7 Mistakes That New Dog Owners Make

So, you want a new dog? Well, what are you waiting for – it will be great! You can take walks with your dog, they will love you unconditionally, there will be so many cuddles involved, they could have play dates with other dog friends, you could take them on vacation with you, and do all the cool things that you see other people doing with their dogs on social media. You could even find a nice dog at the shelter and end up having a story on The Dodo (so cute!).

Wait a minute, let’s back up a bit.

A new dog, what could that mean? It seems you’ve thought about all the rewards a dog could bring, but what about the challenges? Not knowing some very common mistakes dog owners make could lead you down a path of frustration, commotion, and more problems with behavior than you could imagine. Let’s cover a few missteps people make when choosing this journey that will get you and your new pup started off on the right paw.

Mistake 1: Failing to create a solid schedule for everyone to follow

This step is so important. Don’t just believe your dog will come home and things are just going to work out. Always assume that they have to go to the bathroom until you learn their routine. It doesn’t just happen all of sudden, and not all dogs are the same, so before you say “I had a dog that I didn’t have to do this with”, guess what – different dogs do different things even when they may be the same breed. That’s because each dog is different. They can be similar, but never the same. Scheduled feeding, potty breaks, quality time, crate time, and walks are an absolute must. Dogs thrive on routine.

Mistake 2: Not setting boundaries early

When dogs arrive into your home, you have to remember they are a guest in your home. They don’t know you, they haven’t developed a bond or relationship with you. In your mind, you love them and want to give them whatever they desire. The couch, endless amount of food, free reign of the house, lots of toys, and so many kisses and hugs. This can lead to some very bad manners – or worse, it can lead to having a bite history. So, along with a good schedule, set those boundaries, truly get to know this dog before giving them so much freedom. Know what they need. Hire a good dog trainer.

Mistake 3: Skipping proper training

This is a good one. I give some people props for the work they put work into the training with their dog, and they are able to get a nice foundation. But for those who get a dog and don’t set those boundaries or create a good schedule for their dog, it can become overwhelming for both the dog and you.

With inconsistent training, the dog can be confused by what you are asking. You can get annoyed or frustrated without being able to clearly and properly communicate what you expect from them. Is it sit or down? Pick one, but it can’t be both, and you really shouldn’t repeat yourself over and over again. If you really “love” this dog, understand how to properly train them and be sure everyone in the household follows the same training. Do your research, call the right people, and ask questions.

Mistake 4: Not getting the dog out to socialize early in the relationship

Socialization matters, especially if the dog will be living indoors with you and you expect to have company and take them out in public. It matters, don’t miss that ship! The sooner the better, and if there are any behavior issues that arise, see step 2 and 3. Maybe you find you a good dog trainer to help you understand the behaviors and why the dog is doing what it’s doing. Just because a dog barks at someone doesn’t always mean they are trying to protect you. Socializing your dog and getting them comfortable in different environments matters.

Mistake 5: Choosing the wrong breed for your lifestyle

This is some of the best advice you could take with you. It is so important to choose the right temperament of dog. If you get a Belgian Malinois, be sure you have a full six hours a day to spend with them. If you are looking for a dog that is lower-energy, Old English Bulldogs love laying around. Let’s not forget that the dog’s health is also important. You must have room in your budget to take your dog to the vet. Be sure you can afford the dog you receive – be prepared.

Mistake 6: Assuming that running in the backyard is enough

I’ll just start with…it’s not! On its own, running in the backyard is just not enough. If you take daily walks then great, but how controlled are the walks, and who’s walking who? How can you assume that this can be enough? As humans, going to work and back is not enough for us. We need to work our brains, that’s why reading is so important and we never stop learning. Assuming that your dog is receiving everything it needs from running freely in your backyard and taking uncontrolled walks is wrong. By controlled walks, I mean in a heel position using its brain to make the right choice to stay in a heel position. Making a good choice to stay in a sit, down, place, heel or recall from a squirrel is so powerful! Mental stimulation is where it’s at! And yes, your dog can do it. But let’s not assume that these results will happen automatically and in an instant.

Mistake 7: Expecting results immediately

Giving your new dog time to adjust and learn all the new rules takes time. We offer a 6-week board and train program because we understand that relationship is an important part of training. It takes time to build a relationship with proper rules, boundaries, schedule, and understanding your dog’s personality. Don’t get caught up with trying to rush your fearful dog into having courage – it may never, but how far can you get that dog when it is well-trained. Don’t get caught up in your own feelings about your dog’s behavior, because results aren’t instant. It takes time and consistency for us humans to build muscle and lose weight in a gym setting, so give your dog some grace and keep working, set your goals, and be consistent.

In conclusion

I hope that this blog will help you in making a good choice for a dog that will one day be a great companion for you. Taking the right steps when bringing a dog home will lead to a solid relationship, and it will build and everlasting trust. So please, take your time, prepare your home, and be sure everyone is on the same page. Making mistakes and being willing to learn will give you some of the best memories with your new companion. Don’t be afraid to move forward, but do know that it is a lot of work, and that your commitment matters. Your dog doesn’t care if you are perfect – just be committed to them and their training.