By nature, dog is man's best friend, but all too often it is an unrequited love.
Families who love their dog's are sadly falling short when it comes to reciprocating the love they receive from their furry best friends, but it isn't their fault and there is a simple solution. As in all relationships, whether they be family, friend, or significant other everyone needs something different in order to be happy. The difference, is you can ask a human what they want and need; with a dog, it is a slow learning process. So, how can we make our dogs happy when we can't ask them what they want?
The "Golden Rule" we all learned as children, to treat others as we want to be treated, applies to all living creatures.
Always keep interactions with your dog 110% positive, even when they make a mistake I promise it was not to upset you. If you were the guardian of a 4 year old child from a foreign land without the ability to speak English and they spilled some juice or soiled themselves, would it ever be appropriate to raise your voice, become physical, or get angry in any way? The obvious answer, NO! This is how we need to view a dog, an adult canine has an intellect close to that of a 2-4 year old with a language barrier. Always being positive creates a special, incredibly deep, bond with your dog that is built on a very pure mutual trust and understanding. Instead of forcing your dog to do something or stop something, they will want to behave in whatever way makes you happy. LOVE TRUST & RESPECT.
The same way that every person is unique, so is every dog. Find what makes them truly happy.
Every dog is different, so it is important to take the time to discover what lights up their life. Whether it's a walk in the park, playing fetch, or training; every dog has those activities that are the essence of life for them. There will be no doubt in your mind when you find their "thing", so if it doesn't click right away, never stop trying something new. Maybe it's playing with another dog, nose work, agility courses, or herding that ignites their soul; make sure you find that "thing" and make it a regular part of life.
Exceed their expectations.
You get out what you put in; go the extra mile when it comes to your canine companion. If they want to go potty, take them for a walk instead of letting them out back for 5 minutes. Instead of throwing a ball in the house or backyard, go to a big open field or a dog park. Instead of just giving your dog a few treats, spend 15 minutes training them to do something fun and new. Make it a point to spend quality time with your dog, and you will create a special bond that you can only have with your furry best friend. They will always go the extra mile for us; it's time for us to meet them half way.