This is from “Real Simple” mag’s May issue, about the top 10 pet owner mistakes. These are things most don’t think about - and if you haven’t, don’t beat yourself up, just redo some of your habits. I’ve shortened the gist of the mag’s explanations with each point. (The photo is of my bassets, Louie with his younger pal, Mabel.) twodogs2.jpg Top 10 pet owner mistakes # Buying a pet spontaneously. You need to inform yourself about what you’re buying before you put the money down. This should not be an emotional purchase. After all, what is there about a puppy or kitten that you’d NOT like on sight? # Skipping obedience training. Obviously, this is for dog owners. Bad habits develop quickly and can be tough to get rid of without the help of a professional. If a class doesn’t start for a couple of weeks, start training in your home now - sit, stay, don’t jump. # Being inconsistent with the rules. An important point - especially if you have a spouse or kids. Make sure you’re all on the same page. # Dispensing too many free treats. Important on two fronts - treats have calories, so weight problems could spring up. But more importantly, don’t just give pets - cats or dogs - treats for doing nothing but being cute. Make them come, sit, stay, or something similar before you hand over the goodie. They will learn very quickly. # Neglecting to socialize your pet. Expose them all to people and other animals as early as possible. # Skimping on exercise. Both you and your pet should have frequent exercise times - run around in the yard together, play in the house together, go on walks together. # Neglecting to keep your pet mentally active. Give your cat or dog something to do. There are hunts for treats (for dogs, and some dog-like cats) and there are feather teasers for cats to chase after. # Leaving a pet alone for too long. You will suffer from doing this - the pet will destroy things, may become fearful of strangers, can become full of separation anxiety. Are you away from home at work for a long time? Hire someone to come over and play with your pet each day. # Failing to make your home pet-friendly. This can be irritating (a cat going on the carpet cause you didn’t leave a proper litter box) or deadly (a dog eating something poisonous that you left lying around). # Punishing your pet. Don’t physically punish your pet - ever. If you catch him/her in the act, you can give a firm “No!” and then the pet can connect what is happening with a negative reaction from you. Otherwise, they have the attention span of gnats. Source: palmbeachpost.com