I own 3 dogs and have fostered 34, and it is important to me that each and every dog finds its perfect home.
It breaks my heart when dogs get dropped at shelters because, “it just didn’t work”. If the new adopter cares about this animal, they must compromise, make adjustments, and do everything they can to make the pet happy and healthy.
In my experience, watching dogs transition into their forever homes, I’ve noticed that most new dog owners get excited about how much fun they will have with their new dog, but don’t take the time to think about how to understand their feelings and really communicate with them. To have a healthy happy relationship with your dog, you need to actually research, learn, and understand what your dog is trying to communicate. And most importantly, put yourself in the dog’s paws.
You have to learn what your dog is trying to tell you through understanding their body language, in order to correctly communicate with your dog. Taking the time to get this right will create a happier life for both you and your dog!
Take leash walking, for example. Many dog owners become frustrated when their dogs don’t walk with them properly, and they resort to using restrictive collars as a solution. What they really need to do is understand why their dog is pulling. There could be many reasons for this: The dog could be scared, anxious, or overexcited and by knowing this, the owner will be able to fix the issue so both parties will be happy. If you don’t understand why, both of you will become even more frustrated.
Most people forget that pets are not simply for their owners entertainment or enjoyment! They are there to provide comfort, companionship, and a friend. You are there to provide them with a home, a family, love, a companion, and a best friend.
When adopting a pet there is a transition you have to make to provide the possible life for them, not just what’s best for you, or what makes you happy. The problem is, not many people realize this before and after they adopt a pet.
If you’re a dog or pet owner, communication is important to keeping both of you together with less problems, and to strengthen your bond.
Even if you’re not a dog owner, it is important to adapt to the needs of others (animals or people) in a relationship, and to consider not just your own perspective but others too.
natalie dente March 23, 2018
Hi Anna, This was a beautiful piece. Very thoughtful and most instructive. I wish everyone could read it and follow this good advice.. Keep up the good work, I know you have happy pups and you are their best friend , love Grandma Natalie
AnnaC9 April 9, 2018
Thank you! 🙂
donna March 26, 2018
I love this piece. It is elegant and as Grandma said, very instructive. I think these words DO apply to our relationships with others. I will try to keep them in mind as we begin our summer season of visitors. I hope everyone will feel welcome and loved.
donna March 26, 2018
I love this piece. It is elegant, and as Grandma said, instructive. I agree too, that this perspective carries over to all relationships. I want to keep this in mind as I try to become a better host for visitors. I hope everyone will welcomed and loved.
Angelo Otterbein March 26, 2018
Good blog post! You certainly speak from a position of authority Anna. Even people who have had dogs their whole lives may only experience a handful of different pets. But you’ve already seen and worked with 37! That’s amazing! – UA