Common Mistakes by Pet Parents

We all make mistakes and that includes our dealings with our dogs. In fact I’ve made almost every mistake in the book in my past, before I knew better. So hopefully I speak from a position of humility. In today’s blog I’d like to draw your attention to five common mistakes made by Pet Parents in hopes it will help you steer clear of them.

Punishing a dog for unwanted behavior.

Whether it’s rubbing a dog’s nose in their elimination or spraying a dog with water when they do something you don’t like, positive punishment is something to be avoided. In lieu of punishing your dog, try teaching them what you do want them to do instead and manage their environment to prevent the practicing of the unwanted behavior. Remember redirection instead of correction.

Yelling at their dog, “No!”

“No” is probably the most frequently uttered word by Pet Parents to their dogs, and while it may suppress the behavior it really doesn’t tell your dog what to do. They may also learn that when you’re not around nothing bad happens to them, so they do the unwanted behavior outside your presence. I recommend teaching a positive interrupter instead. We should interrupt the unwanted behavior and redirect them onto what we do want them to do instead.

Not listening to what your dog is saying!

Dogs communicate to us but we often miss what they’re saying.   For instance, when a dog is sending off stress signals and communicating they’re uncomfortable with a situation listen and respond appropriately.

Not socializing a dog.

Many Pet Parents choose to keep their dog in isolation during the first few months of life out of a fear of their puppy getting a deadly virus. I fully realize the risk involved when your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated, but socialization is so important you can’t afford to put it off. There is a way to socialize safely, and consult a professional for help on how to do that.

A lack of exercise and mental stimulation.

Could you imagine how you’d feel if you were locked up in a house all day and night and never received exercise? You’d probably go crazy! Yet many dogs are in that situation. Not only is it unfair to the dog but also many unwanted behaviors are linked to it: digging, barking, and destruction related to boredom. Give your dog daily exercise and mentally stimulating toys/chews. It’s good for them and you too!