Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Whether you are a professional or first-time dog owner, you may be surprised to realise that you often make serious mistakes that can endanger the life and health of your four-legged friend. Here are a few of the most common mistakes dog owners make on a daily basis and how you can avoid them:

1. Skipping Obedience Training

Obedience training is part of a structured life for dogs. Dogs that haven’t been taught manners or discipline are not only difficult to handle, but can also display aggressive behaviour from time to time. Therefore, you should start training your dog at an early stage, preferably when he is still a puppy.

If you feel that it is hard to do the obedience training yourself, hire the services of a local professional dog trainer. You can look in your local newspaper for the right trainer in your area or ask your veterinarian to recommend a good one for you.

2. Overfeeding

Many dog owners do not really worry about how much their dogs eat. They simply go about feeding their pets with full bowls without a proper plan. This easily leads to obesity, which increases the risk of dogs developing high blood pressure or suffering a heart attack. An obese dog also has less energy and finds it hard to move around or get up and down stairs. To help your dog stay healthy and happy, be sure to give him correct portions of high-quality food at recommended times and cut down on unnecessary treats.

3. Lack of Socialisation

Due to busy lifestyles, many dog owners find it hard to take their dogs out to socialise with the rest of the world. Lack of socialisation causes a dog to be afraid of people, other dogs, and things such as plastic bags, motorcycles, and cars. This can lead to unhappiness, stress, and even fear bites.

To prevent your dog from developing fears and unacceptable behaviour, it is advisable to expose him to people and other dogs at a very young age. If you cannot socialise your dog in the right manner due to one reason or another, ask your local trainer to do the job for you.

4. Neglecting Dental Care

Failing to take care of your dog’s teeth can lead to serious dental problems such as loose teeth, misaligned teeth, tooth decay, and tooth root abscess. To avoid such problems, brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals. Also, it is important to take your dog for regular oral X-rays and cleanings.

5. Skimping on Exercise

Dogs should not be kept as adorable house ornaments that do nothing more than eating and walking around the living room and garden. Just like humans, they need mental and physical exercises in order to stay fit and active.

To ensure that your dog receives adequate exercise, take him for 30-minute walks at least twice a day. You can also bike or run with him after work and give him at least 20 minutes to play.

6. Failing to Pet-Proof Your Home

Due to their curious nature, most dogs can be very mischievous and destructive when not under supervision. So, be sure to keep dangerous cleaners, electric wiring, poisonous houseplants, and coins out of your dog’s reach. Also, lock cupboard doors and close toilet lids to prevent your dog from gaining entry.

With a wealth of experience in the industry, here at Jaycliffe Pets we go above and beyond to make sure your beloved pet is in safe, professional hands. Our purpose-built kennel facilities offers clean, comfortable and affordable care for dogs throughout Rotherham, Doncaster, Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Our team of fully qualified animal experts are committed to delivering high quality services so you can rest assured your pet in totally safe, happy and healthy. Simply give us a ring or contact us online today for further information or to book an appointment!