when they’re small and helpless. However, not all breeds are recommended for certain situations.
If you have kids, for example, you should choose a breed that is less prone to biting. Some dogs are more likely to bite than others. Not only can this put you and your family at risk, but it might even bite someone in public. You could find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit if you’re not careful.
Not Training Their Dog
A lot of people don’t want to bother with having to deal with rules. They would rather enjoy their dogs rather than take the time to set boundaries and limits. However, it’s essential not only for you but also your dog that you establish house rules.
If you aren’t equipped to do the training yourself, then you may want to consider paying for obedience training. It may not seem like a big deal when they’re small, but when they’re several years old and have the same behavioral problems, you may regret not taking the time to discipline them.
Failing To Properly Potty Train
Your paw partner is never too young to start dog training after you bring them home. You should start as soon as possible. Many people believe that crate training is the best way to teach a dog where to go to the bathroom.
Some dogs are trained completely in as little as a few days. Whatever method that you choose for potty training, just be sure to stay consistent with it. If you let a dog pee on the floor once, they’ll believe that they can get away with it every time.
Inconsistent Rules
Potty training isn’t the only thing you should stay consistent with. It’s essential that you never change the rules. Your dog will only learn if the consequences are the same every single time.
Whether it’s sleeping in your bed or chewing a pair of your shoes. If the rule is no, then it should never be allowed or tolerated.