Have you ever felt the weight of a thousand disappointed sighs? That could be your pet judging you, silently screaming, “hey hooman…don’t you know any better?”
When it comes to pet care, even our well-meaning efforts that seem really normal, can turn out to be problematic or, at times, even disastrous. In my years of working with pets, I’ve seen even the most devoted owners make some surprising dog training mistakes that can be easily fixed. Let’s find out!
1. Walking dog without leash
Now I know this would raise many eyebrows, and some would equate this to animal cruelty. But believe me, although it seems like a liberating experience, it actually is not. Firstly, it puts both the dog and others in a dangerous situation as unleashed dogs can easily run into traffic, causing accidents.
Furthermore, dogs are animals with natural instincts and behaviour that can be unpredictable, especially when they encounter unfamiliar stimuli or distractions. Even the most obedient dog may chase after a squirrel, react to another dog, or become startled by loud noises, putting themselves and others in harm’s way. Past good behavior doesn’t guarantee future reactions.
Also, leashes show respect for others, especially those who might be scared of dogs or have had negative experiences in the past.
So, leash your dog for safe and considerate walks!
2. Attributing human emotions to animals
Dogs are intelligent creatures with their own complex set of emotions and communication methods, but what we tend to forget is they are very different from humans.
Most of the time, actions like walking a dog unleashed, stems from mistaken beliefs like the pet ‘understands’ traffic. This rather is a perfect example of anthropomorphism in pets or attributing human emotions or thoughts to your dog. If you try to reason with your dog like you would a human, it is absolutely uncalled for, as they DO NOT understand your logic. In fact, this is cruel on the part of your dog as it sets unrealistic expectations for them.
Instead of labelling a disobedient dog as “stubborn,” consider the underlying reasons for their refusal. Are they distracted, lacking motivation, or experiencing physical discomfort, anxiety, fear, or even illness? Examining behavioral aspects is vital instead of resorting to harsh correction.
Unlike us, dogs live in the moment. That “guilt” after chewing your shoes? It’s not guilt, but a reaction to your current displeasure – the firm voice and furrowed brow. So, next time your dog chews something, breathe and consider their perspective. They’re not spiteful – they’re just reacting to their world.
3. Missing out on the critical puppy training window
Now that we know canines don’t grasp human logic the same way we do, you might wonder if training is necessary and if it at all works. Well, the answer is a resounding YES, and that too needs to be well within the critical window of the first 6 months.
Your canine companions learn word associations, not the language itself. In fact, not only are they masters at picking up on cues – your tone of voice, body language; they actually crave communication. Training relies on clear communication and positive reinforcement, not complex reasoning.
Pups, very eager by nature, can start learning as early as 8 weeks old. They’re naturally curious and keen to please, making them receptive to learning commands and desired behaviors. Unfortunately, many pet owners miss this puppy training timeline in their pet’s development, which makes it more challenging to correct their bad habits and socialize them effectively.
Training your pup in his first 6 months would lay the groundwork for a well-behaved and happy canine companion.
4. Taking Puppies out for walks before vaccination
Parents take puppies out for walks or to dog parks even before the pup is given its first vaccination. This is dangerous for the pup as it could get exposed to ticks, fleas, other parasites which can lead to serious infections. Vaccination triggers the immune system to develop defenses against many serious diseases without which puppies are vulnerable. Parvovirus, distemper, and other serious illnesses can be present in the environment on the ground, in puddles, or even on other animals. Even a seemingly clean area could be contaminated as viruses and bacteria can linger on surfaces for extended periods and can cause life-threatening situation. Even though waiting for vaccinations can feel eternal, but following the puppy vaccination rules and staying in a safe environment till then is the safest choice for your puppy’s health.
5. Dogs ingesting human food
Scroll through your feed and you’re bound to see videos of adorable pups gorging on human food. We’ve all witnessed the trend – a Golden Retriever savouring a juicy steak, a German Shephard slurping an ice-candy, a Poodle finishing a plate of french fries. The comments erupt with “awwws” and heart-eye emojis, but such forbidden feasts could be a pet’s dining disaster. These seemingly harmless videos often feature foods that are not safe for canine consumption. Grapes, onions, and chocolate, for example, can cause serious health problems in dogs, even in small amounts.
The problem with these trends is twofold. First, they downplay the potential dangers of certain foods. Viewers might be lulled into thinking it’s okay to share their meals with their furry friends. Second, they create a sense of FOMO for dog owners. If everyone else is giving their pups human treats, some pet parents might feel pressured to follow suit, even if it’s not the healthiest choice.
Conclusion
It’s important to be aware of what’s safe for your pup and to prioritize their health over a cute online trend. Sharing is certainly NOT caring for your furry friend, and by avoiding these common dog training mistakes and care missteps, you can create a happier, healthier, and safer life for your pet. It’s time to ditch these habits, embrace responsible pet ownership, and listen to that voice in your head – it’s probably your pet, silently thanking you!
Feeling overwhelmed as a new pet parent?
Even when you’re trying your best, it’s easy to fall into the trap of worry—especially when your pet acts even slightly “off.”
👉 Read our next blog: A Guide to Calming Your First-Time Pet Parent Anxiety
Discover practical tips and personal insights to calm your nerves and care better for your new pet.
Paromi Roy is a professional dog trainer with a passion for helping pet parents build harmonious relationships with their furry companions. With years of experience and a deep understanding of canine behaviour, she specialises in guiding first-time pet owners through the challenges of raising and training their dogs. When she’s not training dogs, she enjoys sharing her expertise through writing and community workshops.
