Don't Argue in Front of the Dog

Most dog owners know that their dog needs food, water, and shelter, but love and a stress-free environment are just as important. Stress from loneliness, boredom or constant family arguments can take its toll on Buddy, just as it does on humans. Doctors now know that stress raises risk for illness, while loving relationships promote better health.

By nature, dogs are pack animals and crave companionship. They are emotional beings who have feelings of love, anger, excitement, loneliness, sadness, and happiness. Any dog who spends long hours alone may feel stress and boredom. Those who live alone in the backyard may feel like a prisoner. It takes only a moment to look deep into your dog's eyes and imagine what he is feeling, what it must be like to live in his world. Your dog loves you very much. He enjoys being with you and wants you to enjoy being with him. He wants to sit on your lap, lie at your feet, play fetch or take walks with you.

After you've made sure your dog has good food, fresh water, a comfortable bed, and appropriate medical care, make a point each day to have some fun with him. There are many ways to do that. If you want to keep it simple, you can scratch his ears, toss a ball or take him for a walk.

You can also buy a dog training book or check out one from the library and teach your dog to sit, stay, shake hands, or jump through a hoop. Remember to keep it fun. Dogs learn faster when it's fun, just as you learn faster in school when the lessons are fun.

Kids love to play football, basketball, and soccer, but did you know there are sports for dogs, too? Dogs love to play flyball, run agility courses, show off their obedience skills and even dance in canine freestyle. They just need someone to teach them. It takes a lot of time and patience, but some kids train their dogs well enough to enter with them in shows. These kids are called junior dog handlers.

Just as praise from your family and friends lifts your spirits, a pat on the head, a kind word, or a game can send your dog's heart soaring. If you look closely, you might even see him smile! And making your dog happy will make you happy. Just try it and see!

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