Dogs: 5 fatal mistakes many owners make unconsciously – expert warns – nature – Insurance for Pets

If you keep a dog yourself, you will quickly notice that cuddling and throwing sticks is not enough. In everyday life, owners can make many mistakes that can cause great damage to their « best friend ». A pet expert explains which traps dog owners should arm themselves against.

1. The alpha male trap for dog owners

Many owners think that they have to be particularly authoritarian towards dogs in order to train them. Moira Gerlach, consultant for pets at the German Animal Welfare Association, takes a critical view of this: « It is an outdated view that humans have to be the ‘alpha animal’ to dogs and that they even physically assert them if necessary. » In her opinion, it could even lead to a stressful human-dog relationship.

2. The food trap can be dangerous for dogs

Goodies that are harmless to humans can be very dangerous for dogs. According to Gerlach, this includes chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, avocados, onions and garlic. They can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, and diarrhea.

In addition, you should always pay attention to the right amount of regular dog food – no matter how hungry your four-legged friend is. Gerlach explains: « Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems and a shorter life expectancy. »

3. The loo trap in dogs

If the dog is not house-trained, according to the expert, punishments do not help. Instead, she explains, « Instead of hitting the dog, you should take him outside and reward him if he ends his business there. »

According to the expert, puppies are best house-trained by leading them outside at regular intervals – even at night. Initially every two hours, later the intervals can be longer.

4. The puppy protection trap

Gerlach believes that young dogs are under « puppy protection ». How an adult dog reacts to a puppy is very individual. Among other things, it depends on whether the dog actually belongs to the dog group or the pack.

5. The « Petfluencer » trap in dogs

Gerlach strongly advises against « humanizing » animals, putting clothes on them or putting them in situations that trigger feelings of stress or fear in them. Taking supposedly « funny » clips or photos and using the animal as advertising accessories means stress and suffering for the four-legged friend.

You have to consider this with cats

In cats too, similar to dogs, there are certain things to keep in mind. For example, some cat owners tend to rush to feed their pets if they only moan for a short time. The veterinarian warns: « The cat remembers that Maunzen is followed by food. As a result, she will terrorize you in the future whenever she feels like eating ».

In the video you can find out which other traps you can fall into and how you can avoid them.

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