You don’t set boundaries

If you still like to treat your dogs like your own children, you should also set certain boundaries that they should not violate. If you set some boundaries, your pets will be safer especially when they are home alone for long.

According to Melony Phillips, a certified professional dog trainer and the owner of Delightful Dog in Marietta, Georgia, “boundaries keep your dog safe. Let your dog drag a six-foot-long leash around the house; when she strays into an area you don’t want her to go, step on the leash. When she stops to look back at you, offer a reward and redirect her. Just don’t tug on the leash—it’s for teaching, not controlling. When you’re not around, set her up for success by blocking access to areas where she’s not allowed.”

You play the same game over and over again

Of course, we don’t want you to completely forget about the game of chasing the ball (and your dog probably doesn’t want that either) but it is recommended that you sometimes opt for other types of activities that can stimulate both their mind and body. Playing the same game over and over again will annoy (and bore) your beloved furry friend. 

“Dogs love tug-of-war, and it has no connection to aggression, especially if you alternate who wins. If teeth or nails ever touch your skin, game over. They learn really quickly not to go too far,” says Meaghan Ropski, DVM, veterinarian and clinical behavior resident with the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia.

Phillips recommends playing the game “Automatic Check-In” which involves offering a treat to her dogs when they look at her without being asked. “The more your dog looks at you, the more you can ask him to do,” Philips added.