Understanding dogs needs - is it really that hard?

[krunchkin]

Inspired by a recent topic on here (now closed) that made me quite cross about someone's inability to see that taking on an animal is about the animal's needs first and foremost - rather than your worries about your soft furnishings.

Is it THAT hard to instinctively understand what makes a dog happy and fulfilled and instill in that animal the boundaries and behaviours that are acceptable? There seems to be a huge amount of bks and psychobabble peddled by those with money to make from books and TV series - much like with raising children.

Part of this comes from chatting with an old friend at Xmas who has become a mum after years of trying - and she said "it all comes naturally - you just know what to do and what feels right". I'm inclined to think the same is true of dogs - if you're giving it a stty life it will all turn out badly. If you instinctively know what makes a dog happy (i.e you are a dog person) - and you have the time and resources to provide that- then you dont need the manuals, and psychological training etc etc - your dog will be a happy dog.

[Taita]

Dogs need food, water, walks and hugs.

Give a dog these and he will be the happiest thing on Earth.

[digger the goat]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thank flick I'm not alone in this

[krunchkin]

Taita said:

Dogs need food, water, walks and hugs.

Give a dog these and he will be the happiest thing on Earth.

[digger the goat]

Oh....
Pretty much the same for children too !!!..

[OzzyR1]

Myself and the OH would love a dog, we both had them in our families as kids, but work dictates that we are out of the house for several hours a day so sadly it's not possible.

Even if I had to only leave a dog for 3-4 hrs at a time I still wouldn't think it acceptable or right, especially a young pup.

Having to earn a living getting in the way of things yet again!!

[krunchkin]

^^^^^^^^^ the right attitude

[YoungOne]

OzzyR1 said:

Myself and the OH would love a dog, we both had them in our families as kids, but work dictates that we are out of the house for several hours a day so sadly it's not possible.

Even if I had to only leave a dog for 3-4 hrs at a time I still wouldn't think it acceptable or right, especially a young pup.

Having to earn a living getting in the way of things yet again!!

You need a greyhound, I'm not even sure it would notice you weren't there. Laziest animals on earth.

[bexVN]

YoungOne said:

OzzyR1 said:

Myself and the OH would love a dog, we both had them in our families as kids, but work dictates that we are out of the house for several hours a day so sadly it's not possible.

Even if I had to only leave a dog for 3-4 hrs at a time I still wouldn't think it acceptable or right, especially a young pup.

Having to earn a living getting in the way of things yet again!!

You need a greyhound, I'm not even sure it would notice you weren't there. Laziest animals on earth.

so true.

[BeansOnToast]

[Shaw Tarse]

Taita said:

Dogs need food, water, walks and hugs.

Give a dog these and he will be the happiest thing on Earth.

And a ball, or a stick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nimby]

I recommend Inside of a Dog - an excellent guide to a dog's needs and how it perceives the world.

Edited by Nimby on Saturday 4th January 10:40

[Hooli]

Taita said:

Dogs need food, water, walks and hugs.

Give a dog these and he will be the happiest thing on Earth.

And an indestructible ball to attack in the garden, works for our Staffy anyway


I chuckle at all the physco-babble about dogs you see, as the OP says it's not that difficult FFS.

[Jasandjules]

Well, as I currently have three snoring dogs in the lounge and can't hear the TV, I think I'll revisit my dogs should be kept in the house.

[bexVN]

Jasandjules said:

Well, as I currently have three snoring dogs in the lounge and can't hear the TV, I think I'll revisit my dogs should be kept in the house.

And I know that you wouldn't have it any other way. (she says with a puppy asleep on her lap- future!)