Whether you are brand new to dog ownership or you have been living with furry friends most of your life, there are a few mistakes you might be making that could be causing issues with your animals. Fortunately, by making a few simple changes to your routine and knowing when to kennel your animal, you can protect your pet. Here are three common mistakes dog owners make and how to avoid them. 

New Dog Owner? 3 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Training

If your animal seems well behaved, you might be tempted to skip the formal training in favor of doing things your way. However, training isn’t just about teaching your animal to follow important commands like “sit” and “stay.” It is also about teaching your dog what not to do, such as jump up on visitors when they approach your door. During training, dogs also have the chance to socialize with other animals, making them less likely to cause problems with neighbor’s pets and other animals they may encounter during walks or kennel stays. 

2. Not Encouraging Regular Exercise 

In addition to helping your animal to expend extra energy, exercise is also crucial for keeping your pet healthy and strong. Although every breed of dog has different exercise requirements, you should try to give your animal between 30 minutes and 2 hours a day worth of active time. 

3. Avoiding the Veterinarian

Many new dog owners avoid the veterinarian unless the animal seems ill. However, routine veterinary visits are also an important preventive healthcare measure, since vaccinations, flea checks, and behavior analysis can help veterinarians to identify issues early and resolve problems proactively. How often the dog should get a wellness check depends on age. Puppies up to 4 months of age should go once a month, adults once or twice a year, and seniors (older than 8 years old) more frequently than that.

Keeping your pet safe and healthy should be a top priority, which is why using services like those offered at Evergreen Kennels is so important. In addition to hosting visiting dogs in Churchville, NY, for the past 27 years, this newly remodeled kennel business offers heated floors and a variety of dog runs to keep your animals comfortable and happy while you are away. To find out more about the grooming and kenneling services they offer, visit them online or give them a call at (585) 293-1920.