13 Mistakes We Make With Dogs

Caring for and training dogs inevitably involves treating them as what they are, understanding their codes of behaviour and communication, and respecting them. That's why, in this post, we reveal the 13 mistakes we make with dogs, so you can stop making them, if that's your case.

Even the most experienced owners slip up when it comes to socialisation, training or canine care. So if you're still a bit inexperienced in these matters, don't be discouraged, and take note of what we explain below. You'll discover things that will help you. Let's get started!

13 Common Mistakes When Living With a Dog

These bad practices share a harmful effect on the 5 freedoms of animal welfare, and are linked to poor information, a lack of effort, and trying to humanise pets. Taking in a furry friend at home is an act of responsibility and generosity you should educate yourself about and give your best towards.

1. Neglecting Their Hygiene

Brushing their coat is necessary not just to keep it clean and tangle-free if it's long — it also benefits the quality of their skin. Their eyes, teeth and ears also need regular cleaning to prevent infections. These routines will save you more than one vet visit.

2. Letting Them Eat Any Food

Did you know certain foods are toxic for dogs? Some of them can even be lethal at high doses, so the wisest, healthiest approach is for your pet to only eat food specific to their breed and age. If you'd rather they eat what you cook for them, make sure it contains no salt, onion, garlic, green tomatoes or citrus fruit, among others.

Onion and garlic contain allicin, a substance that can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Its symptoms are jaundice, a change in the colour of the dog's mucous membranes, or gastrointestinal disorders. Chocolate, coffee and tea contain methylxanthine, which can harm their kidneys, as well as their central nervous system.

Salt encourages dehydration and worsens heart and kidney conditions. Grapes, cherries and mushrooms aren't advisable either. Letting them eat human food will make them gain weight. Being overweight or obese shortens their lifespan, making them more prone to heart conditions, diabetes, and joint degeneration.

3. Not Vaccinating Them, or Not Keeping Their Vaccination Schedule Up to Date

It's essential to vaccinate puppies and adults who weren't vaccinated as puppies. Some illnesses, such as distemper and Parvovirus, can end up being fatal for dogs. Once the vaccines are given, in adulthood it'll be the vet who sets out which vaccines to give and how often.

4. Not Deworming Them

This is what completes vaccines for full protection. Parasites, both internal and external, are carriers of multiple illnesses, some of them contagious to humans. Every 3 months you should deworm your pet, although now there are dual-protection, long-lasting pills that make this easier for us.

5. Not Taking Them for Walks or Exercising Them

Physical activity is essential, not just for the dog to keep their muscles strong, but to release stress and stimulate their mind. Physical exercise needs to be adapted to their age and condition, since the requirements will differ, for example, between a puppy and a senior, unwell dog, or one in high temperatures.

In this sense, taking them for walks lets them exercise while exploring, relieving themselves, and socialising. All of these are essential facets for achieving and consolidating every furry friend's wellbeing and balanced character. Generally, although some breeds need less exercise, ideally you'd aim for between 2 and 3 walks a day of around 30 minutes each.

6. Not Stimulating Them Mentally

According to ethologists' view, dogs need to feel they've earned their food. Because of this, providing them with toys or interactive games you can also take part in will help strengthen your bond, and help them overcome challenges, learn, keep their brain active, and feel they deserve their food.

7. Being Away for Long Stretches

A dog shouldn't stay alone for more than 8 hours a day. Some breeds, such as the Pug, the Bobtail or the Maltese, among others, feel that stretch of time with no interaction. To prevent aggressive behaviour, barking or separation anxiety, try to offer them enough toys, suitable for them and to their liking, or a companion.

8. Not Devoting Time to Their Training

Training, carried out using positive reinforcement and started from puppyhood, is the best thing you can do for your best friend. Far beyond strokes and rewards, what your dog expects from you is leadership and rules that make day-to-day life easier for them. This way, living together will be harmonious and your pet will feel grounded.

Don't give in to their whining, or reward them, for example, with sleeping with you if their behaviour hasn't been good. Otherwise, you'll be reinforcing something inappropriate or unwanted, and your dog will repeat it. When out on the street, don't let them pull on the lead — they'll assume they have your approval to bite or growl at whoever they please.

Don't do it either, since you could cause them injuries to the trachea or vision problems. Ultimately, the training your pet receives from you, and the way you carry it out, will give them valuable information that will benefit everyone. Remember that.

9. Not Socialising Them

From the fourth to the twelfth week, the so-called socialisation stage takes place, where puppies are especially receptive to interacting, exploring and trying every kind of experience. Don't waste this period to introduce them to other humans, animals or new situations so they get familiar with these smells, noises and so on.

This way, you'll prevent them developing behavioural disorders in adulthood. Likewise, if you've taken in an already-adult dog, you'll need to socialise them as part of their process of settling into their new home.

10. Leaving Them Alone in the Car

Especially in summer, it's highly dangerous to leave a dog alone in the car. The high temperature the inside of the vehicle can reach can cause them heatstroke. If they don't receive medical attention, this can turn into sunstroke and be fatal. So, minimise the time they need to stay in the car, and always make sure there's ventilation.

11. Resorting to Physical Punishment

As we've already covered, you need to set limits and a hierarchy as part of your dog's training. Even so, you can achieve this without hitting them, shouting at them, or getting angry with them. It'll always be more productive to reward them for what they do well than to scold them for what they haven't learned or do badly.

If you shout at or hit them, their focus will collapse, along with their trust in you. The stress you'll subject them to will set back what they've learned and create an unpleasant precedent for them. It's enough to come close, look them in the eyes, and tell them not to do it again with a firm tone and a serious expression. They'll surely understand you.

12. Exposing Them to Tobacco Smoke

Needless to say, forcing your dog to breathe in tobacco smoke is also harmful for them. In fact, it's been proven it can trigger respiratory conditions such as lung cancer, chronic sinusitis or cardiomyopathy. Don't smoke around them.

13. Not Understanding Canine Language

Sometimes out of ignorance, and other times from trying to humanise pets, we don't pay attention to their body language, and this can harm communication. Our advice is to treat them as what they are, get to know them, and if you have doubts, turn to experts or check specialised publications based on scientific studies.

Ultimately, set aside time daily to be with your dog and stay alert to their reactions, especially if you notice something unusual, so you can visit the vet and rule out any setbacks early on. Enjoy their company, and their loyalty will stay with you unconditionally.