Five Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make

English: Artois Puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You've researched the different dog breeds to find the best one for you and your family, you've taken the time to find out whether the breeder you chose is ethical, and now you're finally bringing that precious new bundle of joy home. The hard part is over, right? Actually, there are several mistakes that many new puppy owners make that can really turn this joyful time into a frustrating and worrying experience. Avoid these new dog owner mistakes to be sure you and your puppy are off to a great start:

1. Potty training your puppy indoors and then expecting him to automatically go outdoors when he is older. Those nifty potty training pads look an awful lot like nice, plushy rugs to your puppy and he may opt to use your rugs as a toilet spot after you do away with the pads.

2. Giving in to his sad whimpers and tucking him in your bed for the first few nights and then expecting him to sleep on his own in a few days without crying. He'll just cry louder and longer once he knows what he is missing.

3. Letting your guilty feelings overwhelm you so that you don't crate train him. Crate training helps keep your puppy safe, since he can't get into dangerous things when you aren't watching him if he's crated. Also, he actually feels more secure when he is crated while no one else is home.

4. Taking your puppy with you when you go out, especially if you are going to a park or pet store. Puppies should be finished with immunizations before they go on outings. Their immune systems are often not fully developed when they are young and they are more susceptible to some of the deadliest dog diseases. 

5. Letting your puppy do things that are cute in puppies and not at all cute in full size dogs, such as jumping up on guests. It is easier to curb these behaviors right away than it is to break your adult dog of bad habits.

Tips on Choosing a Dog

English: A black Labradoodle puppy only a few days of age. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You have made the decision to include a dog in your life. You understand the commitment and are ready to give the time, money and energy necessary to make it work for you and your future pet. Since you have already made this decision, it's time to choose the type of dog. Do you want your dog to be big or small; male or female; a puppy or an older dog? These are just a few factors you should consider. Other factors include what are your needs in a pet and what kind of lifestyle do you have. Are you getting a dog for companionship or for a specific reason? Some acquire dogs for hunting, for guarding their homes or as a playmate and teaching responsibility to children. If you know the specific reason why you want a dog, it will narrow down the choices of breeds since every breed of dog has a specific use.

What is the activity level of your family? Are you always on the go or do you mostly stay home ? You don't want a dog that is very hyperactive if you prefer quiet evenings at home. If you are the type that likes the great outdoors, then a dog that prefers indoors in the air conditioning or by the heater probably isn't a good choice. Make sure the personality of the dog meets the requirements of your lifestyle.

How much room is available for your future pet? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a yard? If you have a good-sized yard then accommodating any size or breed of dog shouldn't be an issue. However, if you only have a very small yard or live in an apartment make sure to consider this when making your decision. Since a dog that likes to run a lot may not be happy if there isn't enough space.

Determine how much grooming you are willing to do. Dogs with long hair need more attention to grooming. Their hair can get matted when they are outside in tall grass or weeds. They require frequent trimming and baths to keep their coats healthy. Daily brushing is also necessary for a healthy coat. Short hair dogs are easier to care for. Trimmings are infrequent if needed at all. Brushing and baths are on an as needed basis instead of a near-daily requirement. Shedding occurs for every breed but some types of dogs only shed a couple times a year where others shed year round.

Do you want a puppy or an older dog? The disadvantage to getting a puppy is that it's nearly impossible to tell what its personality will be like later. Training includes housebreaking, using a leash, teaching verbal commands, not biting or chewing on furniture and more. Puppies take a lot of time to teach and train during their first year of life. Being able to teach and train your puppy to your specifications can be an advantage also if you're willing to spend the time it takes. Older dogs may or may not be trained easily depending on whether they've ever had training before. Some might be housebroken which is an advantage as is them not chewing on everything. Also with an older dog, you will be able to determine its personality and whether they will be calm or rowdy.

All it takes is a little time and some research to decide what kind of dog will work for your family. Hopefully the breed of dog you decide on will bring many good years of friendship.