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Always doling out treats -

Going overboard with treats can lead your pup to only react to food and little else.

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Leaving your pup in a scorching car -

The temperature inside a vehicle can shoot up quickly, and even a short span can spell danger for your furry buddy.

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Holding off on correcting your dog -

When your pup acts up, it's best to tackle it right away. Dogs link a reprimand to their actions when it happens in the moment. Getting upset with them after the fact just leaves them scratching their heads in confusion.

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Not recognizing your pooch's favorite rewards -

Like us, dogs have their own preferences when it comes to rewards. Some go crazy for a game of fetch, while others are content with a good old belly rub.

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Opting for strong cleaning products -

Certain cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia can be risky for your furry friend. They might soak up the toxins through their paws if they tread on a damp surface, for instance.

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Skipping the doggie seat belt -

Just as we buckle up, our four-legged pals need to be secured too. And yep, it's for all the same safety reasons. No ifs or buts about it.

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Ditching the leash and forcing an interaction -

Encouraging your dog to go have a blast and socialize can go either way–it could be awesome, or it could stress them out. The thing is, you can't really predict, so the smart move is to start by introducing your furry buddy to other dogs while on the leash and see how things unfold from that point.

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Believing your pup chews on your shoe out of spite -

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Sharing your grub with your dog -

Not only does this foster a not-so-great routine, but you're also risking giving your pup something that's a no-no for their diet.

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Piling on the portions for your pooch -

Using food as a means of showing affection might end up backfiring. There are alternative ways to shower your dog with love that prevent them from packing on excess pounds.

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Lecturing your pup -

Going on about "never do this again" and delivering moral speeches to your dog usually doesn't do the trick. Dogs react better to clear, immediate cues–both positive and not-so-positive – right when the action takes place.

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Always keeping your pooch on the leash -

Remember, our furry friends crave some good ol' off-leash romping for exercise and fun. Go on, buddy, stretch those legs!

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Skipping the microchip for your pup -

This is a big deal, especially if your little furball decides to go on an adventure of their own. A microchip could be the superhero that saves your dog's day.

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Not registering that microchip -

Just as crucial is making sure your pup's microchip is all set up. There are a bunch of databases out there, depending on where you call home.

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Soothing your whimpering pup -

Our natural response is to offer comfort pronto, but dogs might see this as a reward linked to feeling scared.

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Thinking your dog is a super genius -

Sure, your furry pal can be pretty sharp. But having the smarts of a human three-year-old doesn't mean they're always in the clear. Despite their cleverness, remember that they're still dogs and need their human owners to look out for them.

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Commanding that your dog stop barking -

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Throwing in the towel on training too early -

Teaching tricks can get a bit tiring, but sticking with it is the name of the game. Don't write off your dog's learning potential too soon—keep at it!

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Rubbing your pup's nose in their mess -

This old-school training tip is pretty ineffective. Your pup will likely just get stressed out and might not even connect the dots.

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Leaving your dog out of your will -

Considering what will become of your cherished furry buddy once you're not around anymore is something worth pondering.

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Encouraging naughty habits -

Even if it's amusing, if you chuckle and give your pup attention when they mess up, you're kind of giving them the green light for that behavior. If they score attention from being a bit mischievous, they'll probably think it's a cool move to pull again.

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Turning leash-training into a downer -

Doggos are meant to learn the ropes and have a good time strolling on a leash. Leash-training shouldn't be a drag. Sure, it might have its tricky moments, but it's definitely not about putting the leash on as a form of punishment for your pup.

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Opting for dental treats over brushing their pearly whites -

Chomping on dental treats might lend a hand in keeping plaque and tartar in check, but they're definitely not a stand-in for a good old tooth-brushing session.

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Offering your pup a toy when they go for your shoes -

Handing over a toy or a chewy bone to divert their attention might not be the best move, as it kind of supports their naughty habits. That means they're more likely to pull the same stunt again.

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Skipping out on daily strolls -

Our furry pals really dig those daily outdoor jaunts. Sometimes we might cut them short or skip them entirely when things get busy or we're just feeling a bit drained. But remember: it's crucial not to give them the cold shoulder.

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Counting on your dog's groomer exclusively -

Tending to your pup's grooming and cleanliness should happen more frequently than just the occasional visit to the groomer.

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Not thoroughly screening your dog sitter -

Just like a person who adores kids might not automatically be a stellar babysitter, the same logic holds true for dog sitters. Make sure to verify their qualifications, and if you can, gather feedback from other pet owners they've worked with.

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Anticipating instant harmony among all your furballs -

The reality is they won't always click right away. When you're bringing a new pup into the crew, it's often best to make the introduction outside your abode, with leashes on. Offer treats for good behavior and see how things unfold from that point.

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Leaving vases on a low table -

Loads of plants and blooms are actually not safe for our furry pals. And let's face it, they won't hesitate to topple a vase and give those plants a good chew.

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