A dog has often been referred to as man’s best friend. I would like you to stop right now and ask yourself if you are your dog’s best friend. Is your dog treated like a member of the family or a nuisance that you feed and walk and clean up after? Naturally, the hope is that you are treating him as a member of the family and that you can honestly answer “yes” to the question if you are your dog’s best friend.

It is important that you care for your dog not only physically but emotionally as well. Granted all dogs have very different needs, we have a Llasa Apso who is very high maintenance and demands a lot of attention from us all. I have seen other dogs that would prefer that you leave them alone unless they come to you looking for attention. We need to take that into consideration when caring for our four legged friends.

Beyond getting them the required shots, and yearly check ups and making sure that they are being fed and have enough water and safe shelter dogs need interaction with their owner. We are talking about another living, breathing, feeling, being. Dogs on a whole are intelligent species, they can learn. Think about it. Your dog can talk back to you, can learn to sit, roll over, play dead, and protect you and your family. He is your best confidant when you are said and lonely, maybe he is all you have to share the joys of your life with. What about what your dog is experiencing.

If you go away on vacation and your dog is kenneled or friends keep him, do you notice how clingy they are when you return? Perhaps your dog is like our best friends’ dog and he will purposely avoid them when they come back from a trip because he was left alone.

Dogs build friendships with other animals and people. There is a connection that is formed. They suffer loss and grieve much like humans do. They miss their friends when they don’t get to see them. I know that it sounds odd, but you really need to pay attention to your dog, you could learn a lot.

Dogs have feelings as well and they can be hurt. Your dog literally lives to be petted, played with, walked and talked to by you. They need that interaction to be a healthy. Talk to your dog and spend time getting to know your dog. You chose that dog to be a part of your family. He did not choose you, you choose him. Much like a baby, they don’t choose either you do. They need nurturing just like your dog does. It may seem ridiculous to compare your dog to your child, but if you aren’t treating them the same then you are not caring for your dog properly.