Dogs aren’t just ordinary pets, they’re the loyal friends and companions every pet parent can dream of being around.
Sadly, most people don’t realize their mistakes while living with these furry friends.
Keeping dogs is a responsibility, and it helps to have the proper care knowledge up your sleeves to ensure they’re comfortable and happy.
This article highlights the things you’re definitely doing wrong with your dog. Please read on to learn more and ensure your dog is well cared for.
Leaving Your Dog Alone For Long
Dogs are social beings; they love company around them. Leaving them alone for extended periods can make them anxious, and they may develop separation anxiety.
We all have day errands to attend to, including school, work, or other engagements that get us out of the house, and understandably so.
If that’s your case, please consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter if you’re sure you might spend long hours without your pup by your side.
Giving Your Dog Table Scraps
Feeding your dog some table scraps might seem okay for most dog parents. However, dwelling on food scraps to meet their nutritional needs is wrong. Dogs’ nutritional needs differ from those of dogs.
While some foods might meet humans’ dietary needs, they may not necessarily benefit pups as they can cause a nutritional imbalance.
Moreover, some foods that people enjoy, including garlic and chocolate, are toxic to dogs and might cause stomach upsets or death.
Getting your dog feed from a pet food store can go a long way in meeting their nutritional needs.
Using Punishment to Reinforce Training
Being aggressive and acting cranky around your dog only subdues them into fear. Most pet parents use punishment to reinforce training, which is wrong. It causes anxiety and fear instead of disciplining your dog.
Punishments may seem to work on some dogs, but they perpetuate long-term fear of reprimand, making them unhappy.
Instead, use positive reinforcement for training. Ensure you reward your dog with a treat for completing a task or training.
That way, they’ll take the training more positively, making them happy.
Ignoring Dental Care
Toothbrushes and toothpaste aren’t only for humans. Dogs, too, need proper dental care since they face dental issues that are virtually similar to those of humans.
Ignoring your dog’s dental care can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease, among other issues.
The good thing is that dog dental care is becoming more specialized today. Effective products like dog toothpaste and brushes are available to keep your dog’s dental health in perfect shape.
Not Providing Enough Mental Stimulation and Exercise
Dogs love teasing and outdoor play rather than staying stale indoors all day. Some breeds, like rottweilers and bulldogs, quickly get bored if they don’t have something practical to keep them engaged.
Consequently, they may start developing destructive behavior, chewing your furniture and scratching your carpets.
Providing adequate mental stimulation with activities like puzzle toys for pets and outdoor walks can help stimulate them mentally.
Not Socializing Your Dog with Other Dogs
Dogs’ social nature requires them to interact with other dogs outside. Besides having people around them, dogs need their kind to socialize in their doggy universe.
Taking your dog to dog meetups, parks, and pet parties might seem unconventional, but it is necessary.
Doing so can also help tame aggressive behavior in the long run.
Conclusion
Dogs require comprehensive care, which means avoiding things that make them less happy or healthy.
If any of these mistakes were never on your radar, we hope these tips will make you a better dog parent.
