Why Dont I Understand My Dog?

I have encountered folks who have complained to me about their numerous (dog) behavior problems. And interestingly enough, I usually discover that most of the behavioral problems are linked to a common factor. That common factor being pet owners all too often miss crucial, pet communication signals because of their busy lifestyles.

What do I mean, "...miss crucial, pet communication signals...?" While many people love the idea of having animal companions, we also have daily responsibilities such as jobs, attending school, families, and other priorities. And usually, our pets end up last place on life's totem pole.

Another issue that certainly plays a key factor in how capable we are to understanding our animals' needs and wants is whether or not we have indoor or outdoor pets. Though indoor pets may pose a little extra patience with regard to training, I highly recommend (as does the Humane Society ) keeping pets indoors with family.

What most individuals do not take into account is that once a collective choice is made to adopt an animal, that is precisely what is being done: we are adopting a living, feeling, creature into our lives; thus, we must consciously realize that by adopting an animal, he or she is to become a permanent addition and family member.

We certainly wouldn't adopt a newborn and place him outside on a chain all day until we returned from work, would we? Therefore, we must always remember to treat our animals just as considerately and compassionately as we would our own children.

Puppies and dogs, like their human toddler counterparts, are innately curious, clumsy and tend to have accidents. When we understand that these commonalties exist and we anticipate this prior to welcoming Rover into our hearts and homes, we are better able to coexist and develop a long-term and loving reciprocal relationship with our animal counterparts.

So step one into understanding our pets is to unconditionally accept them into our homes. Having several, large canine companions, (whom all live indoors with me), I've learned to recognize and distinguish types of body language and visual dialogue that speaks volumes. When our dogs live indoors with us, we can interpret the language of love. Not only do we see their personalities unfold before our eyes, we learn to be intuitive to each of our pets' needs, similar to our own.

From experience, I can literally close my eyes and distinguish each dog's presence simply by touch and sense. Why? Because by having them alongside me, I've learned their individual motions, breathes, sounds and feel. And in turn, they present their comical and goofy sides, their playfulness and their unconditional love for us.

When we invite our dogs into our lives - truly into our lives - we discover a world of fascination, innocence, inspiration, laughter, amusement, and an indescribable love. So how can pet owners learn to better understand their dog's behavior? Give Beethoven a bath, bring him inside and watch how his character evolves. The more time we spend one-on-one with our dogs, the better we are able to recognize specific traits and how to employ gentle behavior training techniques.

Having seven huge dogs, I've come to terms that dogs are one of life's most precious gifts. They are here for just a little while. When we take time to get to know them individually, we gain more than just a pet; we gain a friend for life.

© 2005 - Why Don't I Understand my Dog?
By C. Bailey-Lloyd, aka. LadyCamelot - in conjunction with Holistic Junction

C. Bailey-Lloyd
aka. LadyCamelot
Public Relations' Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction - Your Source for information on Healing Arts Schools

---

Goldfish Feeding Tips

What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More

West Highland White Terriers ? Westies- A Wonderful Breed Apart

"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More

How to Maintain Your Love Affair With Your Dog: Part One - Training

Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More

Living With a Pet Serval

Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More

Dogs Are Mans Best Friend

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More

The Importance of a Plan When Building a Reptile Cage

Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More

Talk to the Animals? Yes! And Whats More, They Talk to Us!

Talk to the animals?Yes.And what's more, they talk to us!If... Read More

Materials for Snake and other Reptile Cages

What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More

Online: The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Way to Buy and Sell a Horse

Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More

Protect Your Pets From The Pound

Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More

Doggie Day Care is an Awesome Alternative

Doggie day care is becoming more and more prevalent in... Read More

?Sit Up? Buddy: Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More

Dog Flea Control Management: How To Prevent, Treat, And Kill Dog Fleas

Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More

Is Your Dog In Pain Without You Realising?

A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More

Your Cat The Hunter

Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More

Training Your Dog

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

Feeding Bettas

Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More

How to Make Your Pets Healthier and Happier

Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More

5 Things You Must Do If You Want To Create a First Aid Kit For Your Family

1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More

Approach: The Third of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

In horse training or natural horsemanship, Approach is nothing more... Read More

Whats the Real Deal on Pet Insurance?

Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More

Dog Training For Beginners

Training a dog is a fairly difficult task. Some find... Read More

Cat Scratching Solutions

For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More

BARF Diet For Dogs - Not As Gross As It Sounds!

Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More

Love Your Animal Companion? Spay or Neuter

Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More