When you bring home a dog or a puppy, many of you are probably thrilled with the idea of having a playmate, a furry companion to snuggle with or a living alarm system to ward off burglars. While there is no denying that having a dog can be fun and exciting, pet owners often make some mistakes that can make their relationship with their pets difficult in the long run.

Avoid these mistakes and you’ll be on your way to having a well-behaved bundle of fur.

Not getting preventive care

Dogs instinctively hide pain and symptoms of illness. Once you notice there’s something wrong with your pet, it might be too late. That said, it is important to bring your dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis to ensure that she is in good shape.

Skimping on exercise

Dogs need more exercise than people do. They have pent up energy that needs to be unleashed through physical activity. That means you have to make time to exercise your dog. You can take her out on a walk, play fetch or go biking with her.

Too much treats

Treats can be very helpful, especially when training your pet. It is often used to reward good behavior. While there is nothing wrong in giving your pet some treats, it should be used sparingly. Treats may lose their training value if they get them for no reason.

Feeding table scraps

You’re pup approaches you while having dinner. She’s watching and drooling over your pot roast. While it can be difficult to resist those big brown eyes, please try to resist the urge to share your dinner with her. If you do, she’ll come to you every time you eat and expect you to feed her. Plus, some human food can be toxic to dogs so you need to be very careful with what you feed your pets.

Inconsistency

Make sure that everyone in your family knows and follows the rules. If you prohibit your dog from lying down on the bed and one of your children lets her stay on the bed, then she’s going to get confused.