10 Things To Consider When Adopting A Dog

Bringing home your first canine companion can be an enjoying experience, but it can also be a challenge. If you are a new pet owner, it can take some time to get used to the responsibilities of caring for a puppy. At the initial stage, when you and your puppy are getting to know each other it is possible that you will make some mistakes, which is just a fact of life. It is required to be prepared by getting familiar with some of the common mistakes that new dog owners make. If you know these mistakes, you can avoid some or all of these mistakes.

1.Buying a dog on a whim

You should realize that owning a pooch is a big responsibility and it is not something you should do spur of the moment. Dogs, especially puppies, require regular attention and proper care. Unless you are willing to commit to that responsibility, do not purchase a dog.

2.Waiting too long to train

Many new dog owners make the big mistake of waiting too long to start the training of their dogs. It is recommended to start the basic obedience training at young stage. It will also prevent the development of some bad habits, which will be much more difficult to eradicate later.

3.Not being consistent

If you are consistent in your training methods, your canine companion is likely to learn quite promptly. But if you inconsistently reward your dog for good behavior, or use different training commands, he may become confused.

4.Giving too many treats

Almost every dog loves tasty treats, and they are likely to devour anything which is offered to them. However, you should not give the treats to your dog frequently. These treats should be a reward for good behavior of your dog so that your pooch learns to associate the treat (and your approval) with certain behaviors during the training process.

5.Not socializing the dog properly

During the first 6 to 8 weeks of life, socialization is one of the most important things for a dog. Early socialization will determine how your dog reacts to change and unfamiliar situations for the rest of his life. When you first bring your puppy home, it is important to introduce him to the people, other pets and new experiences so that he does not become anxious, shy or aggressive.

6.Under-exercising

Largest as well as smallest dogs require a certain amount of daily exercise so as to work off their energy. If you do not provide enough exercise to your dog, he is more likely to become hyperactive and to develop various behavioral issues, such as excessive barking.

7.Neglecting mental stimulation

In addition to physical activity, your canine companion requires a certain amount of mental stimulation. Games and toys, as well as simple playtime, will help to keep your pooch from getting bored and developing behavioral issues.

8.Leaving the dog alone too long

Leaving a dog alone for too long not only can increase the probability of him having an accident in the house, but it also may contribute to his developing destructive behaviors or separation anxiety.

9.Not preparing the house

If you are a new dog owner, you may not realize that your house is full of potential dangers. Therefore, it is important to keep all the cleaning products, food and other potential dangers out of the reach of your dog.

10.Using punishment as a training method

Although punishing your canine companion may eventually teach him to avoid a certain bad behavior, it is not the most efficient way to help him learn. Frequent punishments for your dog may also result in developing a fearful attitude toward you. Praise and positive reinforcement are much more effective.