10 Commandments of Dog Ownership

Being Aware of the Commitment of Dog Ownership

• "My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me," Rawlinson says. Many people fall in love with a cute puppy without thinking about the fact that it will grow up, and the new owner will need to be responsible for it through all of its healthcare and other needs.

  Dog owners often choose by looks rather than temperament and suitability of the breed to their lifestyle. All dogs need to be exercised and given attention. Some breeds are more sensitive to being alone than others and any dog may start to suffer from separation anxiety if it is left alone too much. It may also begin to demonstrate bad behavior as a result of stress, boredom or feelings of rejection.

Practicing Patience

• "Give me time to understand what you want from me. Don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable," Rawlinson says. Take the time to learn the basics of puppy and dog training before you ever bring your new pet home. Go to a training class yourself to learn sound techniques so you will not treat your new dog in a manner which makes the problems worse instead of better. Dogs need to be trained with an attitude of love, not anger.

Earning Respect and Trust

• "Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned, not given as an inalienable right," Rawlinson says. The secret to training a well-behaved dog is to give clear, consistent instructions. Dogs are eager to please their owners and do what is expected of them. The training and reward pattern will make the dog want to gain praise all the time.

Avoiding Anger and Punishing Behaviors

• "Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment, I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you," Rawlinson says. Dogs crave human attention and companionship and are delighted to get it in the course of their training. They can also become easily bored and end up acting out by relieving themselves in inappropriate places, barking and chewing. Unless the punishment is given out at the time of the actual bad behavior, the dog will feel even more neglected and rejected being away from their owner.

Communication with Your Dog

• "Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail," Rawlinson says. Dogs understand a wide range of sounds and positive and negative tones. Always be sensitive to the manner in which you speak to your dog, or about your dog. Be sensitive to their body language as well: tail, ears and the way they sit.

The Effects of Your Actions as a Pet Owner

• "Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel it may affect me forever," Rawlinson says. Puppies who experience unkindness when young will often recall the event years after the fact, such as the sight of a rolled-up newspaper. Take the time to instill positive behaviors through training rather than punishment if you have not taken the trouble to train the dog and it is just doing what comes naturally.

Avoiding Physical Punishment

• "Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don't ever want to do that," Rawlinson says. Never underestimate the power of any dog, nor the fact that even the most mild-mannered animal will try to defend itself if it feels threatened. Never corner or hit your pet and remember than loving training is far more effective at getting the best from your dog than any physical punishment.

Understanding Your Dog's Personality, Moods and Behavior

• "Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. I may be just dog tired," Rawlinson says. Always be sensitive to any change in your dog's mood, personality, or food, water or toilet habits. It may be a sign that something is wrong. Try not to overdo things when training a young dog. Also be sensitive to the needs of older dogs, who suffer from many painful chronic conditions such as arthritis.

The Responsibility of Caring for a Senior Pet

• "Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort and attention," Rawlinson says. Senior dogs will usually require some modifications to their routine, diet and ability to get around. They may also need medications for chronic conditions. It is at this stage of a dog's life that many people do not keep to their ownership commitment. They think of their own convenience rather than the welfare of the dog and will often either abandon it at a shelter or have the dog put down.

Facing End of Life Decisions

• "Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, 'I can't bear to watch,' or 'Let it happen in my absence.' Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, irrespective of what you do I will always love you," Rawlinson says. Dealing with a dog's illness can be a very stressful situation for many people in terms of both emotions and finances. Fortunately, pet insurance can help with regular annual visits to the vet for all his shots, plus any emergencies if the should ever arise. You will have to face end of life decisions no matter what the dog's age. Quality rather than duration of life should be a guiding factor. Remaining committed to your dog's well-being until the very end means making the best choices for it, not for you.