Spoiling your dog might feel like love, but let’s face it, are you creating a monster under the guise of affection? How sure are you that your indulgence isn’t brewing future chaos?
1. Excessive Treats
Handing out treats like they’re going out of style? You’re paving the road to obesity and health disasters. Love isn’t measured in biscuits.
2. No Boundaries in the House
If your dog rules every corner of your home, don’t be surprised when they start guarding it against you. Teach boundaries before they claim your side of the bed too.
3. Skipping Training Sessions
Think skipping on training is sparing feelings? You’re brewing a recipe for disobedience. A well-trained dog is a happy dog—stick to the program.
4. Human Food as a Norm
Feeding your dog from the table isn’t generous; it’s negligent. You’re spoiling their diet and manners. Get back to basics with dog food.
5. Ignoring Bad Behaviour
Turning a blind eye to mischief? Each laugh at a misdeed is a step towards a poorly behaved pet. Correct, don’t condone.
6. Lack of Socialisation
Sheltering your dog from the world doesn’t make them safe; it makes them skittish or hostile. Proper socialisation is non-negotiable.
7. No Routine Veterinary Checks
Avoiding the vet to save stress? Neglecting health checks can lead to costly and painful outcomes. Prioritise their health, not your convenience.
8. Inadequate Exercise
Skimping on walks because you’re busy? A restless dog will find their own outlets—and you won’t like the results. Get walking.
9. Over-Protectiveness
Overprotecting your dog isn’t love; it’s a disservice. They need to face the world, not hide from it. Loosen the leash.
10. Substitute for Social Life
If your dog is your only friend, you’re both in trouble. They need dog pals and human interaction beyond your living room.
11. Emotional Co-Dependence
If your dog can’t be alone without a meltdown, you’ve gone wrong. Independence is healthy; foster it.
12. Too Many Toys
A mountain of toys doesn’t make you generous, it makes their value meaningless. Use toys wisely, not wastefully.
13. Allowing Jumping on Guests
Letting your dog leap on visitors? It’s rude and risky. Respect others’ space—train your dog to do the same.
14. No Structured Feeding Times
Random feeding times create chaos in their diet and your day. Structure equals stability. Stop being sloppy.
15. Avoiding Crate Training
Think crate training is cruel? What’s truly cruel is a dog that panics in confinement. Crates are safe spaces, not prisons.
16. Not Teaching Patience
Your inability to teach waiting is setting up a tyrant, not a pet. Patience is teachable; start today.
17. Constant Attention
A dog glued to your hip isn’t cute; it’s unhealthy. Cultivate some personal space for the both of you.
18. No Limits on Begging
If begging is a free-for-all, you’re not a leader, you’re a waiter. Set boundaries, and stick to them.
19. Delaying Discipline
Waiting to discipline is as effective as no discipline. Act promptly or pay the price with their poor behaviour.
20. No Exposure to Children
Avoiding kids? You’re setting up a potential disaster. Controlled exposure builds confidence and good manners.
21. Unlimited Freedom in Public Areas
Unleashed chaos in public isn’t freedom; it’s folly. Teach them recall and respect boundaries.
The Monster at the End of the Leash
Look in the mirror—your ‘adorable’ indulgences could be creating a beast. Time to ask yourself: are you truly looking out for your dog’s wellbeing, or just easing your own guilt?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sharon Feragotti.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
