I have encountered folks who have complained to me about their numerous (dog) behavior problems. And interestingly enough, I usually discover that most of the behavioral problems are linked to a common factor. That common factor being pet owners all too often miss crucial, pet communication signals because of their busy lifestyles.
What do I mean, "...miss crucial, pet communication signals...?" While many people love the idea of having animal companions, we also have daily responsibilities such as jobs, attending school, families, and other priorities. And usually, our pets end up last place on life's totem pole.
Another issue that certainly plays a key factor in how capable we are to understanding our animals' needs and wants is whether or not we have indoor or outdoor pets. Though indoor pets may pose a little extra patience with regard to training, I highly recommend (as does the Humane Society ) keeping pets indoors with family.
What most individuals do not take into account is that once a collective choice is made to adopt an animal, that is precisely what is being done: we are adopting a living, feeling, creature into our lives; thus, we must consciously realize that by adopting an animal, he or she is to become a permanent addition and family member.
We certainly wouldn't adopt a newborn and place him outside on a chain all day until we returned from work, would we? Therefore, we must always remember to treat our animals just as considerately and compassionately as we would our own children.
Puppies and dogs, like their human toddler counterparts, are innately curious, clumsy and tend to have accidents. When we understand that these commonalties exist and we anticipate this prior to welcoming Rover into our hearts and homes, we are better able to coexist and develop a long-term and loving reciprocal relationship with our animal counterparts.
So step one into understanding our pets is to unconditionally accept them into our homes. Having several, large canine companions, (whom all live indoors with me), I've learned to recognize and distinguish types of body language and visual dialogue that speaks volumes. When our dogs live indoors with us, we can interpret the language of love. Not only do we see their personalities unfold before our eyes, we learn to be intuitive to each of our pets' needs, similar to our own.
From experience, I can literally close my eyes and distinguish each dog's presence simply by touch and sense. Why? Because by having them alongside me, I've learned their individual motions, breathes, sounds and feel. And in turn, they present their comical and goofy sides, their playfulness and their unconditional love for us.
When we invite our dogs into our lives - truly into our lives - we discover a world of fascination, innocence, inspiration, laughter, amusement, and an indescribable love. So how can pet owners learn to better understand their dog's behavior? Give Beethoven a bath, bring him inside and watch how his character evolves. The more time we spend one-on-one with our dogs, the better we are able to recognize specific traits and how to employ gentle behavior training techniques.
Having seven huge dogs, I've come to terms that dogs are one of life's most precious gifts. They are here for just a little while. When we take time to get to know them individually, we gain more than just a pet; we gain a friend for life.
? 2005 - Why Don't I Understand my Dog?
By C. Bailey-Lloyd, aka. LadyCamelot - in conjunction with Holistic Junction
C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. LadyCamelot
Public Relations' Director & Staff Writer for holistic junction - Your Source for information on holistic junction
When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
Advice!!!-Pet products that are useful, fun and enjoyable will make... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More
Pet |