31. Buying a toy to distract them from chewing shoes
Finding your dog gnawing on one of your expensive leather shoes or brand new ottoman is one of the most irritating parts of dog ownership, so it’s understandable that you want to put a stop to the damage immediately. Unfortunately, many people’s instinct is to give the dog something else to chew on, like a bone or toy. This rewards their bad behaviour with a treat, making it more likely to happen again, Williamson says. Instead, give them new chew toys when they are sitting quietly or playing well.
32. Forgetting to put your dog in your will
What will happen to your beloved pet when you die? It’s not fun, but you need to think about it. “Our dogs are an integral part of our lives, and we know that they depend on us completely,” Williamson says.
“So it is crucial to make careful preparations now for their future care by selecting a guardian and including that information in your estate planning.”
Make sure to talk to your loved ones about your plans so there won’t be any surprises.
33. Not putting an emergency animal sticker in your window
One of the best things you can do for your pet is to put a “Please save our animals” sticker in a location that is visible from the outside your house, in case of a fire or other emergency, Williamson says. This alerts first responders to be on the lookout for your pets and may help them get to safety.