Top 5 Misconceptions for New Dog Owners: Avoid These!

Embarking on the journey of dog ownership can be exciting yet challenging, especially for beginners. Here are some common mistakes new dog owners often make, along with a beginner's guide to help you navigate this wonderful experience.

Misconception 1: Dogs Licking Their Plates Because They're Not Full

Newborn puppies live in a world where food is categorized into two categories: delicious and extra delicious. Their daily routine revolves around eating, playing, and sleeping, with mealtime being the most anticipated part of their day.

After two months, puppies need to transition from milk to soft, soaked puppy food, and then to a variety of foods to maintain their nutrition.

It's important to understand that eating is an animal's instinct, and the fear of starvation is deeply ingrained in them. In the wild, animals often struggle to find food daily, so they may overeat to the point of vomiting.

Dogs are no different, but please note: domesticated dogs can overeat without ever experiencing hunger.

For those feeding dry kibble, be extra cautious. When kibble is soaked, it expands, so if you accidentally overfeed, don't give your dog water (dogs will also drink a lot of water after eating dry kibble).

Correct Approach:

Observe Your Dog's Poop: Normal stools should be wellformed, soft yet firm, and a light yellow color. Adjust your dog's diet accordingly if you notice hard, grainy stools or loose, runny stools.

Feel Your Dog's Stomach: A full stomach indicates the right amount of food, a slightly hollow stomach means your dog is still hungry, and a very bloated stomach suggests overfeeding.

Maintain a Slight Hunger: Keeping your dog slightly hungry can help maintain their appetite. If your dog is restless or unhappy after eating, it might not have enough food. Conversely, if your dog seems content and goes to rest, they are likely full.

Misconception 2: Dogs Need Calcium, Iron, and Vitamins

Many new dog owners are often misled by pet store owners:

“Small dogs are weak and prone to diarrhea! Try this gutsoothing supplement, plus a stomach powder, and some probiotics for better results!”

“Puppies are especially calciumdeficient after weaning! You need to supplement calcium daily, taking four to six tablets a day! Plus, this highcalcium powder has better absorption than tablets!”

“Puppies are prone to anemia! Anemia can weaken their immune system and lead to death! Try this bloodbuilding cream and nutritional paste!”

“Dogs eat their own feces and chew on things because of a lack of trace elements! Buy some trace element tablets and multivitamins!”

“You need to start giving your dog beauty powder and lecithin from a young age to make them shiny and beautiful!”

Correct Approach: If your dog is not undernourished, it's best to avoid these socalled nutritional supplements. Observe your dog for signs of trace element deficiencies, such as changes in hair color, dry skin, anemia, picky eating, and various pica. If these symptoms are due to poor diet, address them accordingly. Otherwise, don't worry unnecessarily or rush things.

Misconception 3: Dogs Should Only Eat Dog Food

There has been a longstanding debate in the pet nutrition world about what dogs should eat.

Some believe dogs should eat commercial dog food, as homemade food is麻烦 and can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time, causing various diseases in adulthood.

Others argue that the quality of commercial dog food is not guaranteed due to the lack of effective and comprehensive monitoring systems worldwide. Dry food can lead to constipation and other secretory diseases in older dogs, so homemade food is safer.

Correct Approach: The best food is what your dog likes and is accustomed to.

Misconception 4: Dogs Are Too可怜 When Caged

Should puppies live in a cage?

For the health and safety of your dog, as well as for the protection of your property, get a cage for your dog and teach them to live in it until they consider it their own safe haven. It's best to keep your puppy in a cage when no one is home, and let them out to play when you're at home.

Correct Approach:

Choose a suitable corner in your home for the cage, measure the size, and buy a cage that fits your dog. Prepare a bed, blanket, food bowl, water bottle, and toys to create a safe, comfortable, and cozy home for your dog.

Train your dog to stay in the cage quietly. At first, keep the cage door open but don't let your dog out. Use commands like “NO” or gently tap your dog's buttocks to prevent them from jumping out of the cage.

Encourage your dog to like their cage by spending time with them inside, making sure that positive experiences like playing with toys, eating, and receiving rewards and affection happen in the cage.

Misconception 5: Dogs Smell Bad and Need Baths

Don't think that because humans bathe daily, dogs should do the same. A little odor on a dog is normal, and bathing too often can harm their skin and wash off their protective layer.

Correct Approach: For dogs that can't or shouldn't be bathed, buy dry shampoo or norinse foam. Wash them once a week by spraying the product all over their body, then comb through their fur with a brush and dry them with a towel. Dogs should be bathed once a week in summer and every two weeks to a month in winter.

Remember, your dog's wellbeing is in your hands. Your choices determine their happiness, sadness, and overall health. Spend time with your dog, not just playing and feeding them, but also learning about them and dog care. Always check if something is safe for your dog before trying it, and think about your dog's warm eyes when you lose patience.