6 Things Dog Owners Do That Unintentionally Breaks Their Dog’s Heart

sad pug

While you think you might be doing your doggy a favor, you might actually be spoiling him and confusing the heck out of him! Find out what you're unintentionally doing to break your pup's heart! Don't fret! There are ways you can help our your pooch instead.

1. Bribery

Does your dog only listen if you have a treat in your hand? Do you keep your hand in the treat pouch during a training session or move towards the cookie jar before you issue your dog a command? If you answered “yes,” you are one of many hoomans guilty of bribing your dog. Many people begin training a behavior by luring their dog into position. Using a lure is okay in the initial stages of training a command, however, there is a fine line between a lure and a bribe, so it’s important to phase out the lure as soon as possible.

2. Playing Fast And Loose With Leash Rules

Pulling on the leash is inherently rewarding for dogs. Why? Because it gets them where they are going. Don’t allow your dog to strain the leash and drag you from place to place. If your dog is pulling, make like a tree and stand still. Once the leash relaxes and your dog is looking at you, continue your walk.

Another option is to turn around and walk the opposite direction. Don’t forget to mark and reward your dog when they’re walking politely on the leash. A dog that walks at the side and offers eye contact is a dog that deserves a reward!

3. Jump Around

Do not allow your dog to jump on guests, period. Even if you have a friend that insists “Oh it’s okay! I’m a dog person!” don’t allow your dog to jump up and greet them. Your pup doesn’t know the difference between a twenty-year-old who is a “dog person” and seventy-five-year-old Grandpa who just had a hip replacement.

If you have a dog that jumps, warn your guest before they come over.

4. Giving In To Their Begging

Those big eyes peering at you from under the table can be pretty hard to ignore. It can be especially hard when you find a warm, fuzzy face in your lap. Do yourself, and your guest, a favor and never feed your dog from the table. You are wrong if you think your pet won’t remember you giving them that piece of steak fat during last night’s dinner. It only takes one time!

Not feeding your pet from the table doesn’t mean your pup can’t enjoy some healthy human scraps every now and then—it simply means that your pup doesn’t get to enjoy them at the table or while you are eating.

5. “GO TO YOUR ROOM!”

So, your dog is less than eager to spend time in their kennel… well, how many times have you used the kennel as a form of punishment? The kennel should be a comfortable place that your dog is eager to visit. The kennel is that magical place where your pup eats their dinner or gets a peanut butter-stuffed Kong. Never use the kennel as a form of punishment!

6. Play Is Important

Dogs need an outlet for their energy. If you aren’t providing one, your dog will provide one for himself and, odds are, you won’t like whatever they choose. Make sure you are giving your dog plenty of exercise. A large majority of dog-related problems can be attributed to your dog not getting enough stimulation or exercise. If your dog is running around the house and has a bad case of the zoomies, it’s time to take them out to play.

Now that you know how you've been unknowingly spoiling your pooch, he'll be a better doggy! No more broken hearts here!

For more information on doggy training tips, check out BarkPost.



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