What is the biggest mistake pet owners make?

Question

What, in your opinion, is the biggest mistake dog owners make with their animals? Over-humanizing them? Lack of training? No breed research? I know all of these things are factors, but does one outweigh the others?

Qarmell,
Interesting, but dogs are not wild animals....they are domesticated animals.

pebblesqt,
I'm a pittie owner too, and I know how important proper socialization is. Unfortunately, for a lot of people, pits are not dogs.....they are status symbols, so socialization falls by the wayside.

Mutt Mommy,
Great answer!

Answer 1

There are a lot of mistakes made by pet owners but I think there is one overriding problem that causes all of them = failure to properly research the animal beforehand, including its temperament, needs, cost etc.

This mistake leads to impulse buying, getting an inappropriate species or breed, lack of or improper training, poor diet and care, animals being dumped because owners get bored/found out it cost too much etc.

If people actually put some thought into it and made their decision based on knowledge and facts, there would be a lot fewer animals (and humans) suffering for it.

Answer 2

Breed research is at the top of my list! People just buy a dog and have no clue what they are getting into. This happens way too much with my breed, Border Collies. They want a smart dog and that smart is what causes them to not make a good family pet for a home that doesn't bother with training. Then they end up surrendered. If only people would research first.

But I also think that training goes hand in hand with breed research... it's a very close second. Anyone can manage a variety of breeds IF they are committed to proper training of their dog, or give a job to a working breed. A job can be as simple as daily advanced obedience training even. If people trained their dogs to be well mannered pets, I am sure there would be less issues of people wanting to get rid of "out of control" dogs.

Answer 3

great question a star for you! ok all of them i think but the main thing in my opinion is training and socialization! I am an american pitbull owner, they are being banned in many states because of their owners. People want a dog to protect them, and train them to be mean! For what, its only going to hurt them in the end, paying for what that dog did to someone or something!! If a dog is raised in a sweet loving home they will grow up to be a sweet dog but if anything was to happen to you or your family im sure your dog would do something. Theres people out there dont do there homework and think its going to be easy raising a puppy, get a stuffed animal really! They are social animal who need to have human contact, not just when you feed them. I give credit to everyone who loves and takes good care of there animals!!

Answer 4

The biggest mistake that pet owners make IMHO is that they allow that cute little puppy to steal their hearts and they do not think about what that puppy will look like in a year. Everyone wants a puppy, but they need to remember that puppies grow up. Our shelters and rescues are full of dogs that come from this type of situation. Loved and adored as puppies...neglected and abandoned as dogs. In addition to this is the bad habit of parents buying their kids a puppy. They need to remember that most kids will not be the ones caring for the dog. If you do not want to care for and love a dog, then don't buy one for your kids.
Never ever buy a pet for a Christmas or other holiday. If you watch the shelters then you will notice a very large increase in abandoned and neglected dogs shortly after the holidays. That cute puppy with the pretty christmas bow on his head has grown up and isn't so cute anymore.
A puppy can be a great friend and will grow up to be a wonderful companion, but it is a lifetime commitment. It is not something to be loved today and replaced tomorrow.

Answer 5

There are several that tie for top mistake with me.
1) Getting a "bada@@" dog to make up for certain lacking personal traits.
2) Not researching the breed and requirements of owning a dog.
3) Buying into the advertising scam for dog food.

Answer 6

The currently mythology surrounding pack hierarchy contributes to owners assuming that any behavioral challenges they face can be fixed by showing they are alpha, or pack leader. The biggest mistake owners make is not creating a positive, trusting relationship with their dogs from the minute they get them. And not really understanding how dogs learn so they ask questions on this board where most of what they are told is rubbish and dangerous. just IMHO

www.fearfuldogs.com

Answer 7

Not preparing for a dog's *lifetime* of needs. Including training, feeding, vet bills, toys and other incidentals, etc. And time! Dogs need companionship and training, not to be dumped in a yard or crate when it's not convenient to have a dog at the time. I suppose this is lack of research of having a dog in general.

People see a puppy and think "how cute"! not "there's a living creature that's 15-20 years of love and companionship I'd be responsible for". I hate to think about how many pets I know that have been put down or taken to a shelter because "we just can't afford __insert treatment or other need here__ right now".

Dogs live 15-20 years if you take care of them. People rarely plan for that kind of long haul. Especially the later years when vet bills become more prevalent. And if they didn't do breed research and a common breed-related illness crops up, I have seen so many put down instead of treated.

I swore when I got my puppy money would NEVER be the reason I couldn't save her.

Answer 8

Definitely feeding them people food. Sure, it doesn't effect them right away, but after a matter of years or sometimes months, it becomes very unhealthy for them. My dog is a chow/black lab mix and he's about seven years old. My cousin used to own him and fed him ALL of his scraps. Not only will it make them over weight, but like in my dogs case.. they could get even more serious health problems. My dog developed seizures from it. It's terrifying. His bales release and he just starts shaking and he can't move or make a noise. It's sad. It doesn't always happen to dogs. I know some who have eaten people food their whole lives and nothing but and they were fine, but it obviously really effects some dogs.

Answer 9

No breed research so they don't understand what the dog actually needs to be a well behaved animal. Some dogs are naturally hyper and some are naturally calmer. Lack of time to actually spend with the dog is a second biggest mistake.

Answer 10

A lot of people just go out and get an animal on a whim. They have no idea what it takes to take care of the animal or what it's basic needs are. After bringing the animal home THEN they do some research and realize that it wasn't what they bargained for. Then the animal gets dumped at a shelter.