Dog Training
July 1st, 2011From many years ago until now, the dog remains to be the most favorite pet of many animal lovers all over the world. There are various dog breeds a potential dog owner can choose from. If you are a city dweller with limited living space, you may want to consider toy dogs such as Chihuahua, Papillon, Pomeranian, Havanese, Maltese or Shih Tzu. If you are getting a dog that can perform jobs like guard the property, guide the disabled or herd sheep and other livestock, your options may range from Boxer, American Bulldog and German Shepherd, Labrador and Golden Retriever to Border Collie, Rottweiler and Kelpie.
Dog ownership is not just about simply owning one because your neighbor and many other people are dog owners too. It is not just about adorning the poor little creature with fancy and often pricey dog collars and designer clothing. Dog ownership is more on caring for and providing for your dog’s needs like healthy diet, comfortable and safe sleeping area, proper grooming and appropriate training. When all these needs are met, surely you will become one of those fortunate owners with a dog that knows how to respond properly in various circumstances.
Owning a dog is not a one-sided affair in which only your dog can benefit from you. It is actually a mutual relationship because you, too, can get something good by being a responsible dog owner. One, and the most common reason many people own a dog or two is companionship. Dogs are naturally loyal, innocent and protective animals that you will surely want to spend many years with. They can sit beside you and listen as you talk about your woes and rants. Some may even risk their lives to protect you especially if danger is at hand. A dog can make you happy when he licks your face or wags his tail and proud when he excels in obedience. Truly a dog is one of a kind companion.
Dogs need exercise in order to stay healthy. Thus as owner, it is your responsibility to walk him and provide physical activities everyday. When you walk your dog on daily basis, you are not only doing a favor for your dog but for yourself as well since you are exercising too. This in turn lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and lessens your risk of having heart disease, osteoporosis and weight issues. Additionally, owning a dog can also reduce stress, depression and loneliness.
While the above assertions are evident benefits of owning a dog, there is one benefit that is not given much thought by many people. That benefit is the lessons derived from being a dog owner. Being a dog owner teaches us how to value life other than our own and our family as well as care for and protect a creature even if we can easily shun it away. It teaches us to understand even if words are not said, to be sensitive to the feelings of others, to love without asking for too much in return and to accept the complexities of life.
The effects of dogs to man is surely immeasurable. Many cried with their dog and cried when their dogs passed away. Many enjoyed playtime with their dogs and enjoyed seeing their dogs play with their kids or other dogs. Many dogs caused pride and brought back the feeling of hope to their owners. A dog is never a traitor neither a liar and they are not branded as man’s best friend for nothing.