Most people adopt or buy a puppy with the best of intentions. Often, as parents, your children cajole you into getting one. Many elderly people contract it out of a desire for companionship, especially when their lifelong partner has passed away.
However, in counseling families, I have often been very saddened that after the first glamor of owning a pet, many people fall into terrible practices about raising a pet and living a life with a pet. And no matter how many of these neglectful pet owners are educated, smart, wealthy, young, old—-unfortunately, while there are excellent schools for dog obedience, there are none for teaching true companionship with your dog. Or if there are, they are not advertised.
And the result is that dogs are treated in inhumane and shocking ways by people who profess that the dog means everything to them. Why am I pointing at dogs and not cats, horses or other pets? Simple. Dogs are the closest thing to a human being in their need for social interaction with humans. Cats only need it occasionally, horses rarely, and only in the work area and other pets like birds want their own kind. Dogs, however, need humans, particularly after they’ve been domesticated. They make excellent pets, but only when cared for properly.
So here are some tips. Some of these are controversial and unconventional, so be sure to observe the effect, and if possible consult with a professional if you don’t see the desired result.
1. Exercise. It’s hard to believe that there are people who live in cramped apartments and insist on having a big dog. It’s cruel to leave a dog crammed into a small area all day. So if you must resort to keeping a large dog indoors, hire a dog sitter who can take the dog out at least once a day. Dogs will get depressed not only from being alone, but also from being locked up like a criminal.
2. Don’t play unnecessarily rough with a dog. Being playful and teasing once in a while is fine, but owners who engage in rough play all the time will disorient a dog and make it violent. Especially towards children.
3. Don’t overfeed your dog. Many dogs develop obesity. It comes from lack of exercise and also from overeating.
4. As much as you love your dog, don’t feed him human food. Dogs have a very sensitive gastrointestinal tract and need much more fiber than a human. Feeding them processed foods, especially high in sugar, will damage their hearts and metabolism.
5. Give them a healthy diet. Don’t skimp on pet food. Buy good brands, one with no filler and processed meats and sugars and preservatives.
6. Take him not only for vaccinations, but also for regular and complete checkups with a qualified vet. It’s amazing how many owners don’t remember to keep a good service regimen. Dogs have a short lifespan compared to humans. Make it as healthy as possible, particularly about diagnosing early ailments like hip and joint disease.
Last but not least. This is a personal choice, so I’m not going to give advice one way or the other. It is not uncommon, as the dog is reaching adulthood and becoming sluggish and weak, many owners bring home a pet because they don’t want to be without one and want to “line up” the successor so they have someone to love when the older dog dies. I am against this practice. Dogs are very intelligent and learn to understand your actions better than your way of thinking. Imagine if your loved one brought home a “replacement” for you while you were still alive. This can cause depression and emotional distress. Avoid it. When the dog dies, let it die with honor and respect the mourning period, just as you would with your family member.
Good luck and happy times with your dog.
