How to Give Your Dog Respect

Dogs, like humans, need more than food, water and shelter. Taking on the responsibility of a canine companion involves the willingness to go beyond meeting your dog's basic survival needs, and to respect it as a living being that is devoted to you and thrives on your love and attention. Failure to respect your dog can result in a miserable life for both of you, while showing proper respect and care can ensure a gratifying, mutually rewarding relationship for the life of your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Quality dog food
  • Fresh water
  • Outdoor shelter
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

  1. Respecting Your Dog

    • 1

      Put your dog's needs first, even when you are pressed for time. Take your dog outside first thing upon rising and immediately upon returning home, rather than waiting until you have brushed your teeth or put away the groceries. Imagine being dependent upon someone else to allow you access to a bathroom, and give your dog the same consideration you would expect. Make it a top priority to give your dog fresh food and water when it is time, even if you are eager to sit down to a meal or snack. Remember that in a state of nature, your dog would be able to hunt and to drink from natural water sources, but she is totally dependent upon you to provide her with food and water in a timely manner.

    • 2
      Regular veterinary check-ups show respect for your dog's well-being.

      Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups, and be alert for symptoms such as changing bowel habits or excessive scratching. Your dog can't tell you if its stomach hurts after eating or if its skin itches in spite of flea treatments. You and your vet can make the difference between a healthy, comfortable life for your dog and an existence filled with neglected pain or irritations. The Pet Education website recommends annual examinations and yearly vaccinations, after the initial puppy series.

    • 3

      Respect your dog's needs for physical exercise and intellectual stimulation. Take it for regular walks, which will not only keep it healthy but give it a change of scenery and quality time with you. Bring home new toys occasionally, and make an effort to find something that will let your dog play or work in a new way, such as a toy that contains a treat your dog must "unlock." Take your dog with you into social situations whenever possible, and allow it to interact with new acquaintances as well as old friends.

    • 4

      Groom your dog regularly, and make the bath a special playtime if it enjoys the process. If not, bring your dog to a professional groomer before its fur becomes too dirty or its toenails grow long. How often your dog needs grooming will depend on its breed and other factors, such as whether it is primarily an indoor or outdoor dog. As a rule, poodles and cocker spaniels need a good grooming every 2 to 6 weeks, while a Labrador retriever or doberman might only need grooming every 8 to 12 weeks.

    • 5

      Train your dog well so that it will be welcome in your home and in other places you frequent. Make short training sessions a pleasant part of every day, and be sure to end each session on a positive note, offering praise and treats. Enroll your dog in an obedience class or engage a professional trainer, if necessary. Most dogs want to please their human companions, and putting the time and effort into proper training shows that you respect this canine characteristic. Place a strong emphasis on positive reinforcement for good behavior, rather than negative reinforcement for improper behavior. Avoid any form of harsh discipline.