We all just want what’s best for our dogs, but some owners don’t always have the right information and as a result, they may be doing harm to their pups. Even though some things we do to our dog might seem silly and harmless to a human, those things could be uncomfortable and even potentially dangerous.
In today’s article, we’ll be looking at some of those things.
1. Using Shock Collars
Shock collars have been popular with hunters and dog trainers from the time they were put on the market. The principle is very simple – a dog wears a special collar and if they misbehave, you shock them. Stemming from dominance theory, this should teach the dog to curb bad behavior – and it usually does. But a dog should listen to its owner out of positive reinforcement, not out of fear.
Shock collars are very rarely needed, and they unnecessarily hurt the dog. According to Dr. Bonnie Beaver of Texas A&M, collars can deliver a shock so powerful it “terrorizes” the dog.
You can teach your dog almost anything with love and patience. Violent measures aren’t necessary.
2. Denying Them Socialization Opportunities
Some owners get a dog just to keep their home safe, and aside from feeding them, they don’t spend time with them at all. Like humans, dogs are social animals, and they need to spend time with people or with other dogs.
However, there are owners who don’t understand this principle and their dogs are, simply put – lonely. This can drive a dog to engage in common behavioral problems and even display signs of aggression.
A dog with no experience socializing with people or other dogs will become very reactive, not accepting anyone into its inner circle. It’s best to get your dog to socialize during the first three months after birth.
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, dogs that miss out on socialization are at risk of developing “behavioral problems…including fear, avoidance, and/or aggression.”
3. Keeping Large Dogs in Confined Spaces
Just because we’ve adjusted to living in apartments and smaller spaces doesn’t mean that dogs are okay with doing the same. This is an especially big problem when it comes to large breeds. Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds are the best examples for this entry.
These are some of the most active breeds, and they need plenty of exercise.
Even though you can take them for a walk or a bike ride twice a day, they will still have the energy to run around when they get home. This is where we find ourselves up against the wall, so to speak, as owners.
If you own a large dog (a Rottweiler, for example), they are going to get used to living in confined spaces, and although not in any physical danger, they would be much more comfortable if they had a yard with plenty of space.
4. Not Giving Their Dog Adequate Exercise
Most dog breeds need regular exercise to stay healthy, just like humans. However, given the different physical abilities and levels of energy – not all dogs need the same level of physical effort to stay healthy.
Large breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans need plenty of exercise. It’s necessary to work them out if you want them to stay healthy. Also, they can start acting out if they’re bored.
You can take these dogs on three-hour-long hikes every day and they would not complain.
Not all dogs are like that though. Take the French Bulldog, an immensely popular breed. Overworking this breed can be dangerous.
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning that their respiratory system is anatomically dysfunctional, leading to respiratory issues, obesity, heart failure, and unfortunately – many more conditions. So, because of this, they cannot endure long walks. If you’re an active person, French Bulldogs are not a good choice of pet for you. They have weak bodies that overheat very quickly.
This can lead to heart failure and death. So, while it’s important to exercise your dog regularly, it’s just as important to know your breed.
5. Not Feeding Their Dogs the Right Amount.
The most detrimental thing to a dog’s health is keeping them overfed or underfed. This is actually very similar to how nutrition works with people as well.
Owners often can’t control themselves and they feed their dogs too much, leading to unfathomable levels of obesity. This can cause arthritis, respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, and even death.
On the other hand, underfeeding your dog leaves them vulnerable to illnesses, lethargy, depression, and many unseen conditions.
In the end, even though you mean well – you might be mistreating your dog without even knowing it, so it’s important to know exactly what special attention your dog needs.
