What You Might (probably) Be Doing Not-Right With Your Dog
Dogs are the greatest, aren't they?
No matter what we do or don't do, they love us. Didn't lose that 10lbs? Fido doesn't care about your pants size. Cut out of work early? Max is fine with it. But a lot of people make these common errors in rearing or living with their source of unconditional love.
1. You Let Them Do Their Own Thing
'Their own thing'? In a very real sense, you are their thing.
I get it... It's been a long ass day or week at work, and after they've been to the bathroom you're content to leave your pup to their own devices.
Most pets are left alone at least a few hours each day; although your ideal Friday night may be going right back out the door or bingeing IG and Netflix? Make sure your most loyal companion isn't bored.
This isn't about refusing to them socialize at the dog park, or not disturbing them after they've been for a run - we're essentially talking about a level of neglect here.
Your furry friend's days are numbered - make them count. Spending even 20 more minutes playing or walking your pup will do you both a world of good. ♥️
2. You Don't Provide Them With Enough Exercise.
This note goes hand-in-hand with the above; you let them outside or stare at your phone while they're on the other end of the leash and call it a day. This, my friends, is a common mistake.
This article explains the negative impact a sedentary life will have on your pup. In short, they become overweight, can become destructive to their surroundings, have lowered moods and stamina, and likely a shorter life expectancy... very much like people, no? Unlike people, dogs come in different breeds, with different exercise needs. Glance at the chart below for a few good ideas:
3. You're Casual About Training
Perhaps this is your first furry friend; maybe you grew up in a home where the dog begged at the dinner table while people fed him leftovers. No matter the cause, the majority of people do not have the best-trained dogs.
Theoretically speaking (although I know a few people who don't fit the bill), YOU are the alpha of the household, right? Male or female doesn't matter - they are your dependent; you give them their food, their water; you provide them with their shelter... at the end of the day, you're in charge. Don't forget that.
Dogs are hierarchical mammals - meaning they observe a pecking order, and without that, they can get confused, emotional, and act out.
As second (or third or what have you) in line, clear and consistent rules should apply to your pet. If after dinner is movie or relaxing time and they're (usually) not allowed on the couch, don't invite them up just because you've had a rough day. Whatever you decide your rules are, being consistent is the key to success for everyone involved.
In addition to consistency, patience is likely the most crucial factor in learning. Just like people, most dogs want to learn. They want to please you, they want to do well (and earn treats!). You losing your patience or further your temper will only stall their training and may make them even more resistant to learning. To progress, they need to see you as the Alpha - completely in control and definitively in charge...including in charge of your feelings. Anger is useless to dogs; while frustration is understandable in all cases of training, try not to let it get to you. Maintain your composure and continue the lessons, even after your dog is "such a good boy". Even into their adulthood, quick refreshers or impromptu training sessions never hurt and only reinforce good behavior.
4. You Don't Socialize Them
I get it, I get it - your ex takes THEIR dog to YOUR old park. Or you hate how Mrs. Whats-her-name's poodle Yelpie won't stop humping your dog. Maybe that crazy cat lady brings her cat to the dog park on a leash- not to mention the people who don't pick up after their dogs. Whatever it is, there are several reasons to legitimately avoid dog parks.
The solution? Make your dog's well-being a priority despite the nuisances. Many dogs who don't become socialized at an early age will get aggressive later in life, and a simple excursion and chase-time adds quickly into their (and your?) exercise goals. Some fun tips around it?
Pick a time when the park is less crowded
Organize smaller meet-ups with other dog owners. No human friends or friends with dogs? No worries! Google such things as local shelters or meetups to find other people doing the exact same thing - they're out there, I promise.
Ask your Vet!
Does anyone else have that coworker that is constantly sharing and spreading the adoreableness of Mr-Fuzzy-Lovey-Whats-His-Name? Approach them about a social visit.
To add-on to the previous, ask your manager or HR about a Bring Your Pet to Work Day; while some places won't go for it, others would love it! It will also give you a chance to socialize as well!
**Quick tip! Try not to take your pup over another pups' house; they could get territorial. Engage them in a neutral setting.
Whatever your goals and your journey with your dog, always remember: they love you. Most often more than anything else.
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