Even with thorough research and planning, most new dog owners make mistakes when they bring home their furry friend for the first time. Every dog is different and has its own unique personality, making it challenging to apply a universal approach to ownership.
However, some mistakes are certainly more commonly made than others, and awareness of them can help you avoid making them yourself. If you’re about to bring home your new four-legged companion, take note of these common newbie errors:
Some dogs are better suited to some homes than others. For example, you might be more likely to research Dachshund Puppies if you’re looking for an adaptable dog with a gentle personality to fit in with your family.
If you’re looking for a dog to work on your farm, you might look at high-energy, intelligent breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Great Pyrenees that need a lot of exercise and stimulation. Failure to match a dog’s breed to your lifestyle can lead to unhappiness for your new dog and frustration for you as the owner.
There’s more to adopting a puppy than having a small friend to walk, cuddle up with you on the couch, and go swimming at local lakes and rivers. You must also invest time and effort in training them so that you can maintain control and ensure a safe and harmonious relationship in your home.
When you don’t train a dog, you can struggle to manage challenging behaviors later on, such as chewing, jumping, and barking. While the adage ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ doesn’t necessarily ring true, it’s certainly easier to train a young puppy than an older dog with entrenched behaviors.
While many breeders take good care of their dogs and puppies by keeping up to date with vaccinations and vet checks, performing genetic testing, and providing high-quality food, that’s not true of all breeders. Some irresponsible breeders put profit before welfare.
While it’s easy to search for the breed you’re looking for and buy the first puppy you find, it’s a good idea to do more research. Look for the red flags that indicate someone is an irresponsible breeder, such as dirty puppies, not allowing you to see the parents, and discouraging visits. The more research you do, the easier it can be to find a responsible and reputable breeder.
Many inexperienced dog owners underestimate the amount of exercise and stimulation their dogs require. A bathroom break outside a few times a day doesn’t count as physical activity. A bored dog can be a destructive dog, and this can be enough of a reason for many people to rehome them. Unfortunately, millions of dogs enter shelters and rescues every year.
Research the breed you intend to adopt or buy and learn about its expected activity level. You can then ensure you have the time to provide the walks, playtime, and puzzle toys they need to keep them stimulated and happy.
All new dog owners make mistakes. However, awareness of these most common mistakes can put you in a better position to avoid the most serious ones.
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