20 Mistakes nearly every dog owner makes with their pup

Most dog owners genuinely want the best for their furry companions—but even with good intentions, simple missteps can happen. Raising a happy, healthy dog takes more than love; it requires knowledge, consistency, and thoughtful care.

Common errors like neglecting daily exercise, feeding an imbalanced diet, or mishandling grooming routines can lead to physical problems and behavioral challenges. Avoiding these everyday pitfalls is key to giving your dog the safe and fulfilling life they deserve.

Dogs Need To Go To The Vet

Even if your dog appears to be in great shape, regular checkups with the vet are crucial. Veterinarians are skilled at detecting early signs of illness that might go unnoticed by pet owners. They also administer vital vaccines and preventive treatments that help ward off serious health problems before they arise.

It’s not uncommon for some owners to avoid vet visits unless something seems wrong—especially if their dog gets nervous or upset. However, routine visits play a key role in long-term health. If cost is a concern, consider exploring budget-friendly vet clinics or investing in pet insurance to make ongoing care more affordable.

Why Owners Should Consider Adoption

Choosing between buying a dog and adopting one is one of the most debated topics in the pet world. While both sides have their supporters, it’s worth exploring why adoption is such a meaningful option. Countless dogs in shelters and foster homes are waiting for someone to give them a second chance at life.

Some people may lean toward breeders in hopes of getting a brand-new puppy, but visiting a shelter might change their perspective—dogs of all ages can make wonderful companions. Plus, adopting not only gives one dog a loving home, but also frees up space for another animal in need.

Know Which Foods Are Safe For Your Dog

It’s common sense that feeding your dog a balanced, nutritious diet plays a major role in their overall well-being. Since the right food or supplements depend on factors like breed, age, and size, it’s wise to consult a veterinarian before making any decisions.

Though certain human foods are safe for dogs—like blueberries, eggs, and plain white rice—many others can be harmful. Ingredients such as chocolate, avocados, and onions can trigger serious digestive problems and, in some cases, may even be life-threatening.

Don’t Just Go Off The Cuteness Factor

Choosing a dog based purely on appearance can be risky. Each dog has its own personality and specific needs that may not align with what an owner can realistically offer. For instance, a person who prefers a laid-back lifestyle might struggle to care for a high-energy, large breed that requires lots of exercise and attention.

This mismatch sometimes leads to dogs being returned to shelters, which is often very distressing for the animals. Anyone considering adoption should thoroughly research and carefully match a dog’s temperament and needs to their own lifestyle to ensure a happy, lasting relationship.

Accept Their Personality Changes

Many dog owners might not realize that a dog’s personality can evolve over time. A pup that was once playful and outgoing may grow into a more anxious or shy adult who prefers to keep to themselves. If your dog’s behavior shifts for the worse, it’s important not to place blame on them.

Changing a dog’s core personality overnight isn’t realistic, and sometimes their temperament simply can’t be reshaped into something it’s not. The best approach is to be patient, observe these changes, and consult a professional trainer or behaviorist to see if any negative behaviors can be managed or improved.

Do Not Leave Your Dog In The Car

Dogs should never be left alone in a vehicle, particularly with the windows closed. Furbo reports that over half of U.S. states have laws against leaving pets unattended in parked cars, with violators potentially facing animal cruelty charges.

Extreme temperatures inside a car—whether hot or cold—can quickly become dangerous for dogs, sometimes even leading to fatal outcomes. Animal safety experts advise contacting animal control if the dog appears safe, or calling 911 immediately if the animal seems to be in distress.

Dogs Are Social Creatures, So They Need To Be Treated As Such

The sooner dogs are introduced to social situations, the better their chances of adapting well. It’s crucial to understand that not all dogs are naturally friendly with others, even if they’re perfectly fine around their human companions. Gradually exposing them to a variety of dogs and people during their early development can help reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues.

While older dogs can sometimes improve their social skills, they often experience anxiety or show aggression when encountering new people or animals. Ongoing socialization throughout their lives is key to maintaining positive behavior.

Don’t Be Afraid To Say “No”

A dog’s adorable nature can sometimes make it hard for owners to enforce discipline. However, praise alone isn’t enough—dogs need clear guidance to understand acceptable behavior. They respond best to consistent boundaries, since they don’t grasp the complexities of nuanced rules.

It’s important for owners to establish control early on by teaching basic manners, like avoiding biting, pulling on the leash, or excessive barking. Once these boundaries are set and understood, it strengthens the relationship between dog and owner.

Keep Everything Consistent

Owners should be ready to set clear, consistent rules during training—ones their dogs can follow for life. Once those rules are learned, it’s essential to stick with them, as changing things up can lead to confusion and reverse progress.

Take jumping, for instance: if a dog is taught not to jump on people or furniture but someone else encourages it, the dog may revert to that behavior where it was rewarded. That’s why it helps for owners to communicate their dog’s boundaries with friends, family, and anyone interacting with the pet.

Why Dogs Shouldn’t Always Be Outside

Most dogs love heading outdoors for walks or playtime, but there should be limits on how long they stay outside. It’s important for owners to avoid keeping their dogs outdoors for extended periods for several key reasons.

Too much sun exposure can lead to dehydration, while cold or wet weather can leave dogs feeling miserable. One helpful solution is installing a dog door, allowing your pet the freedom to come and go as they please, depending on the weather and their comfort.

Going On Walks Should Be A Priority

Just like people, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. How much activity they need depends on their breed, age, and weight. Taking your dog on daily walks helps them burn off energy, which can reduce boredom, anxiety, and hyperactivity. It’s also a great way to help dogs that are overweight slim down.

Canine behavior consultant Anthony Newman points out that dogs who miss out on daily walks don’t have a proper outlet for their mental, physical, and social energy. Plus, regular walks aren’t just good for your dog—they’re a great way for you to stay active, too.

Owners Aren’t Finding Their Lost Dogs Because Of This

Anyone who adopts a dog should make microchipping a top priority. Every year, millions of pets go missing, and a microchip is one of the most reliable ways to help bring them home. The chip is inserted just under the skin and carries a unique ID number that links to the owner’s contact details.

However, some owners make the mistake of not registering the chip after it’s implanted. Without registration, the chip can’t help identify the dog. Some registries charge a fee, which can discourage people from completing the process—but it’s worth it for your pet’s safety. It’s also important to keep your contact info up to date in case you move or change phone numbers.

How To Budget Your Dog Expenses

The cost of owning a dog can add up very fast, so it’s crucial to budget all of your dog expenses. These can include food, toys, veterinary care, training classes, pet sitters, and supplies. Before adopting a dog make sure it’s realistically within your means and be prepared to spend about $1,500 to $10,000 per year.

In order to get the best bang for your buck look for ways to budget. This can be done in several ways including using coupons, waiting for sales, or giving up luxuries such as vacations and eating out.

Make Sure Dogs Stay Hydrated

Dogs need plenty of water every day to stay hydrated. Owners should always be checking their dogs’ water bowls and refilling them when they get low. The water bowls should be placed in an accessible location, so dogs can keep drinking throughout the day.

It’s especially important to make sure that dogs are drinking more water on hot days and after exercise. Tractive found that dogs are at a greater risk of dehydration than humans because they release heat from their bodies at a much slower pace from a lack of sweat glands.

Beware Of Your Flower Arrangements

It’s only natural that dogs will get into something they aren’t supposed to around the house. In order to prevent this from happening it’s best to put anything that can harm them in hard to reach places. One of the main culprits is flowers.

Several species of flowers such as lilies, chrysanthemums, and tulips are toxic to dogs and give them horrible side effects. If dogs consume them it can lead to stomach pains and sometimes end their lives. Other toxic plant varieties include spinach, shamrocks, sago palm, hibiscus, eucalyptus, aloe, and chamomile.

Try Not To Push Them Over The Edge

There’s a limit to how much external stimuli dogs can handle and they will let you know when they’ve had enough. Owners need to pay attention to signs their dogs may show if they are scared and take care of the situation accordingly. This means not pushing them over the edge if they aren’t ready.

Instances where this may occur are through training, being around new people or animals, or going for a ride in the car. If the situation is not handled correctly it can cause them to act out either by being aggressive or running away in fear.

Dogs Will Most Likely Need This Medical Procedure

The medical procedure that almost all dogs need to undergo is being spayed or neutered. The ASPCA lists several reasons why this needs to be done. It can lower the homeless dog population for both genders. Spaying for female dogs can prevent uterine infections, breast tumors, and heat (cycles for mating).

Neutering for males can prevent testicular cancer, prostate problems, and help with behavioral issues. In hindsight, the cost of this medical procedure would be far less than dealing with one of the outcomes of not spaying or neutering.

Wait Until Your Dog Is Older To Bring Them Out In Public

When puppies are newborn to about eight weeks, they are at an increased risk of several diseases. They lack a fully functioning immune system and are not old enough to be given vaccines. Owners should not bring their dogs to public places or around new animals or people because the puppies could get very sick.

Once they reach the age where they can receive vaccinations, owners can slowly bring their dogs to places such as the dog park, groomers, or a friend’s house. Always keep an eye on a new puppy because their behavior can be unpredictable.

Keep Up With Their Grooming

There are plenty of good reasons to keep your dog well-groomed. Without regular baths, dogs can start to smell unpleasant over time. Brushing and grooming also help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy. But grooming isn’t just the job of a professional—owners need to take part in their dog’s hygiene too.

One of the most important tasks is trimming your dog’s nails. If they get too long, they can scratch people or surfaces and may even lead to painful fungal infections. Don’t forget about their ears, either—cleaning them regularly helps prevent wax buildup and potential infections.

Their Dental Hygiene Needs Lots Of Attention

One important part of caring for a dog that often gets overlooked is dental hygiene. Just like humans, dogs need their teeth brushed regularly to remove plaque, fight bad breath, and prevent gum disease. While some owners rely on dental treats, these shouldn’t be used as a substitute for brushing.

Dental chews can be a helpful supplement, but they don’t clean nearly as well as a proper brushing routine. To make the process easier, try using a toothbrush made specifically for dogs (like the one pictured), and choose a calm, quiet spot where your dog feels relaxed during cleaning time.