Pet Owner Bad Habits – Do You Have Any?
There’s a lot of talk about how we should always make sure our dogs are well trained, well socialised and have impeccable manners. But, as dogs are regarded more and more as bona fide family members – maybe it’s fair to say, we spoil them sometimes? Rather than the dog having bad habits – maybe we are just as much to blame? What constitutes bad habits in dog owners and, more to the point, does it matter if we have them? Read our Holidays4Dogs take on pet owner bad habits and tell us what yours are!…
We can think of loads of bad habits that dog owners might be accused of. Not that we do any of them, of course. [Blush]. Who doesn’t let their dog sit on the sofa, or lie on the bed? How about feeding at the table (safe foods of course). What about licking plates, though? ICK – Yes?
At the end of the day, it’s up to the individual dog owner to decide. While most habits won’t have terrible consequences, – some may even be beneficial – others might end up having some sort of negative effect.
Here’s a run down of some ‘bad habits’ that dog owners might engage in – and our opinion on whether they pose any risks to dog, or owner.
Sleeping/sitting on the furniture.
Lots of dog owners allow their dogs to share the sofa, or even the bed.
The latter choice very much depends on how much your dog resembles a bag of spanners.
Also, dogs can carry dirt, allergens and parasites – which is worth considering. They also snore and fidget, which may impact on quality of sleep.
Allowing dogs on the furniture is very much a personal preference and usually doesn’t cause any of the ‘dominance’ issues that people believe. Canine dominance theory has been well and truly de-bunked. If dogs become aggressive around furniture, this is usually due to the owner rewarding the dog for undesirable behaviour.
Snuggling up on the sofa with your dog on a cold winter’s night, is a lovely comforting experience, which can benefit both dog and owner. Although, if you’re also house-proud, it may involved a little more effort to keep dog hair off the furniture.
We have plenty of carers who will allow guest dogs on the furniture – so it can’t be that terrible.
Feeding food from the table.
This is an easy trap to fall into when you’re being eyed up with those big brown eyes as you tuck into your dinner. There’s nothing terribly wrong with it, as long as the food you are sharing is safe for dogs. That said, many seasoned dog owners will agree this is a pet owner bad habit to avoid. You may very well be creating a monster that absolutely-will-not-stop after the very first offer of a morsel. Your call.
Kissing your pet.
Kissing dogs isn’t that weird – as long as your dog doesn’t mind. Some dogs don’t like the, up-close-and-personal approach. Lots of us are happy to kiss our four-legged companions – after all, its how humans show affection.
But – do bear in mind – dogs also tend to have their faces very near their unmentionables quiet a bit. Some even eat poop out of the kitty litter box. There’s more than a good chance of picking up something nasty and many experts suggest kissing pets should be avoided.
Licking human plates/cutlery.
We’ve probably all known someone who lets their dogs lick food remnants from plates.
I remember an elderly aunt letting her geriatric poodle do this. At about 7 years old, I remember thinking it was pretty gross. I mean, we were absolutely never allowed to lick plates as a children.
Research has shown that plates licked by dogs can harbour dangerous bacteria such as salmonella. What’s more, this bacteria can stick around even after being through the dish washer.
Also, you never know if the food the dog is eating is going to cause upset tummies, or worse. We think this one is poses too many risks to human health. Our Holidays4Dogs carers always keep pet bowls, utensils and food completely separate.
Chatting to your dog.
There are still many trainers around who say you shouldn’t talk to your dog unless you are giving a command. We think this daft. What loving dog owner doesn’t talk to their dog like they’re another person?
We know dogs don’t understand every word, but, they do understand body movements, facial expressions and they learn to associate specific words with objects, or actions. We chat to our dogs all the time. Some might even say, they’re the only ones that listen.
Letting your dog take you for a walk.
While pulling on the lead can be problematic, not least because it can damage a dog’s neck if wearing a collar – letting your dog take the lead on walks, can be really enriching for them. ‘Sniff walks’ are about allowing the dog to decide where their noses take them, and how long they want to linger, while reading one of their ‘wee mails’.
Of course, we have to intervene sometimes – being dragged off the pavement to eat road kill has to be a No-No. Giving a dog some sort of agency, is no bad thing though.
Do you have any so-called pet owner bad habits like this? Do follow us on Facebook and let us know.
