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.
When you are in the house, your dog will follow you wherever you go. If you go into the kitchen, the dog will be right behind you. Walk upstairs to the bedroom and the dog’s curiosity will encourage him or her to follow again.
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.
If you have allergies to them, you can still have a dog. Breeders are perfecting new breeds that do not shed and who have very little dander, the skin flakes that cause some people to have reactions to them.
If you already own adult dogs, it is best to introduce a puppy into the home gradually. The older dogs might resent the reduction in attention you pay them. It might take them time to adjust to the new dog. However, a much loved pet will end up helping you to raise your puppy!
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.
If you want to give your dog the ultimate treat, then take it for a long drive in the country. Dogs seem to love nothing more than sticking their heads out of car windows and catching the wind.
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!
Among the things you should teach your dog are not to jump onto people, to sit when instructed to do so, to stay when told to, and to stop barking when you say so. It is quite easy to train a dog that is well loved. Train your dog well and it will be a great companion for life.
