Top 5 Common Mistakes Made by New Pet Parents

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Puppy

It’s happened. You’ve fallen in love. How could you possibly deny those eyes, those kisses in the morning or cuddling on the sofa at night? When it comes to a new pet, though, your new love isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. You are officially a new pet parent and so you have a responsibility to raise your new cuddly companion to be an obedient subservient for the health of the entire household. Prepare yourself and your pet by avoid these five common mistakes.

Impulse Buying

It seemed like such a good idea to go visit the puppies. It didn’t seem like a problem to just glance at the cats. Yet, you never expected to have your heart stolen by a pair of pleading eyes and a paw in your hand. As much as it feel as though this animal needs you to take them home now, it is more important that you take them to a home that is prepared for them. Consider the amount of time you are willing to commit to a new pet, the amount of money, the size of the animal, how old you would like them to be, the temperament you are most comfortable with and the amount of time and energy you can commit to them. All of these questions will help insure that your new pet has a comfortable home in which you can create a foundation for their new life.

Pet Store Purchase

The unfortunate truth of pet stores is, they are a business. The pets they sell are the children of animals who have been subject to constant breeding and abuse. A purchase at a pet store encourages stores to maintain puppy mills and other institutions that mistreat their breeding stock. Instead, visit your local shelter or rescue group where animals in need are looking for good loving pet parents like yourself.

New Pet Parent

Lack of Routine

When you have a brand new pet, it is easy to let their needs take priority in the house. However, when a pet is given free reign of their environment, it is hard to monitor and even harder to discipline them later. Set clear boundaries early so your pet will not only be better behaved, they will also be happier and healthier in the long run due to your well reasoned preparation. Dogs like routines.

Punishment (or Reward)

Setting clear boundaries important, but that is not to say punishment is the way to discipline. Instead of focusing on reprimanding your pet on what they did wrong, try to draw attention to what they did right. Whenever your pet is well behaved, reward that behavior with some extra love and treats. They will be more likely to repeat the good behavior and forget about any negative instincts.

<Also Read Why Positive Reinforcement Training Works>

Its Either The Puppy or The Baby

A lof of new parents believe that once they have brought a new baby into the house, their pet will have to go. With proper planning and preparation, you don’t have to give up one love for another. Reconsider your training. For instance, if you are accustomed to rough housing with your dog, now is the time to train your dog to play gently. Your dog will have new, safe ways to play that accommodate the needs of the baby. Train your pet as if the baby is already in the house so there will be no surprises when a baby arrives.

Love goes a long way in making a happy home for you and for your new pet. Always maintain love, then use these rules as a guide to enjoy your time with your new friend.

Photo Credit:  istockphoto.com

 

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WagBrag’s co-founder, Russ Boles, has a deep history in animal rescue and welfare. For the past 12 years, Russ has served in various roles with Atlanta-based animal advocacy organizations focused on rescue, training and education. In addition, Russ led a local rescue volunteer team into New Orleans immediately after Hurricane Katrina, assisting in efforts to rescue and care for stranded animals. This experience changed his life, and animal rescue and advocacy will always be a part of everything he does.

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