Bringing home a new puppy can be an exciting time for you and your family. However, raising a puppy requires more than just love, attention, and cute Instagram photos. Even experienced dog owners can make some common mistakes when raising a new puppy.

Here are the top seven puppy-rearing errors to avoid:.

1. Failing to Socialize Your Puppy

Puppies are eager to learn and explore the world around them. Socialization is crucial in creating a well-adjusted and confident dog. Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, sights, and sounds, but do it gradually and in a positive way.

If your puppy is scared or anxious, allow it to retreat and try again later.

2. Bad Habits with Feeding

Feeding your puppy table scraps, too many treats, or at irregular times can lead to bad habits. Puppies need set meal times and a balanced, healthy diet to grow and develop properly.

Consult with your vet to determine the appropriate type and amount of food for your puppy’s breed and age.

3. Neglecting Dental Care

Dental care is often overlooked in puppy-rearing. But, dental care is essential to your puppy’s overall health and well-being.

Brush your puppy’s teeth regularly, feed it dental chews, or provide other dental care products—your vet can recommend good options.

4. Inadequate Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for your puppy’s physical and mental health. Puppies need opportunities to run, play and explore. If your puppy does not get enough exercise, it may develop behavioral issues like chewing or barking.

Be sure to provide your puppy with daily exercise that is appropriate for their age and breed.

5. Not Enough Sleep

Puppies need a lot of sleep. Like human babies, puppies require several hours of sleep per day to grow and develop properly. Provide your puppy with a comfortable, quiet sleeping area and avoid constantly disrupting your puppy’s sleep.

6. Using Physical Punishment

Physical punishment can lead to aggression, anxiety, and fear problems in puppies. Instead of using physical punishment, focus on positive reinforcement training.

Reward your puppy with treats or praise when it behaves well, and use redirection or verbal cues when inappropriate behavior occurs.

7. Lack of Consistency

Consistency is key when training puppies. Make sure that everyone who interacts with your puppy is on the same page. Use the same commands, follow the same feeding and exercise schedule, and use the same discipline techniques.

Inconsistency can lead to confusion and delay your puppy’s training progress.

Puppy-rearing requires time, patience, and effort. Avoiding these seven common errors can help you raise a well-behaved, healthy, and happy puppy that is a joy to be around.