Mistakes New Dog Owners Make

• May 13, 2019
• Fizzion Clean

When you bring a new dog into your home, you may feel confident in your abilities to care for your pet. While you may feel confident in the basic care of your pet, you should be aware that there are mistakes new dog owners make that you may want to avoid.

Picking Dogs Based On Appearance

The first mistake many new dog owners make is their decision to bring a dog home based on appearance rather than breed. Different situations and lifestyles mean you want to bring home a pet that fits your life. If you live in an apartment and have a busy lifestyle, then you do not want a breed that needs a large amount of exercise and time. 

Focus on breeds that fit your lifestyle and your plans. If you have children, then you want to opt for a family-friendly breed. New dog owners with a limited amount of space will want to opt for a smaller breed that does not require as much exercise. If you have a large yard and the time to devote to your pet’s health, then you can consider a breed that needs more exercise. The key is focusing on your lifestyle first, and then selecting a dog to fit in with your situation. Do not pick out a dog based solely on his or her appearance.

Forgetting To Set Rules

As a new dog owner, a big mistake that you can make is forgetting to set clear rules for your pet. Do not just allow your pet to roam around your house and expect your pet to know the rules. The easiest way to set rules for your dog is by creating a schedule. Set a time to feed your dog. Determine when you plan to allow your dog out in the yard. Decide where you want your dog to sleep and make sure your dog knows that the location is his or her bed. Decide if you want your pet on the furniture or not. By having a clear idea of the rules and the routine before you bring a dog home, you will not confuse your pet.

Setting Inconsistent Rules

While setting rules is an important part of helping your dog adjust to your home, you also want to make sure you follow through with the rules consistently. Every member of your home should know the rules and should enforce the rules. Do not allow yourself or others in your home to be inconsistent. Your dog will test the boundaries, particularly when you first bring your pet home. Inconsistent enforcement of your rules will lead to your pet ignoring the rules, or getting confused about the rules. Follow through with any rules you set for your dog.

Using Dangerous Household Cleaners

Household cleaning products are a concern when you bring a dog into your home. The concern relates to the risks to your pet’s health because he or she may lick the floors or the cleaning product when you are not looking. You do not want to use dangerous household cleaning products, since it may cause harm to your pet’s health. A solution is using a biodegradable and environmentally friendly option that is safe for pets, like Fizzion’s Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator. The product is safe for your pets and helps with accidents that may happen when you first bring a pet home.

New dog owners have a variety of expectations for their pets. The challenge is addressing the potential mistakes before it causes problems for you and your family. By taking measures to set clear rules and to keep your pet safe from harm, you will be able to enjoy the changes a dog brings into your family and your life.