How to Love Your Dog

A dog is more than just a pet. It is a friend one can always count on when things go wrong and no one seems to care. Having a dog for a pet is not just about feeding it and giving it a good home. It also takes maintenance to keep that dog strong and fit.

Spending time with man’s best friend further deepens the relationship one has with a pet. It tells the dog that the owner loves being with it and by either playing or working together; it strengthens the communication, understanding and respect between man and animal.

Any living animal deserves love. Here is how to give the best to your canine pal.

- Give your dog plenty of exercise. When your dog needs to go out, take him or her out. You will know he needs to because he will give you pleading looks, stand by the door, bark, etc. There may be whining, scraping and barking accompanying the need for exercise outdoors as well.

- Pet him. If he puts his head in your lap, scratch behind his ears. Dogs just want to be loved. They love neck and tummy scratches and a dog massage is one of the best ways to show your affection for your dog.

- Hug your dog, too. Most dogs, especially the small to medium ones, take this as a sign of affection. You can do this while you pet your dog.

- Reward your dog. Many dogs, and Goldens and Shelties in particular, exist to please their owners, and they will do it. You have to reward them. Give them treats that are healthy and made specially for dogs. You don't have to buy the treats, you can make excellent ones yourself at home.

- Talk to your dog. Dogs love it when you talk to them. You will develop your own language together and share intimate moments. And no dog will ever tell you to stop going on about a bad day at the office!

- Spend quality time with your dog. Your dog loves attention. Set aside time every day to spend just with your dog. Even if it's just lying in front of the TV together, stroking your dog's ears and resting together.

- Prioritize yourself to your dog. Set regular and consistent times to feed your dog and take him or her for walks. Your dog will love you for it because it's doing him or her a world of good for their well-being. Doing things for your dog at the same time every day will let it know what to expect at that time.

- Cherish your dog. Always respect your dog and the love that your dog has brought into the house. Be kind, caring and considerate in the way that you treat your dog. Your dog is a family member.

- Give your dog a comfortable place of its own. Your dog's sleeping area should be its alone, not to be shared with piles of washing or storage boxes. Make sure it is out of the way of people who walk through and other annoyances.
Check out tips on the internet and at your local library on dog training. Part of loving your dog is teaching it how to behave. Or enroll in an obedience school.

A great guide I found and now use is SitStayFetch. SitStayFetch will teach you how to train your dog like a professional trainer, so you can have your dog obey you no matter what the situation and solve any specific problems that you may have with your dog - this is truly cutting-edge material!

Although particular commands are important, also talk to your dog in plain English along with these commands. Your speech is full of inflections and patterns that your dog will understand, even if it doesn't know that details of what you're saying. Similarly, never lie to your dog. Dogs can sense it. Click here and take a look at SitStayFetch, I am sure it will help you and your canine friend enjoy each others company. More info available here.