By: DOGeNEWS
You are the center of your dog's universe. It is a weighty
responsibility. You probably give your dog food, medical care,
exercise, shelter and affection. But have you ever considered
what your dog may truly need that you neglect?
I think we love our dogs so much because they seem so like us
in so many ways. We can see them feel joy and pain just like us.
Things that we so admire in humans such as loyalty, trust and a
boundless joy are so abundant in our dogs that we cannot help
but love them. But loving our dogs means more then simply
showering them with treats and kisses. We must respect that in
being so like us humans that they need purpose beyond living for
food and shelter.
In the course of my dog training at Perfect Manners Dog
Training I encounter so many stressed, neurotic pets that are
being literally killed with kindness that it troubles me
greatly. How can good people, who love their dogs, so
misunderstand what a dog truly needs?
Think of how many horrific headlines you've read of the spoiled
rich child who was given everything in life without effort and
spent his years spiraling from one personal tragedy to the next.
Recall the consequences of life without purpose on our species
and imagine what we do to our canine family.
Many of the more popular dog breeds that we love as pets were
bred for work. Border Collies toiled long hours in the field
herding with their master. Labs hunted and retrieved while
running through bush and fields to retrieve master's catch. Now
these same proud breeds are lavished with affection, overfed
with treats, and are lucky to have a fifteen minute hike through
a manicured park with their master on an occasional basis. One
day is like the next with no stimulation other then unending
affection without apparent purpose. This is a recipe for
disaster.
We live in urban areas and we cannot reasonably take our dog
sheep herding in our subdivision. But we can provide challenge
and purpose to their lives. We can give them work and thereby
give them self worth. This is what our dogs truly need and is
the part of their evolutionary heritage that has made them an
integral part of the human experience. If you haven't begun,
start obedience training your dog. Before your dog eats, make
her do work. Have her sit, down and come before you feed her.
You may pet her because you love her but your touch will have
warm meaning if she first fetches your slippers or puts her toys
away in her toy box. When you walk her, work her. Throw away
your retractable leash and have your dog walk on a heel where
she must focus on you. In other words, think of your own life
experience. Your food tastes sweeter and accomplishments are
only truly rewarding when they have been achieved through your
hard work and effort. Your dog has the need for meaning, purpose
and self worth.
Love is more then giving affection. It is also understanding
what can truly bring joy to that four legged creature that
adores you more then you could ever know. Training your dog is
not just about good behavior. Training your dog is about giving
your dog the one thing he really, truly needs.
Sandy Finley Perfect Manners Dog Training
About The Author: The author is a professional dog trainer and
owner of Perfect Manners Dog Training in metro Chicago. He is
considered a national authority on dog behavior and dog
training. Find many of Sandy's articles on dog training at
http://www.perfectd ogtraining. com.
