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Dogs do not come with an instruction manual around their necks. Dogs need time, patience, and understanding. Therefore new owners need information to train, and help cope with the difficulties of the newest member of the family.

Common mistakes in raising dogs:

1. Not enrolling with the dog in "obedience school".

In any good school you can expect your dog to learn basiccommands and proper behavior. "Heel!", "Sit!", "Stay", and"Come!" are all examples of these commands. The dog willlearn how to associate with other animals and people. Don'tmake the mistake of sending your dog to obedience schoolalone. If you do, you will have a dog more obedient to theteacher, instead of you.

2. Self-training using improper techniques.

Physical punishment and yelling are not good methods oftraining. The best methods are stimulation and reward forgood behavior. This way the dog will be motivated to carryout commands because it knows it will receive attention andmaybe a yummy treat. For this to work, it is important to bepatient and consistent.

3. Not researching breed characteristics.

When choosing a dog, do not judge by appearance alone. Take some time to do research on several breeds, to findone that will make a good match for you and your family.If you have a small apartment, for example, a large dog maybe a poor choice.

4. Leaving your dog alone in your yard.

Dogs are social animals and naturally live in packs. Spendplenty of time with your dog outside. Play together, makeyour yard a fun place, not a doggie prison! If your dog is notactive enough, is bored, gains weight, gets sick, gets intoall kinds of mischief, barks too much, or bites: It is your jobto understand why it is happening and make it better.

5. Not giving the a dog a place of its own.

Dogs need an area that is only for them. When it gets nervousor scared it will have a place of refuge. Make it a comfortableplace for your dog. It doesn't have to be fancy, just comfortable.Just like people, every living creature has times when it justwants to be left alone to sleep or relax

6. Letting the dog think it is in charge.

The leader in your house is you, not the dog! Your dog will receive food and attention when you decide. Not whenever itwants. Your dog must earn its rewards, they are not a gift.

7. Making 'goodbye' a big event.

Do not make a big deal out of having to leave the house. Thisis not the time to lavish extra attention on your dog. It will onlybe aggravated after you leave. A good idea is to leave your dogwith fresh food and water, and maybe a toy.

8. Feeding your dog 'people' food.

Constantly feeding a dog table scraps can be very unhealthyfor dogs. They are not recycle bins! There are many verygood dog foods available - buy those for your pet. People donot eat dog food, why should it be the other way around?

9. Having unrealistic expectations.

Though at times it may seem like it, dogs are not human. Dogsneed logical and consistent training to live well with people. Theydo not understand when you explain to them 'why'. When yourdog misbehaves a simple "Don't!" or "No!" is enough and suitable.

Avoiding these mistakes will assure you and your dog live a longand happy life together.

Resource box:

Dencho Denchev is a dog lover from Bulgaria. He offers the highestquality pet care products available. Rest easy knowing your specialfriend will be taken care of. (Don't forget yourself too!)When you visithttp://www.ddenchev.com/pets/dogs.htm