The 10 Commandments (and a few more)

I love this - each and everyone is an absolute truth when it comes to owning a dog.  

One of the things that I talk about in my classes is that your creating a bond with your dog, your learning how to work as a team.  This involves several things on your part - -

1) take your time when your training, sometimes its just better to step back and spend time snuggling and playing.  Everybody needs a break sometime

2) We DON"T hit - hands are for love and commands not for correction.

3) If you feel like you don't have enough time for yourself - you don't have enough time for a dog - and you don't get a dog just because.

4) Its a lifetime commitment and all the things that come with that - vet bills, grooming bills, old age, ruined furniture, cleaning up pee/poop/vomit, walking your dog in the rain and snow - think it through

5) Dogs communicate through body language and tone - keep that in mind because if your laying on the floor baby talking your dog they are going to think your there to play - not trying to tell them to go lay down

6) your last responsibility as dog owner is to make the tough decisions and be there for them - don't make your dog go through the end alone their last thoughts and feelings should be you their best friend.