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Constantly feeding them treats -

Relying too much on treats can make your dog just respond to food and nothing else.

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Leaving your dog in a hot car -

Temperature inside a car can rise fast, and even just a few minutes can be fatal for your pooch.

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Waiting to punish your dog -

Bad behavior should be addressed immediately. Dogs only associate a punishment with a behavior when it's done on the spot. Being angry at them after they've done something you don't like will only leave them confused.

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Not understanding your dog's favorite rewards -

Like humans, dogs have different preferences on how they like to be rewarded. For some, playing with a ball is the best thing you can give them, while others will settle for a nice belly rub.

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Using harsh cleaning products -

Some cleaning products, such as bleach and ammonia, are hazardous for dogs. They can absorb the toxins through their paws by walking on a wet floor, for instance.

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Not using a seat belt for your dog -

Just like us, dogs need to wear seat belts. And, yes, for the exact same reasons. So, no excuse.

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Dropping the leash and "forcing" an interaction -

Telling your dog to go play and make friends can be great for them, or it can be stressful. You just don't know, so it's best to introduce him or her to other dogs on the leash and then take it from there.

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Thinking your dog chews your shoe as revenge -

This is usually a sign of separation anxiety, and has nothing to do with revenge.

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Feeding your dog off your plate -

Not only does this create a bad habit, but you also risk feeding your dog something he or she shouldn't be eating.

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Overfeeding your dog -

When you use food as a way to give your dog some love, it can have negative consequences. There are other ways to love your dog, and to keep him or her from getting overweight.

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Lecturing your dog -

Telling your dog "don't do this again," and lecturing them on what's right or wrong, is rarely effective. Dogs respond to simple cues, good or bad, and these must be used on the spot as it happens.

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Never letting your dog run off-leash -

Dogs also need vigorous exercise and playtime off-leash. Run, pup, run!

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Not putting a microchip in your puppy -

This is really important, especially if they get lost. A microchip can save your dog's life.

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Not registering the microchip -

Equally important is to ensure your dog's microchip is registered where it needs to be. There are several databases, depending on where you live.

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Comforting your dog when he or she whimpers -

Our instinct is to console our dogs instantly, but dogs might interpret this as a reward associated with being scared.

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Overestimating your dog's intelligence -

Yes, your dog can be really smart. But having the intelligence of a human three-year-old won't keep him or her safe at all times. Despite how intelligent they seem to be, they are still dogs, and should be taken care of by their owners.

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Telling your dog to stop barking -

Yelling at your dog to stop barking can sometimes have the opposite effect. Your pooch might think you're playing and bark even louder.

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Giving up on training too soon -

Training command can be tiresome, but consistency is key. Don't believe your dog can't learn and keep at it.

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Rubbing your dog's nose in their poop or pee -

This is an outdated piece of training advice that seldom works. Your dog will just feel anxious and probably won't make the connection.

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Not putting your dog in your will -

It's important to think about what happens to your beloved pet after you're gone.

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Reinforcing bad behavior -

If you laugh and pet your dog when he or she does something wrong (even though it can be funny) you're basically telling your dog that it's okay to do that. If they get attention from bad behavior, they're likely to repeat it.

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Making leash-training a negative thing -

Dogs are supposed to learn and enjoy walking on a leash. Leash-training shouldn't be a bad thing. It can be challenging at times, but it's by no means a way to punish your dog.

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Giving them dental snacks instead of brushing their teeth -

Dental snacks might help keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay, but they're no substitute for brushing.

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Giving your dog a toy when he or she chews your shoes -

Giving your dog a toy or a bone to distract them is not ideal, as you're reinforcing bad behavior. So they're likely to repeat it.

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Neglecting daily walks -

Dogs need, and indeed enjoy, daily walks outdoors. We tend to keep these shorter or stop them altogether when we're busier or feel more tired, but it's important not to neglect them.

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Relying solely on your dog's groomer -

Dogs' grooming and hygiene should be done more often than the occasional trip to the groomer.

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Not properly vetting your dog sitter -

Just like someone who loves children is not necessarily a good babysitter, the same applies to dog sitters. Check their credentials and, if possible, get references from other clients.

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Asking a friend to watch your dog for the weekend -

Emergency situations happen, so it's important to either leave your dog with someone who knows what to do if something goes wrong, or hire a dog sitter.

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Expecting all your pets to get along immediately -

Sometimes this just doesn't happen. When introducing a new dog to the family, do so outside your home, on the leash. Reinforce good behavior with treats and see how it goes from there.

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Placing flowers on a low table -

Many plants and flowers are toxic for dogs, but, of course, they'll have no problem in knocking a vase down and chewing on them.

See also: These 60 breeds make the best family dogs.

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