The Joy of Owning a Dog
Most people think of their pet dog in its typically upbeat mood when he or she greets you effusively after you have had a difficult day at the office. Your dog is probably aware of your mood and immediately tries to cheer you up by bringing you your slippers or doing little tricks.
Being slobbered all over by your dog when you arrive home can be a bit irritating, but usually you end up in a better mood as a result. It is highly likely that you will find yourself grabbing a leash and taking your dog for a nice long walk, which is much needed by both of you.
If you have raised your dog from when it was a puppy newly weaned from its mother, then your pet knows no other family. You are it! It is lovely to watch a little pup grow into a gangling young dog and then into a thoughtful, mature animal that knows your habits.
Many dogs cannot bear to have their owners out of sight and follow them from room to room in the house. If you are working on your computer, your dog would prefer to have a nap in the corner than go outside. If you go to the kitchen, for instance, the dog will probably follow you out of curiosity.
A dog is the ultimate good companion. They can be better than husbands, wives and other family members. No matter how you feel or how you behave, dogs love you no matter what. Even if you speak to them in anger they forgive you immediately.
No matter how much you appreciate your dog, you might not be in favor of your dog sharing your bedroom. There are plenty of people who are only too happy to have their dog sleep in their bedrooms, or even on the foot of their beds. They feel safe having a dog present throughout the night.
Having any kind of allergy need not be a hindrance to owning a dog. Believe it or not, dog breeders are developing breeds that do not shed the fine skin that make people have an allergic reaction and get ill.
If you are bringing home a puppy and you already own mature dogs, then you should be sensitive about introducing them to the new arrival. They will probably feel that they have been replaced in your affections, so it is important to keep paying them attention. Do this, and the older dogs will end up babying the puppy right along with you!
When the Mom in the house goes to the hospital to have a baby, the husband or friend should bring home an item of clothing that smells of the baby so that the dog can get used to it. Encourage the dog to smell the item and get accustomed to a baby smell for when the baby arrives home.
In a matter of month your baby will be a toddler, and will probably climb all over the family dogs, pulling ears and tails and generally testing your dogs’ patience. Show you dogs lots of love and they will show the same consideration for your toddler.
It is no secret that dogs love to travel in cars with their heads hanging out of the window to catch the breeze. A trip down to the store is tantamount to heaven for the average family dog.
Make sure you start teaching your dog manners while it is still a puppy. They absorb instructions easier when young and the rewards of having a well trained dog are great. Remember that it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks!
You will want to teach your dog not to jump on others, to sit and stay, and to be quiet if you tell the dog to stop barking. Just as a wild dog follows the head dog, your dog will follow your lead. It is no wonder they call a dog a human being’s best friend!
Part of training your dog successfully is to get the right dog collar, leash and other equipment. Visit Dogcollarandmore.com to find a wide range of dog training equipment.