Treat your dog like a DOG.
You know how we look at older times and complain how soft people have gotten lately? We talk about our childhood full of outdoor adventures, riding in the back of the pickup and fist fighting through our childhood, camping, hunting and fishing and getting the belt when you talked back.
What do we say about today’s youth? Your average young adult today can’t even handle a Facebook post they don’t agree with.
You know what happened? Somewhere in their youth, they were taught their feelings trumped reason. That their input had a tremendous weight at the adult decision making table. That saying “no” to them was unacceptable, and that you don’t really have to try hard to get a trophy.
End result? You now have a bunch of young adults who need a safe space.
Our grandparents would be rolling in their graves!!
What does this have to do with owning a dog? The same trend has affected our dogs. Our dogs have become our “babies.” You can now buy strollers for your dogs. And heaven forbid someone catches you giving a firm “no” to your dog while you’re in public.
Our grandparents’ dogs would be rolling in their graves!!
As a good mentor of mine once told me: When you treat your dog like a person, IT will treat you like a dog.
Here’s what I propose. Be kind, fair and compassionate with your dog, but never forget he’s just a dog. Nothing more, nothing less. Train and guide with a gentle hand, but hold the line with a firm hand.
Oh and one last thing... It’s totally OK to say “No” to your dog.