Raising a puppy is a lot of work, as they require a lot of care, a lot of feeding, and a lot of monitoring. While some puppies are smarter than others, they all need your attention around the clock. Many people forget that puppies are young dogs and, as such, need to be looked after and watched over constantly. They need to be loved, sheltered and cared for.

Dogs are great to have, but they are a lot of work and responsibility. Raising a dog is a lifetime commitment, so it’s important to understand how to raise a puppy. To help with this process, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common puppy-raising mistakes to keep in mind.

Let’s learn more.

• Duplicating Commands

The basics of dog training, if done correctly, are easy to understand and easy to master. As your puppy progresses, however, training can become more difficult, especially if you use too many commands. Yes, puppies have a limited attention span and can’t process information as quickly as adults, so it’s important to train with a maximum of about three commands. One of the most common mistakes puppy owners make is repeating commands when their dog doesn’t listen the first time. The original command should be repeated and followed by the desired behavior. This is referred to as “positive punishment” and focuses on teaching the dog that when they listen carefully, they will get a reward for good behavior.

• Scolding After the Fact

When your puppy gets into trouble, it can be difficult to keep yourself from scolding them. However, scolding your puppy after the fact only perpetuates the problem. If the issue wasn’t bad enough, they will remember it even more and will likely get a worse reaction the next time. Instead, it’s much more effective to get your puppy familiar with your behavior in a positive manner, so they know not to repeat it again.

• Taking Your Puppy Home Too Early

There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re raising a puppy, and there are several common mistakes people can make along the way. One fairly common mistake is to bring your new pup home too early. This puts a lot of stress on the puppy and can cause unnecessary behavioral problems. To help avoid any mistakes, be sure to wait until the puppy is at least eight weeks old before bringing them home. This is so the puppy can fully develop his immune system and to get acquainted with the world around them before living with a new family.

• Failure to Start Basic Training Immediately

Owning a dog comes with significant responsibility, and one of the initial tasks is ensuring your puppy is trained to behave well in your home. It’s common for new owners to delay training until the dog is an adult, but it’s best to start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. This early training helps them adapt to your household routine quickly. Today, there are various resources available online to assist with puppy training. You can access online guides and training apps like Barksy, which provide basic and essential training tips for your puppy. These resources make it easier for owners to train their puppies effectively and foster a harmonious relationship between pet and owner from the outset.

• Failing to Crate Train

Crate training is an important part of house training a puppy, as it can help them to learn to sleep in their own space, as well as provide a safe environment for them. However, if done incorrectly, crate training can be counterproductive, as puppies can learn to associate the crate with negative experiences. To ensure proper crate training, owners should start by introducing their puppy to the crate in a positive way, such as by providing treats and rewards. They should also make sure to keep the crate in a convenient location, likely where the family members are present most of the time, so the puppy feels safe and secure. At first, it may happen that the puppy won’t stop crying in crate; paw parents should learn how to deal with such a scenario as well. With the right approach, crate training can be a successful and beneficial experience for both the puppy and the owner.

Puppies are adorable, but they can also be a lot of work. Finding the right dog for you, then training it to grow and develop, as well as keeping up with all its needs, can be a lot to take on, especially as they chew, pee, and poop. Don’t forget about the need for plenty of exercise and attention too.

Finding the time to devote to your puppy can be a challenge, even if you’re committed to raising a healthy dog. But it’s much easier if you have a basic knowledge of puppy-rearing basics so that your home life and training are as successful as possible.

Sometimes it feels like you’re constantly learning something new about raising a puppy. New tricks to learn, new behaviors to be on the lookout for, new medical concerns to consider, and new vets to check out. While all of this can be a challenge, raising puppies can be an exciting time. They bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. But puppies do come with their share of challenges, too. But by taking the time to raise them properly when they are young will benefit them for a lifetime.