Getting to Know your Dog

Dogs have almost always been around to lick our faces when they are happy to see us, to morn with us, and to guide us in our darkest hour. They are prized for their loyalty, devotion, courage and bravery. Millions of Americans own these four-legged canines and love them to death. Every now and again, on television, we see the one lucky dog that gets the five-star treatment, complete with massage, manicure and pedicure, its own hotel room, and maid service.
With our incredibly strong emotional attachments to our pets, it's very easy to believe that they somehow think, feel, and act like we do. But the truth is they don't. Having feelings toward a dog the way you have feelings toward a human being can be damaging to the pet-owner relationship. It is important to realize that while you may feel love for your dog, and it may also feel love for you, the way in which you both experience that love is different. Therefore, they way you behave around your dog should be different.
Cesar Millan, a revered celebrity dog trainer, says that establishing a healthy relationship with your dog is not about fixing the dog, or making it do things for you. It's about you, the owner, making an intention to get what you want out of the relationship. If you focus only on your feelings in your interactions with your pet, it becomes confused and, more often than not, tries to fill in the gaps with domination. This tendency is what leads to disobedient behavior in your pet.
One of Cesar's famous quotes is: "I rehabilitate dogs. I train people." This statement illuminates an important part of dog psychology that helps owners maintain strong relationships with their dogs. The key then is to train yourself not to rely on your feelings to get what you want out of your relationship with your dog. Make an intention and be consistent. You will thus transform into the pack leader, restoring and maintaining obedience in your four-legged friend.
Just like you, your dog needs balance in its life; a balanced diet, a regular exercise regimen, social time with other dogs, and all the other good things that constitute a healthy lifestyle. We dog lovers can sometimes get caught up in our feelings. Because of this we might forget to behave in a way with our animals that is best for them.
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Joseph Devine
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