A professional dog trainer has revealed the “worst thing” owners can do when welcoming a new dog into their home – and it’s a very easy mistake to make that comes from a good place. Many people are keen to welcome a dog into their family thanks to desirable qualities like loyalty, affection, companionship and more.
Dogs are famously referred to as “man’s best friend” and it’s easy to see why but getting one is a massive commitment not to be entered into lightly. They require dedicated care and attention throughout their entire lives.
More and more people are choosing to rescue dogs from animal shelters and charities but in some cases, the dogs are sadly returned which can be very traumatic and distressing for them.
In a bid to try and help avoid this scenario, canine behaviourist Will Atherton has shared the “worst mistake” new owners make with their rescue pet.
The expert has amassed a keen following on social media after sharing his years of expertise and insight on why dogs may be acting a certain way, as well as tips and advice on how to rectify any unwanted issues.
In a recent Instagram video, the expert discussed a common error owners make when it comes to bringing home a rescue dog – though his advice can also be applied to non-rescue dogs, too.
Will explained: “If you’re bringing a new rescue dog into your home, one of the worst things that you can do is love on them too much.
“Now, I know that might sound crazy but let me explain,” he then showed a mixed breed dog who’s currently in his care and undergoing training.
Will continued: “This is my mate Bruno – Bruno is here at my canine sanctuary for a whole month learning how to become a perfect canine companion.
“He’s been stuck in rescue for years and he’s been bounced in and out of loving homes three or four times and sent back to the rescue centre every single time – and do you know why?
“It’s because they loved on him too much – they gave him way too much freedom, surrounded him with people he wasn’t ready for, in ways in which he wasn’t ready to handle, and it set him up for massive amounts of failure.
“Now, I don’t mean that you shouldn’t love your rescue dog but if you love your new rescue dogs, you must lead them because leadership is love.”
He went on to say he’d “proven” Bruno was more than capable of being a “calm, relaxed and perfect” companion, praising the dog for his “loyal” and “loving” nature but stressed the importance of establishing “rules, boundaries, structure and leadership” to ensure “the perfect version of a perfect dog”.
Will advised against giving dogs too much freedom and “access to everything” straight away as he says it creates “huge arousal spikes” and sends their “excitement through the roof”, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like “jumping up on people”, chewing and more.
The expert added: “It wasn’t his fault he was sent back in and out of shelters. It’s because people didn’t lead him because if you love your dog, you must lead your dog.”
Dogs often signify a major lifestyle change so before getting one, it’s important to do your research.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that training is essential, and not all dogs are suitable for first time owners.