10 Mistakes New Dog Owners Regret Making

Hey, hooman! Mochi here — your personal four-legged life coach. If you just brought a fuzzy tornado like me into your house… first of all, good luck.
Second, sit down, grab a snack (maybe toss one my way too?), and let’s have a serious chat about all the new dog owner mistakes you’re probably about to make.

Don’t worry, I’m not judging… MUCH.

Common Behavior Mistakes by New Dog Owners

1. Thinking Training Can Wait… LOL, No.

Listen, puppy dog eyes are powerful. But if training doesn’t start right away, guess who’s going to be stealing sandwiches off the counter by next week?

Start with basic commands early. For example, “leave it” can prevent your pup from gobbling up something dangerous off the floor, and “wait” stops them from dashing out the door like a furry missile. These commands are real lifesavers.

Training isn’t about creating a robot, it’s about building a happy, safe relationship — and starting early means less frustration for you and a more confident dog.

2. Setting Rules… and Then Pretending They Don’t Exist.

Let’s be real — nothing confuses a dog faster than constantly changing the rules. One day they’re not allowed on the couch, the next day they’re invited up for movie night and selfies. Mixed messages like that don’t just lead to confusion — they lead to chewed shoes and frustrated humans.

Dogs thrive on consistency and routine. When the boundaries are clear and always the same, they know what’s expected. But if the rules shift depending on your mood, your visitors, or how cute your dog looks that day… well, don’t be surprised if your pup starts pushing every limit.

It’s one of the most common mistakes new dog owners make: forgetting that everyone in the household needs to follow the same rules. If one person lets the dog jump up, and another punishes them for it — guess who ends up totally lost?

So: SET THE RULES EARLY. No couch? Then it’s no couch — always. Want your dog to sit before eating? Stick to it at every mealtime. Consistency builds trust, prevents bad habits, and makes life easier for everyone.

And yes — it might mean fewer cuddle selfies, but also fewer destroyed slippers. Choose wisely.

3. Skipping Socialization — Big Oof.

You think your puppy is cute now? Wait until you have a 70-lb adult dog that’s terrified of a plastic bag blowing in the wind because you didn’t socialize him properly. Early socialization is one of the most important parts of dog care, and it’s often overlooked by new dog owners. The critical window is between 3 and 16 weeks old, when puppies are most open to new experiences and least likely to form lasting fears.

During that time, it’s essential to expose your pup to a wide variety of people (especially those loud uncles), animals (other dogs, cats, even squirrels), as well as different sounds, surfaces, and environments.

The more variety, the better! Bonus points for treats and calm encouragement along the way.

4. Being Mean? I Thought You Were Besties.

Guess what?
Yelling, smacking, or rubbing a dog’s nose in a potty accident isn’t training — it’s just plain scary. And confusing. Dogs don’t “connect” punishment with what they did minutes (or even seconds) earlier. What they do learn? That humans can suddenly turn into shouting monsters for no clear reason.

That’s not bonding. That’s trauma with extra barking.

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand? Now we’re talking.

Reward-based training not only builds trust — it works better and lasts longer. Behavior experts have shown that dogs trained using positive methods learn up to 15% faster and are less likely to develop fear-based behavior issues.

And let’s be honest — snacks are way more motivational than scolding.

So what should you do when your pup turns your slipper into modern art?

Stay calm. Don’t yell. Instead, gently take the slipper away, hand over a proper chew toy, and when they start chewing the right thing? Praise like they just won gold at the obedience Olympics. Bonus points for tossing in a chicken jerky.

That’s how habits are built — with patience, praise, and a sprinkle of snacks.

New Dog Owners Mistakes in Everyday Dog Care

 5. Leaving Dog Food Out Like It’s a Vegas Buffet

Let’s be honest: dogs have zero chill when it comes to food. If there’s a full bowl just sitting there? It’s going down — whether they’re hungry or not.
Free-feeding might seem convenient (“he’ll eat when he’s hungry!”), but it’s actually one of the sneakiest mistakes new dog owners make when it comes to nutrition.

Why? Because most dogs don’t regulate intake like humans (and let’s face it, even humans aren’t great at that — hello, 3 slices of cake).
Unlimited food = unlimited weight gain = unlimited vet bills.

Measured meals are the real MVP here. Feeding on a schedule helps with:

• Weight control
• Digestive health
• Predictable potty times
• And fewer 3 a.m. “surprise barfs” on your carpet

Use a measuring cup, follow your vet’s guidelines, and ditch the bottomless bowl. Your dog won’t love it at first… but your vet might actually high-five you.

6. Forgetting to Brush Those Pearly Whites

You brush your own teeth every day (I mean… hopefully?), so why skip your dog’s?

Dog dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of pet health — and trust me, it doesn’t end well. Ignoring those pearly whites can lead to tartar buildup, gum disease, painful infections, and even serious issues like heart and kidney problems. All from stinky breath? Yep.

Dental problems often creep in slowly, so by the time a dog shows signs, it’s already time to cash out your vacation fund at the vet.

Brushing your dog’s teeth just a few times a week can:

1. Prevent costly dental cleanings under anesthesia
2. Reduce risk of chronic diseases
3. Keep that puppy breath from turning into dragon breath
4. Help your pup live a longer, healthier life

Not into brushing? No problem. There are also:

7. Thinking Dogs Are Cheap

Being a dog owner isn’t just about belly rubs and Instagram reels — it’s also a financial commitment.

New pet parents are often shocked at how quickly the costs pile up: quality food (no, the cheapest kibble won’t cut it), regular vet visits, vaccinations and parasite prevention, grooming (especially for floofy divas like cocker spaniels), toys, treats, training classes, and let’s not forget the infamous emergency vet bills — like when someone accidentally eats a sock, a Lego, or that entire rotisserie chicken you left on the counter for five minutes.

And sure, some months you might get away with just the basics. But then comes flea season, or dental work, or your pup develops a mysterious limp after zoomies gone wrong. Boom — unexpected expense.

Budget tip: Set aside a monthly “dog fund” for surprise costs. It’ll save you from choosing between groceries and getting that squeaky pizza toy your pup’s emotionally attached to.

Because trust me — dogs bring joy, love, and chaos. But also bills.

Dog Routine Blunders New Owners Often Make

8. Treating Walks Like a Chore

„Ugh, it’s raining, my dog doesn’t need a walk today.”
EXCUSE YOU.

Walk the dog. Always. Rain, snow, zombie apocalypse — no excuses! Daily walks aren’t optional. They’re as essential as food, water, and belly rubs. Skipping exercise doesn’t make a chill dog! It makes a tiny, furry tornado. Expect shredded pillows, late-night zoomies, and loud debates with the vacuum cleaner… and that’s just a casual Monday.

Even couch potato breeds need a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day. And if we’re talking about high-energy pups like border collies, huskies, or terriers? Try 1–2 hours (and then some mental games to top it off). Because bored dogs are destructive dogs.

Walks aren’t just potty breaks—they’re a chance to burn off energy, explore the world, sniff a hundred interesting things, and practice leash manners. Plus, regular movement supports joint health, digestion, and mood. Yes, dogs get cranky without fresh air too.

9. Hating on the Crate

“Crate training is mean!”

Okay, but hear this: what’s actually mean is letting a young dog roam freely while you’re gone — confused, anxious, and one couch cushion away from a full-on meltdown. Not to mention what your living room might look like when you get back…

A crate isn’t a cage — it’s a den. A cozy, safe space that taps into a dog’s natural instinct to have a personal hideout. When introduced properly, most dogs love their crates. It becomes their go-to spot for naps, chill time, and escape from the chaos of hoomans vacuuming at 8 a.m.

Why crate training rocks:
✔️ Helps with potty training (dogs don’t like to soil where they sleep)
✔️ Prevents destructive behavior when you’re not home
✔️ Reduces separation anxiety by creating a sense of routine
✔️ Keeps your pup safe from swallowing… whatever that thing was under the couch

Never use the crate as punishment. Make it a positive place with a soft blanket, a favorite toy, and maybe a treat or two. Over time, your pup will walk in willingly, tail wagging, like “Ah yes, my suite awaits.”

Even vets and trainers agree — when done right, crate training is one of the most effective tools in early dog care, especially for new dog owners. It’s not cruel. It’s kind, consistent, and comforting. (And it saves your furniture. Win-win.)

10. Treating Dogs Like Furry Robots

„She’s so small, she doesn’t need toys or training games.”

Mental stimulation is just as essential as daily walkies. Sure, physical exercise burns off energy, but without something to think about, dogs get bored — and boredom is the express train to Chewed Remote City.

Whether it’s a teacup Yorkie or a beefy German Shepherd, every dog needs regular mental challenges. Why? Because dogs were bred to do things — herd sheep, sniff out danger, guard castles, or fetch ducks. And now? They’re asked to nap politely on the couch and “be good.” That’s a big ask with nothing to do.

A bored dog will find entertainment — and you probably won’t like their version. A mentally stimulated dog? That’s a peaceful evening for everyone.

Brain-boosting ideas:
🧩 Puzzle toys and treat dispensers
🐾 Simple scent games (like hiding treats in boxes or under cups)
🎓 Learning new tricks — sit, spin, fetch the TV remote
🔁 Rotating toys weekly to keep them exciting
📦 DIY “sniff boxes” with paper, treats, and crinkly textures

Become Your Dog’s Hero by Avoiding These New Owner Mistakes

Remember, you’re not alone. We’ve all stepped in puddles we didn’t expect — and we’re not just talking about water. But now that you’ve sniffed out these classic new dog owner mistakes, you’re ahead of the pack.

Take what you’ve learned, lead with love (and treats), and remember: the only real mistake is ignoring what your dog is trying to tell you. Unless they’re trying to tell you to give them bacon at midnight. That’s a trap.

Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a suspicious-looking squirrel in the backyard that needs my attention.

Muddy kisses,
Mochi