Living with a dog is a long-term relationship. From the dog’s point of view, it might seem like a few square meters of confinement, but it can also be a meaningful and high-quality relationship with the owner.
A quality relationship is not just about cuddling, whining, and treating the dog like a child.
When choosing a puppy, you need to consider whether its temperament matches your lifestyle. If you don’t have much time during the day, avoid very agile, task-driven dogs that require a lot of exercise.
Mentally exhausting your dog is as important as providing the right food. Physical exercise alone is not enough. Many people notice that even after a three-hour walk, their dog is only manageable for about twenty minutes before becoming just as energetic and excitable as before.
Simply putting a dog on a treadmill to tire it out is not effective. A dog needs a job, rules, a clear hierarchy, and authority. The best way to establish authority is not through intimidation but by consistently applying rules and engaging in joint activities.
