There are an infinite number of books, websites and articles out there about dog ownership. You may even find that expert opinions contradict one another, leaving you to feel unsure about how to approach certain things with your new dog, such as potty training. Take a look at which mistakes to avoid:
1. They're not hands-on. They’ll be visiting the veterinarian and maybe seeing a groomer. They need to have their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed, and they will likely need to take pills or other types of medication.
While he’s lying next to you or on your lap as you watch television, handle his paws, grasping them firmly but kindly. Look inside his ears or give them a sniff. Lift up his tail and check out his behind. Stroke his belly and give the groin area a going-over. Lift his lips and look at his teeth.
Start brushing his teeth on day one.
To get him used to taking medication, pinch off bits of Pill Pockets or cheese and give as treats.
2. They don't measure food. Talk to your veterinarian about the best type of food for your dog. Growing large breeds can benefit from diets that permit slow but steady growth, while small dogs tend to need energy-dense foods. In either case, it’s important to measure your dog’s food and give it at specific times rather than free feeding (leaving food out all the time).
4. They don’t take house-training seriously. One of the most common reasons dogs are given up to shelters is for behavior problems. That’s heartbreaking because it’s such a simple problem to prevent. All it takes is scheduling, consistency, praise and rewards. Take your dog out at specific times: first thing after he wakes up, after every meal, after playtime and just before bedtime. During the day, set a timer to go off every two to four hours. Go out with him. If you don’t, he won’t know why he’s out there because you won’t be there to say “Good potty!” when he does his business. Then let him have a little playtime. He won’t want to pee and poop right away if all you’re going to do is drag him back inside once he’s done.
Don’t give a young or new dog the run of the house right away. Keep him where you can watch him. If you can’t watch him, put him in his cozy crate, exercise pen or small dog-proofed room.
5. They don’t give weekly baths. You’ve probably heard that bathing a dog too frequently will dry out his skin. Not so! It actually can be good for him and for you. Weekly baths are good for your dog because they help remove allergens and infectious agents such as yeast and bacteria.
I've had my dog for a few years now and I wish I would have read this article prior to getting him as a puppy. While I was told that playing with his paws would be helpful for grooming and the vet, I didn't know the importance of weekly baths or certain potty training exercises. My Yorkie is stubborn enough so those house-training tips could have allowed my dog to form better habits had I known them when he was little. But we all learn along the way! Help your dog out by trying to avoid these mistakes and you'll spend much more time playing together than you will feel frustrated or concerned!
Article Source: Vet Street
