Do you get jealous of your family members and friends who post pictures on social media of their pet dogs in adorable costumes with colorful pet tags? Does thinking about choosing the perfect collars, leashes, and pet ID tags make you want to have your own furry companion? What mistakes should you avoid to ensure that your pet is always safe and secure?
Experienced dog owners can tell you how taking care of a dog is not always easy. It is not just about shopping for the cutest dog outfits and pet ID tags. There is a long list of responsibilities that you have to handle the right way so that your pup can spend many healthy and happy years with you. If you have been thinking of getting your own dog for the very first time, below are examples of common mistakes that you should avoid:
1. Not researching what being a dog owner really is like
Dogs are living things that need to be cared for, fed, etc. They are not just some accessory that you wear or some toy that you put pet tags on and dress up to show off on social media. Before getting one, you have to know, understand, and prepare for the responsibilities that come with becoming a dog parent. You have to assess your schedule, living space, finances, and lifestyle, and make sure that you are ready for major changes and adjustments.
2. Choosing the wrong dog breed
When choosing a dog, certain factors, such as how active you are, how big your living space is, what climate your location has, and how close the next house is to yours, have to be considered. If you have a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a building, a small dog is a good choice. However, you might want one that is not a barker to not disrupt the people next door. Or, if you have your own home with a spacious backyard in a cold part of the country, a large dog is perfect. However, you might want one that is an all-weather outdoorsy breed to avoid health risks.
3. Not getting their home ready before taking the dog home
Once your dog is finally home, you cannot just leave opened food containers on the kitchen counter or phone and laptop chargers on the coffee table. Especially when they are teething, dogs chew, bite, and destroy whatever their mouths can get into. Make sure that you keep electric wires out of reach, install a doggy gate, cover trash cans, lock cabinets, and store medications and toxic objects away.
4. Not giving the dog enough exercise
Just like humans, dogs need exercise to maintain good health and prevent behavior issues. Every day, you should walk them and give them mental stimulation to avoid boredom and restlessness. A lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, increased risk of health problems, excessive barking, frustration, chewing, biting, and other undesirable traits.
5. Not taking the dog to the veterinarian
You should not wait until your dog is sick to visit a veterinarian. By ensuring that your dog gets the necessary deworming treatments, vaccinations, and other preventative treatments, you are helping build its strength and immunity.