| Before you get a dog: If you think of a dog as "just a dog" . . . do not get a dog. If you think of a dog as a "lesser being" . . . do not get a dog. You are not ready. You do not have the right mindset . . . yet. | 
zzzzzzzzzzz | Calling a dog "just a dog" demeans the feeling, sensitive companions that they are. The phrase "Just a dog" says that: -
their needs would not be paramount -
you may consider them disposable -
they would not be family members | | |
| Before you get a dog: - Are you absolutely sure you are dog people? Some people just don't click or connect with dogs. Make sure, for example, that a cat would not be more suitable.
- Are you patient? Compassionate?
- Have you researched the breeds to determine what suits you and your family's lifestyle?
- Are you prepared for a possible fifteen year or so commitment?
- Do you know how to train your potential pet? If researching current humane training techniques is too much effort, you are not ready for any pet. Know before you bring your pet home.
- Do you know how to housebreak a dog? Learn tips to housebreak a puppy before you bring the animal into your home.
- Will you make the time to provide a dog with proper care?
If your answer to ANY of the above is NO, do not get a dog! Think long and hard before you unintentionally hurt any of these magnificent creatures. It is not fair for people to 'wing it' with a dog. | |
A dog is supposed to be a member of your family - not an accessory. You can't lock your pet away for most of its days and expect it to be a devoted, healthy creature.
Dog's have deep feelings. Just like a child, they can be hurt by words or actions. They love to be included as a real part their family.
- Did you know that arguing or yelling in front of your dog is considered psychologically harmful to your pet?
- Did you know there are still people that believe that physically hurting a puppy is a way to train the puppy? Never use pain to train.
- Did you know that some people think that physically hurting a dog will teach it when not to bark.
There are more humane ways than crating a dog for hours at a time while the family is not at home. When a dog is caged/imprisoned for hours, people are treating their family member as "just a dog." They are not considering their dog's welfare. Would you like to spend six, eight, or more hours of your day locked in a tiny cage without access to washroom facilities, space to exlore, or entertainment? I hope not.
It's worse than distasteful when people brag about their dog's ability to hold itself for hours. Don't they realize they are bragging about their own cruelty?
Having a dog is a serious commitment. It requires time and energy. It requires learning. Dogs don't grow up and move away from home. We are responsible for making their lives as comfortable and full of love as possible. It is a long term commitment that children are unable to make. Children's thoughts are for immediate gratification. Children can not understand that there are often sacrifices that have to be made because you have a dog.
A dog owner's joyful duty: Training your dog to be the best canine citizen possible by giving and getting peace, love, and contentment.
