6 Things You’re Definitely Doing Wrong With Your Dog (And How To Fix Them)

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Sometimes, even with the purest intentions, we might unknowingly do things that could harm our pups. That’s why it’s crucial to educate ourselves on the big no-nos when it comes to caring for our canine buddies.

In this article, we’ll dive into the things you should absolutely steer clear of doing to your dog.

From physical mistreatment to dietary disasters, we’ll cover the mistakes that could compromise your pup’s well-being.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Physical Mistreatment

Alright, let’s tackle one of the most critical aspects of responsible dog ownership – avoiding physical mistreatment.

I know we all love our pups to the moon and back, but sometimes, emotions can run high, and we might be tempted to resort to actions that could harm our furry friends.

Trust me, I’ve been there, but it’s essential to nip those urges in the bud.

First and foremost, let’s get one thing straight: hitting, kicking, or physically punishing your dog is an absolute no-go.

Not only is it unethical and inhumane, but it can also severely damage your pup’s trust and create a fearful, aggressive, or traumatized behavior. Positive reinforcement is the way to go, folks!

Speaking of training, using intimidation or force is another big mistake.

Your dog is not a prisoner of war, and training should be a fun, rewarding experience for both of you.

Harsh methods like choke collars or shock collars can cause physical harm and psychological distress, hindering your pup’s progress and damaging your bond.

Lastly, neglecting your dog’s basic needs is a form of mistreatment that should never be overlooked.

Ensuring they have access to food, water, shelter, and exercise is non-negotiable.

Depriving them of these essentials can lead to serious health issues and behavioral problems, not to mention a whole lot of heartbreak for you and your pup.

2. Psychological Mistreatment

While physical mistreatment is blatantly harmful, psychological mistreatment can be just as damaging, albeit in subtler ways.

Just because you’re not laying a hand on your pup doesn’t mean you’re not inflicting emotional distress.

Trust me, dogs are way more perceptive than we give them credit for, and their mental well-being should be a top priority.

Let’s start with the obvious: yelling or screaming at your dog excessively is a big no-no.

Sure, we all lose our cool sometimes, but subjecting your pup to constant verbal abuse can leave them feeling anxious, fearful, and stressed out.

Remember, they don’t understand the context of your angry outbursts; they just know that their beloved human is acting in a terrifying way.

On the flip side, ignoring or isolating your dog for extended periods can be equally traumatic.

Dogs are social creatures that thrive on companionship and attention.

Leaving them alone for too long can lead to separation anxiety, destructive behaviors, and a general sense of loneliness and abandonment. No bueno, my furry friend-loving friends!

And let’s not forget about subjecting your pup to stressful situations.

Whether it’s leaving them in a noisy environment, exposing them to triggers (like loud noises or unfamiliar people), or forcing them into uncomfortable scenarios, these experiences can take a serious toll on their mental health.

Imagine how you’d feel if someone repeatedly put you in situations that made you anxious or afraid – not cool, right?

3. Dietary Mistakes

It might seem like a simple task, but there are quite a few dietary pitfalls that pet parents are often guilty of.

First up, let’s talk about the dangers of feeding your dog human foods that are toxic or unhealthy for them.

I know it’s tempting to share those delicious leftovers, but some of our favorite treats can be downright dangerous for our canine companions.

Chocolate, onions, garlic, and raisins are just a few examples of foods that can cause serious health issues for dogs.

Trust me, you don’t want to be rushing to the vet because Fido gobbled down that chocolate cake.

But it’s not just about avoiding the bad stuff – overfeeding or underfeeding your pup can also lead to problems.

Just like us humans, dogs need a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients to thrive.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which in turn can cause a whole host of health issues, from joint problems to diabetes. On the other hand, underfeeding can stunt their growth and leave them malnourished and lethargic.

And let’s not forget about sudden changes in diet. You may think it’s harmless to switch up your dog’s food, but doing so without a proper transition period can wreak havoc on their digestive system.

Anyway, you might also wanna read our article on dog food comparisons to find the best one for your dog.

4. Grooming Errors

As someone who’s made my fair share of grooming gaffes, trust me, you’ll want to avoid these common pitfalls.

First up, let’s talk about nail trimming. Sure, it might seem like a straightforward process, but cutting those nails too short or unevenly can lead to some seriously painful consequences.

Not only can you accidentally cut into the quick (the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail), but uneven nails can also cause your pup to walk or stand awkwardly, putting unnecessary strain on their joints and paws.

Next, we have bathing blunders. While it’s important to keep our dogs clean, overdoing it with baths or using the wrong products can strip their skin and coat of essential oils, leaving them dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.

And let’s not forget about those oh-so-tempting human shampoos and soaps – while they might smell divine, they can actually be quite harsh and irritating for our canine companions.

But perhaps the most overlooked grooming mistake is good old-fashioned neglect. Failing to brush your dog regularly, clean their ears, or attend to other basic grooming needs can lead to matted fur, infections, and a whole host of other issues.

Imagine how you’d feel if you never brushed your hair or cleaned your ears – not a pretty picture, right?

5. Training Pitfalls

First, let’s talk about the big no-no: using harsh or outdated training methods. I’m talking about choke collars, shock collars, and any other techniques that rely on fear, intimidation, or pain.

Not only are these methods inhumane, but they can also seriously damage your pup’s trust and create a whole host of behavioral issues down the line.

I strongly advocate positive reinforcement methods.

Remember too that consistency is key.

Imagine trying to learn a new language, but your teacher kept changing the rules and expectations every day. It would be frustrating, confusing, and downright impossible to make progress, right?

The same goes for our pups. Inconsistent training or a lack of clear, positive reinforcement can leave them feeling lost and unmotivated.

Lastly, let’s talk about expectations. While our dogs are incredibly intelligent and capable of learning a wide range of skills, it’s important to remember that they’re not human.

Expecting too much from them without proper guidance and patience can lead to frustration for both you and your pup.

Every dog learns at their own pace, and it’s our job to meet them where they are and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

6. Environmental Hazards

Our homes are meant to be safe havens for our beloved pups, but sometimes even the most well-intentioned pet parents can overlook potential environmental hazards.

Let’s start with the obvious culprits: toxic substances.

From cleaning products and medications to pesticides and antifreeze, there are so many seemingly innocuous items lying around our homes that can be downright dangerous if ingested by our furry friends.

You must make sure that these substances are securely stored away and to clean up any spills or leaks immediately.

But it’s not just about the obvious toxins – even the most mundane household items can pose a risk if left within paw’s reach.

Electrical cords, small objects that can be swallowed, and even certain types of plants can all spell trouble for our curious canine companions.

Properly dog-proofing your home is an absolute must, even if it means sacrificing that chic decor aesthetic for a while.

And let’s not forget about the great outdoors! Fresh air and exercise are essential for our pups, but exposing them to extreme weather conditions without proper protection can be downright dangerous.

From heatstroke to frostbite, the elements can take a serious toll on our furry friends if we’re not careful.

In Conclusion: 6 Things You Should Not Do To Your Dog

At the end of the day, it all boils down to one simple truth: our dogs deserve nothing but the very best from us.

They shower us with unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship, and it’s our sacred duty to return the favor by providing them with a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment.

Now, I know that being a pet parent isn’t always easy – there will be moments of frustration, confusion, and even (gasp!) mistakes made along the way.

But that’s okay! What’s important is that we remain committed to learning, growing, and doing better for our furry family members.