Dear Mom and Dad,
Sometimes it is hard for me to be good. I really try, but you humans can be really confusing. I made a list of what I need to be a good dog. Please read it and don’t get mad at me. I’m not perfect but I love you.
- I need consistent rules. I really don’t mind rules, in fact, knowing the rules and that you will be consistent and fair makes me feel more secure.
- I need to know what you want me to do. I get so discouraged when all I hear is “NO!” from you. Please train me so I know what to do to stay out of trouble.
- I need lots of exercise. You might think I am exercising when you put me out in the yard, but sometimes I just lay there and get bored. Please take me for a walk or throw my ball for me. Sometimes I need to run and play with other dogs. I like to use my nose to find things too.
- I need to be with you. Please let me be in the house with you. I get so lonely that I dig or bark or jump the fence when I am outside alone too long.
- My ancestors had a job to do to keep them busy. Maybe it was herding, or bringing back ducks, or killing rats. What is my job now? Everyone says they want a smart dog, but us smart dogs get bored! When I find things to amuse me and keep me busy, sometimes it makes you mad. Please find something for me to do.
- If I growl, please take the time to figure out why. I might be hurting somewhere, or maybe the kids are playing too rough with me and I have to warn them.
- I need a quiet place that is mine. Sometimes I just want to rest.
- I need a way to release tensions and amuse myself. Chewing is one of my favorite activities, even after I’m grown up. Please give me safe chewtoys so I don’t make a mistake and make you mad.
- Please take me places with you and let me meet different people. If I stay at home all the time, the world seems like a scary place. And when I’m scared I might have to growl to make people go away.
- I need to know where I stand. I really want you to be the boss, so I don’t have to make all the decisions. I am happy to follow your rules, but please don’t yell at me. Just be consistent so I can learn what to do.
- Pay attention to me when I am being good, and praise me. If you ignore me too much, I will find ways to get your attention, even if it means you get upset!
Love (and muddy pawprints),
Rover
(as dictated to Pat Scott)
Copyright © Pat Scott
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wagntails.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/author-image.png[/author_image] [author_info]About the Author Christine Fox, APDT, CTDI and a Pet Sitters International member, is the founder of Wag ‘N’ Tails Dog Activity Center with two locations in Michigan. She has been involved with many pet dog trainer certification initiatives, all based on learning techniques that involve humane practices and the latest in scientific research. Christine also raised a service dog for Paws With a Cause and plans to train her newest pup in therapy work. Through her work with dogs and their parents, Christine has developed many happy and healthy relationships with both humans and dogs in the community.[/author_info] [/author]
