Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she loves walking in the park with you, playing ball or chase with you, and just being with you. Even when he/she's lying around the house or the backyard having a snooze, your dog is well aware of your presence, or absence, and appreciates every minute you spend with him/her. If you have a family, your dog loves being part of your family and no doubt has a special relationship with most, if not all, of the family members.
I have a Rottweiler, Kara, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jet. They're both female and both just turned 9 years. I've had them since they were puppies, and they're definitely members of my family. I love them to bits and would be lost without them.
I'll bet your dog is much like mine when it comes to interacting with you.
I know my dogs are always beside themselves with joy and excitement whenever I come home - regardless of whether I've been away for a week, or just popped out for 10 minutes! What human gets that excited to see you? No one? I thought so. I don't know any human who's even half that happy to see me.
Kara often stands and wags her tail when I walk past her in the house or when I talk to her. And Jet doesn't move from her comfortable position lying down. But her tail thumps up and down on the floor. Just goes to show that every dog has his/her own unique personality. Just like us.
And my dogs just love being let in from outside. They consider their place is in the house - just like the human members of the household!
And why not? Dogs really can be a man's (or a woman's or a child's) best friend. They rarely ask for anything. So long as you feed them regularly, and show them some love and attention, they're happy. And a happy dog is the first step to a healthy dog. (Don't get me wrong, dogs don't have to be allowed in the house to be happy - mind you, my dogs would like me to believe that this is the case!)
Consistency when dealing with your dog is very important. And I'm talking here about both the initial teaching/training of your dog, and also the reinforcement of those teachings throughout your dog's life.
It's essential for your dog's wellbeing for you to be consistent when disciplining, playing with and just simply spending time with, your dog. But it's also important for other members of the household (and even frequent visitors) to treat your dog in a similar manner where possible. This is particularly so if your dog has any problem behaviours, such as jumping up at people. If you don't also ask your family and your visitors to make it clear to your dog that this is unacceptable, your dog is unlikely to curb the jumping altogether. And this may simply perpetuate the problem.
Dogs who experience consistency tend to be better behaved dogs, and, guess what? You guessed it - better behaved dogs are happier dogs, and happier dogs are healthier dogs!
So you know what to do - love your dog, spend quality time with your dog, and make sure you're consistent.
About The Author
(c) Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs, 2004
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover and owns 2 dogs - a Rottweiler and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Brigitte has a special interest in improving the health and possibly extending the life of your dog.
You can subscribe to the Healthy Happy Dogs ezine - for free tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog - at: http://www.healthyhappydogs.com; http://www.healthyhappydogs.com
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More
Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview ..Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More
MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
Pet |