Dressing them up
Nothing is cuter than a poodle in a sweater with matching pom-pom booties. But even though their humans enjoy playing doggy dress-up, it’s not as fun for the dogs. “Clothes in many cases change the look of the dog, and many dogs hate the feel and smell of the clothes,” McCue-McGrath says. Plus, unless it’s extreme weather, they really don’t need additional clothing for protection, she adds.
Waking them from a dead sleep
Before you pounce on your snoozing pooch, take a minute to consider what you’re doing. “Who really likes being jolted out of sleep? No one, and that includes your dog,” Askeland says. “As dogs age, they can sleep more heavily and can be startled and react poorly if woken up abruptly.” Turns out there’s some practical truth to the old saying “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Chances are she heard you come in anyhow and she’ll be up to greet you soon enough.
Find out these essential tips to help your dog live longer.
Bringing home a new baby
Your dog is family, and it’s natural to want them to welcome any new additions as eagerly as you do. Unfortunately, dogs are more likely to see new people (of any size) as a threat, Askeland says. “It can be scary to a dog to have new people enter their household (their safe zone), so introductions need to be done outside your house, on neutral ground,” she explains. Before you even bring baby home from the hospital, bring home a blanket your newborn was swaddled in and a dirty nappy for your pup to sniff. Then, when it’s time for the big introduction, go slow, stay calm, follow your dog’s comfort level, and don’t force interactions. And forget snapping any adorable baby-puppy napping photos until they’re older.
