We love our dogs, but sometimes the things that we do are upsetting for our dogs without meaning to. None of us can be perfect with how we care for and interact with our dogs, but each day we can set a goal to be more intentional with how we interact with them to help keep them safe and happy. Here are some things you should stop doing as a dog owner.
1. Stop being inconsistent – Dogs thrive on consistency and need clarification when the rules or expectations are constantly shifting and changing. With your training and with your life with your dog, do your best to be as consistent as possible with how you train and your expectations for your dog’s behavior. This will help your dog to be more successful with knowing how to behave.
2 Stop letting your dog approach dogs – Even if you have a very social dog who has never met a dog they don’t like, your dog doesn’t need to say hello to other dogs. Greeting on a leash is uncomfortable for dogs and can lead to fights and other conflicts. You have no way of knowing if another dog is friendly, ill, or just not in the mood to be approached. Allowing your dog to approach other dogs is rude and can make other dogs very uncomfortable.
3. Stop making your dog “say hi” to people – Many people love to greet dogs, but your dog isn’t public property. If you’re out walking and someone asks to say hello to your dog, it’s ok to say no. Pressuring your dog to greet friends, family members, or strangers isn’t an excellent way to socialize your dog, regardless of their age. Pushing your dog to greet people when they are nervous or uncomfortable can negatively impact your dog’s feelings about people moving forward.
4. Stop forcing walks – We’ve been told that dogs need walks, but it’s ok to say “not today” when it comes to walks. If your dog dislikes going out walking, it’s ok to find other ways to provide physical exercise and limit how often you go out walking. Similarly, suppose the weather is terrible outside. In that case, it’s ok to stay inside, plan to walk another day and provide your dog with physical and mental enrichment in other ways, like practicing tricks or playing hide-and-seek games.
5. Stop ignoring body language – One of the primary ways dogs communicate is through body language. Unfortunately, many dog owners don’t realize how vital the subtleties of body language are. Ignoring your dog’s body language can mean you accidentally push your dog into situations where they are uncomfortable.
6. Stop using retractable leashes- Although they are a popular option in pet stores, from a dog training perspective, it’s best to break your habit with retractable leashes. These leashes can easily malfunction, making it difficult for you to get your dog closer to you if you need to. The cord from retractable leashes can also lead to a rope burn if the handler were to reach out and grab it. Retractable leashes are particularly dangerous in busy urban environments as they can allow your dog to go around a corner or get further away than you realize. This can lead to your dog getting into a dangerous situation with another dog who might not be friendly or a moving vehicle.
7. Stop unscientific training – Dogs thrive when given the opportunities to learn new things, and training is essential, however, it’s important to use positive reinforcement training methodologies. These are training approaches rooted in the latest science on learning. Unfortunately, there are old myths about dogs and dog training, including dominance and alpha theories. These have been disproven and shown to be harmful to your dog’s ability to learn and your relationship with your dog.
8. Stop trying to change who your dog is -Dogs aren’t stuffed animals and will do doggy things like barking, digging, and jumping, and that’s ok! Try to celebrate who your dog is instead of always trying to change their behavior. It can be easy to see pictures of dogs on social media and compare your dog to those dogs. Remember, the perfect photos and short videos you see of dogs online are just part of who those dogs are. Don’t try to make your dog into something they aren’t.
9. Stop rushing your dog – When you are out walking with your dog, stop always hurrying your dog along. Dogs explore the world through smell, and it’s important to let them have an opportunity to sniff and explore. Sniffing can help your dog to better understand the world around them and can reduce stress. Instead of rushing your dog along, plan a little extra time on your walk to let your dog explore.
