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
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More
We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More
Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can... Read More
Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Glenview ..We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Pet |