Your Role? Your dog’s Role?
In an ideal world, we would do our research BEFORE getting a dog. But if you already have a dog, and you’re here, don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Understanding the roles each of you play in yours and your dog’s life
First, a few questions to ask yourself.
- Why do you want a dog?
- What expectations do you have of your dog?
Do you want a dog for a companion? To do dog sports with? To take on family outings? To go with you everywhere you go? To perform a job for you?
All of these are valid reasons and of course there are many more, but it is important to first understand why YOU want a dog in your life. That way you can have realistic expectations for both of you.
The CHOICE and COMMITMENT to get a dog is a human choice NOT the dog’s choice. It is a lifelong commitment and should be carefully considered. Because it is OUR choice and not the dog’s, WE humans bear the responsibility of the roles of protector, leader, companion and advocate. Our dog’s only role in life is to be our companion, and they often do that whether we fulfill our roles or not.
Dogs are not born knowing ANYTHING except how to poop, eat and sleep, much like a human baby. However, from the moment they are born, they are constantly learning from their environment. They are learning things that to us are “good” and “bad”, but to dogs they are just things. There is no qualification of good and bad to them.
They DO however know fear and trust and they quickly learn what to do and not to do to stay safe. Their whole purpose in life is to survive and that is it! It is OUR obligation when we choose to commit to a dog, to keep them not only being safe but feeling safe too. If we do that, what we will get from them in return is immeasurable.
So, why do or did YOU want your dog?
What expectations do you have of your dog?
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