So you have decided to add a dog to your family, but before this, you have to know some common parenting mistakes and try to avoid them.

Parenting a dog is similar to a child. In both cases, our minor mistakes significantly affect us in the long run. So it's better to overlook the parenting mistakes and remove the bad practices. Further, as a puppy parent, one of the best things you can do is turn him into a good and well-mannered citizen. Knowing the best and doing right at the right time can save you from big troubles.

There are several dog parenting mistakes that new pet parents make when they get a new puppy. Here are we discussing those mistakes and tips for preventing them.

#1- Developing Car Fears

If you take your puppy to the only vet in a car for shots, this will unknowingly develop the car fear. Try to scrape out this fear early on. Take your dog in places other than the vet in the car. Like go for the fun in the park or take him to another dog's place. It will remove car fears from your dog.

#2- Not Deciding Family Rules for Training

One of the biggest mistakes then dog owners make while parenting is not deciding the family rules. For the first day, all the family set up rules and remains consistent with them, like if you give the command of "stay" to your dog by the outward-facing palm, then all family members should adopt the same gesture. Likewise, for all the commands such as "sit," "quiet," "down," the gesture used should remain the same every time.

#3- Hitting the Dog

Most of the pet parents punish their dogs for doing wrong. This behavior is highly condemned as it badly affects your relationship with your dog. It engraves the feeling of insecurities and fear in the dog, which usually results in the aggressiveness in them. So the positive approach is to ignore the mistakes and deal them wisely. If your puppy listens to you and doesn't make a mistake in the future, then reward him with a treat. Remember that bullies hit both humans and pets, so avoid them.

#4- Leaving the Dog Alone for a Long Time

Dogs are social animals; they love to be around humans and other dogs. But leaving them alone outside the house for an extended period can negatively impact them. They can suffer from health issues due to heat and cold outside. Moreover, they can also have destructive behavioral changes that negatively impact their relationship with the host. Don't leave on your dog for a long time, and if you want him to go out, keep an eye on him.

#5- Avoiding Regular Visits to The Veterinarian

You want your pet to be medically fit and healthy. Right? Then don't ignore the minor ailments and schedule the regular visit to the veterinarian. These checkups will prevent you from getting into big trouble in terms of the health of your puppy. If you notice any changes in his energy level or eating habits, take him to the hospital immediately. All this will keep your pet fit and healthy.

Remember:

• Before making any small changes in your dog's care routine, consult the veterinarian or qualified pet professional.
• Have a plan to deal with emergencies and keep the phone number of your pet's doctor.

#6- Ignoring the Toenails and Paws

Many dogs don't like that someone touches their nails or paws. So make a habit of your dog touch or brush their paws and nails from an early age. Trim the nails of dogs regularly because they may grow too long and make it difficult for them to walk. The dogs' nails with dewclaws grow in the circle and tend to move into the dogs' leg.

After coming from the walk, check the paws of your dog and remove the debris and rocks to prevent injury.

#7- Not Spending Time with Them

Dogs demand a large amount of your time and energy. So before adopting a puppy, make sure that you can fulfill all their need and give them quality time. Especially the first few weeks are critical because that is the time of building the bond and developing a rhythm with your new family member. If you don't pay attention to him, you will explore changes in their behavior and health. So it's good to establish a relationship of trust.

#8- Not Getting Enough Exercise

According to a study in every four dogs, one is obese or suffering from other health issues. The main reason for the lethargy, behavioral changes, and canine obesity in dogs is inadequate exercise and insufficient physical activity. A dog generally doesn't exercise when he is bored or frustrated. Therefore, access to your dog's needs and involve him in the activities based on his age, size, and health.

Tip: Walking is not only enough for your dog. Let them do exercise or other activity for at least 30 minutes every day.

#9- Do Not Train and Socialize the Dog Properly

If you want a well-mannered and well-adjusted dog, then focus on its training and socialization. It is good to socialize a dog at an early age, i.e., between 2 to 4 months. Exposing a puppy to a different environment will make him unresponsive to unusual smells and sights. Contrary to this, an antisocial dog is reactive to minor things like running away with only the sound of a car or a trolley in the shopping mall.   

#10- Feeding a Dog Inadequately

Underfeeding or over-feeding a dog harms his health. Although dogs love food and most often ask for the treats, their health doesn't feed them if they don't need it.

The quality of the food and the ingredients also matters as a poor diet can lead to skin issues and cancer in your dog. So before purchasing a dog's food, read the label properly or consult with the vet.

Bottom Line
The parenting style of being uninvolved and permissive has a possible negative impact on your dog. If you avoid these parenting mistakes, you will continue to get a better and healthier relationship with your canine companion.