Are Dogs "Deserving" Creatures?

Hello again Steemit Community,

When you think about it, dogs give us a lot and really don't ask for much in return. Many of them eat the same food every day with no variety, they don't take pills to go to sleep or drink caffeine to wake up, they often get left behind when we go out to work or school and are lonely during the day (is it any wonder why they go bonkers when we come home?!), they have herded our flocks, guarded our property and even acted as soldiers in times of war.

Gandhi said that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

And longer than any other animal, we humans have lived with dogs. They have shared our hearths and (hopefully) our hearts for at least 15,000 years. Think about that: no other domesticated animal has been as close to us for as long as canis familiaris.

So, if you live with a dog or are contemplating doing so, please consider their needs and wants each day.

And, what do dogs need and want anyway?

Having spent time with many dogs over the years, here is my (short) list:

• They want to feel that they belong. This sense of belonging is true for people too - we enjoy having a close community of friends, co-workers and family; dogs need this closeness too.
• They need variety within a framework of consistent daily routine. In their food, in their daily activities (walk your dog every day and vary your route), rotate their toys, teach them new things and make it fun and engaging, play hide and seek on cold or wet days. You get the idea!
• They need good food (Read the labels carefully and educate yourself on the pros and cons of kibble and canned food. You may even want to start cooking for your dog.) and clean water. Also, make sure you wash their food and water bowls every day - with soap and warm water!
• They really need exercise - I can't emphasize this enough!! It alleviates many common behavioral issues like separation anxiety, clinginess, excessive barking, jumping up to greet people and many more. A tired dog is a relaxed dog, and I don't care whether your dog's legs are only 6 inches long - get him out in the fresh air for at least half an hour every day. Buy a warm coat or a raincoat for inclement weather. Neither of you will melt like the Wicked Witch of the West, eh?
• They need affection balanced with reasonable boundary setting. Most dogs love to be loved and if you couple that with teaching them good canine manners and some basic obedience (especially a reliable "Stay" and "Come"), you will be delighted with your 4-legged friend.
  It's not all about love and neither is it all about obedience/discipline. Dogs are not robots; they do have feelings, they do need affection and approval coupled with realistic (not excessive) boundaries. Sorry, you can't chase the cat; the new sofa is off limits; treats are fine but you can't live on them - again, I think you get the picture.

And, it really is OK to say "No" to your dog! Just as you teach them what you want, you also need to teach them what you do not want. When you say this, unless it really is a dire emergency (as in they could get hurt), just say "No" in a quiet or normal tone of voice - no need to yell or say it ten times.

• Finally, dogs need to feel safe. This means that they are not exposed to either violence or neglect.

I would urge you to become proactive for dogs (and for other animals as well) - there are many ways you can help them. Go to change.org and start looking for petitions you can sign. Then pass them on to your friends, family and anyone you know who might become another advocate.

There are SO many laws on the books that can be upgraded - and should be, based on what we now know about the inner lives of dogs. Twenty years ago, most people (and virtually all scientists) believed that dogs and animals in general did not feel or think. In fact, today we now have data that they DO indeed feel and think - and so do fish!!

You may even want to consider becoming a vegetarian or a vegan, but that is another topic for another post.

In the meantime, enjoy your pup and give him or her the absolute best life you can - because dogs deserve it!

For more information, please visit my website: www.thegraceofdog.com

Until next time . . . .