This post is all about how to be a good dog owner.
Besides providing food, water, shelter and a few toys, what does it really take to the kind of person your dog thinks you are? Answer: It's not always about spoiling your dog and teaching them to sit.
In this post you'll learn (from a dog trainer) how to become the owner that your dog wants and needs you to be.
How to be a Good Dog Owner
Dog Owner Responsibilities
If you're reading this, you probably (hopefully) already understand what it means to take care of your dog in terms of food, water, shelter and health care.
But what does your dog need to really thrive in your home and have a fulfilled life? What does it take for an owner to happily provide a life filled with off-leash freedom, free access to furniture, endless treats, good food and all the love and praise from their owner they could ask for?
Your dog could get treats, a comfy bed to sleep in, regular walks and be spoiled to no end, but are they as happy as a dog who gets to go out and work sheep and cows all day?
The short answer: dogs live for and love having a job, responsibility and accountability.
Dogs crave work. That's why we brought them into our homes! Whether their job is to comfort us, play with us or to protect us, dogs have simply adapted to want to work.
While not every owner has a flock of sheep or can allow their dogs the opportunity to work an actual job, there are still things you can do around your own home to give your dog a happy, fulfilled dog life.
Signs You're a Good Dog Owner
There are simple, and easy ways for you to give your dog a job. Consider this: your dog lives rent free in your house with free access to food, water, toys and a bed. The least they can do is sit when you ask them to sit.
A dog's job can be as simple as sitting when you ask them to sit.
A good dog owner will be fair, consistent and keep their dog accountable to those commands.
One of the best ways to fully grasp your dog's needs is to educate yourself. The more you can learn about how to understand your dog, the happier you'll both be.
One of the books that has made the most difference in dog owner's lives is the book, The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell.
This book is for any dog owner who just wants to enjoy their dog more.
Ever wonder why your dog won't stop barking? Won't stop submissive peeing? What about aggressive behaviors or jumping up? It's probably because they have assigned themselves their own job in order to feel some fulfillment.
This book is the key to helping any dog owner become aware of their dog's behavior and why they're doing it.
The Other End of the Leash
Regular Price: $4.99-$25
If you really want to understand what your dog is feeling, thinking and how to fulfill them, this is the book for you!
New Dog Owner Checklist
If you're in the research phase of deciding whether to bring a dog into your home, or another dog in your home, you can keep everything organized with a New Puppy or New Dog Owner Checklist.
Use the links below to download yours for free!
New Puppy Checklist PDF
New Dog Checklist
Training Tips for New Dog Owners
One of the most exciting times with your pet is the first few weeks you bring them home!
-but- did you know that training your dog begins the second you bring them home?!
Read this article about the first 3 weeks with your new dog!
There are other things you'll need to teach your dog too! Every day daily you are training your dog for healthy boundaries, how to relax and how to be a responsible member of the family.
You'll also want to teach your dog skills like how to walk on a loose leash, how to teach your dog to come and how to teach your dog to listen the first time you give a command.
These E-Books below are so helpful for teaching your dog exactly what to expect!
The Focus Game : Training Exercise to Decrease Your Dog's Distractability
How to Teach Your Dog a Bombproof "Sit"
So, besides food, water, a nice comfy place to rest, and maybe a few toys, what does your dog -actually- need from you to live a happy fulfilled life? Check out the list below!
10 Responsibilities of a Pet Owner
1. Set your dog up for success.
2. Be fair.
3. Educate yourself.
4. When in doubt show your dog what you want them to do, rather than telling them.
5. Be consistent.
6. Hold your dog accountable.
7. Advocate for your dog.
8. Be kind.
9. Give them a job.
10. Let your dog be a dog.
What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave a comment below!
