Recent NewsWe love our pets and think of them as our children – we feel happy when they’re joyful, sad when they act like they’re depressed, and we feel guilty when we have to leave them at home. What pet owner hasn’t wondered whether or not their pet is happy?
Just like children, our pets are happiest when they understand the rules that are set for them by the people who love them, and they become very upset when they can’t tell who is in charge, which leads to “bad” behaviors. For example, dogs tend to “act out” when they think their owner is not taking his responsibility for the dog’s needs, well being, and security seriously. A dog in this sort of environment is not happy.
To make a dog happy, we have to provide meaningful, fair, and consistent feedback to our dog about his behavior. Interact with Fido and demand things of him, whether it is a simple task like to sit on command, or more complex tasks like searching out a missing person.
We are our dog’s center – his sun, moon, and everything else – you are the leader. He was genetically designed to be our loyal subject and he takes this role very seriously. When we do not realize how highly he regards us or how much he demands of us, we do him a disservice.
If your dog does not look up to you, then you need to hone your leadership style to meet his needs. We are the more intelligent of the species. It is our job to learn how to communicate with our canine companions who truly had no choice in selecting the home in which they now reside. Only then will our dogs be truly happy.