Pets - Dogs: Don't Blame Your Dog for Your Mistakes
by Shawnee Bowlin
FeedTheVillage.com - Tips and Advice: Don't Blame Your Dog for Your Mistakes
There have been pet owners who expect way too much out of their animals. They can't tell us their needs. They can't let us know when they need to go potty or get thirsty or have a sore throat or a headache or tummy ache. They can't tell us when they have a bad day or when they get sad. Animals need attention. You have to look after your animal as though it were your child, a baby who needs you to provide for it and love it. Animals have feelings. They get happy. They get depressed. They get angry. They get bored. They get nervous and scared. You must learn your animal in a way that helps you understand what mood is the present mood. Remember that your pet needs comfort. Plenty of water, rest, clean living habits, proper potty space, exercise, the right shots at the right times, the right amount and types of foods, love, playtime, company, and safety. They also need protection: from other people and other animals, but also from temperature changes. One major thing to remember is to learn the danger signs. Forcing something on your pet can cause your animal to strike back at you. You can't, in all fairness, blame your dog for biting someone when you made the pet endure the person's unwanted attentions regardless of the warning signals. Also, when your pet is hurt badly and you force it to endure your poking and prodding, it may strike out at you out of self-defense. The dog should not be blamed for this. Respect your dog's space. If your dog needs to be left alone, just give it some time and monitor it's actions. Make sure it is eating, sleeping, and so on, properly. Maybe it just has a tummy ache from the heat or a headache from too much exercise and just needs a short while to recover. Make sure any medications you give your pet are safe for your pet. Animals can sometimes be put in life-threatening danger by a human with good intentions. Human medicines are not always safe for your pet. Dosage, weight, and timing can be crucial as well. Most of all, love your dog. A dog is one of the most wonderful pets when you treat it with kindness and respect. It will give you much joy and love, companionship and devotion. But it is a responsibility, a living, breathing creation; and you are the one in charge.
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