That’s right; you’re getting a puppy at long last! You probably can’t wait till you get your new puppy to do all the cool stuff like going to the dog park, picking out a harness that serves their purpose while still looking adorable, and taking them everywhere for their first Puppucino.
It’s normal to experience growing pains when introducing your new puppy to your home and routine. We’ve compiled a list of five frequent blunders new puppy parents must avoid helping smooth the way.
Mistakes To Avoid With Your New Puppy
Mistake 1: Unrealistically High Expectations
Although a young dog is more likely to learn new things, it doesn’t guarantee that your puppy will automatically understand everything you tell it. It’s vital to remember that, like people, dogs learn at their own pace.
Your dog may start to make less progress or even regress at some time during training. Make an effort to keep from becoming frustrated by this! Remember that it will take time for your puppy to acquire excellent behaviors, so be patient with them.
Mistake 2: Failing to Recognise Value of Crate Training
Many first-time dog owners are put off by the thought of crate training their pup, yet crates can be a valuable tool for everyone involved if used correctly.
When you can’t keep a close eye on your pet for any reason, a crate is a great way to keep them safe and secure while you’re away.
The trick is never to use the crate as a form of punishment. Otherwise, your dog will start to associate bad feelings with it. Your dog will be more willing to use their crate when necessary if you train them to link it with pleasant experiences.
Selecting an Inappropriate Harness
Prong collars, choke chains, electronic collars, and head harnesses should be avoided when purchasing a custom dog harness or collar. These tools are not only useless for teaching your dog, but they also significantly increase the likelihood of damage.
Choose a nylon collar and leash (less than six feet long) since they are long lasting and straightforward to clean. In addition, remember to pick up a harness!
It would help if you considered getting a cushioned harness for your dog since a lack of padding might irritate their skin and lead to sores.
Not Supervising Your Puppy
After spending a wonderful weekend with your new dog, it might be challenging to return to work. When you leave your new puppy behind, you might feel tempted to leave them in their kennel with some goodies and playthings.
It’s important to remember that they might pose a choking risk to your new dog. Puppies have sharp teeth and will use them to gnaw on toys until they become tiny enough to swallow.
Before leaving your puppy in its cage, please give them a good mental and physical workout to prevent them from becoming agitated or bored.
Having Your Puppy’s Collar Too Tight As it Grows
Collars are crucial for your dog’s protection since they display identifying tags and let passers-by know that your pet is part of a family. However, you should check the fit of your puppy’s collar frequently.
Accidental collaring of a developing puppy can result in skin rash, neck injury, and even suffocation (choking). If you want your dog to be as comfortable as possible, you should check the collar’s fit at least once a month.
Conclusion
As you raise your first dog, there will be a learning curve, but it shouldn’t stop you from doing your best. With the right amount of care, affection, and time, any dog may rediscover old skills.
And by avoiding the most frequent dog owner blunders, you may set your canine friend off to a great start in life!
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