10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

This may be the reality check you needed.

If you are a pup parent, whether you’re new to the dog world or a seasoned dog lover, you may need to hear some of these truths.

1. Your Dog Isn’t Perfect

Despite what you may think, your dog is not perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect dog, no matter how hard you try. Dogs are animals, and they are capable of imperfection. Don’t live in delusion that your dog is better than every other dog in the world, and immune to making mistakes.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

2. You Are Not A Dog Master

Unless you are a certified dog trainer, you are not a dog master. Many people believe that they are in complete control of their dog at all times, and often let bad behavior slip without knowing it. If you truly want to train your dog properly, seek help from professionals, and constantly keep your dog in check. Make sure he’s actually being a good dog, and not being bad behind your back.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

3. Socialization Is Important

Socialization is very important for developing dogs. If you want your dog to become a model citizen, you will have to expose him to the world. This does not mean over exposure, or showing him too much at once. This can cause him to become frightened, and do more harm than good. Properly socializing your dog will lead to well rounded behavior and less fear based aggression. If you are unsure on how to properly socialize your dog, try seeking help from a professional, or enroll in group classes!

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

4. Don’t Be Over-Protective

Whatever you do, don’t be over-protective of your dog. This can cause a whole world of issues, including separation anxiety, and fear based aggression. There is a big difference between being an involved parent, and being a paranoid, clingy dog mom.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

5. Your Dog Is A Dog

Your dog is a dog, and that’s OK. Your dog is not a child, whether you call him your baby or not. You may need to remind yourself of this next time you’re upset that your dog can’t join you in everything you do. Though we truly wish they could. 

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

6. Dogs Do Dog Things

Your dog is a dog, and dogs do dog things. Dogs roll in dirt, dogs eat sticks, dogs can be gross sometimes. Let your dog be a dog! If you wanted something that would stay clean and behave perfectly all the time, you should have gotten a cat, or a stuffed animal. Take your dog for a hike, and let him get his paws wet. There’s always time for a bath later.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

7. Your Dog Will Make Mistakes

Your dog will make mistakes! Dogs screw up all the time, and that’s what makes them so interesting. Your dog is just as capable of making mistakes as you are. The difference between a dog making mistakes and a human making mistakes, is that the dog will honestly feel bad about it. Go easy on him.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

8. Set A Good Example For Your Dog

Monkey see, monkey do. You are your dog’s roll model. This doesn’t mean you have to be on your best behavior at all times,but it does mean you need to set a good example for your dog. If you are acting out, or in a bad mood, chances are that your dog will pick up on it.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

9. Your Dog Won’t Live Forever

Unfortunately, dogs don’t live forever. Not even close. This is the single worst part about having a dog in your life. We only get eight to fourteen years with our best friends, and this is something we know from the beginning. But, just because they don’t live forever, doesn’t mean they don’t matter.

10 Quick Truths That Every Dog Owner Needs To Hear

10. There Will Be Life After Your Dog

Your dog won’t live forever, and you will have to say goodbye. Take time to grieve the loss of your best friend, but remember that there is life after your dog. Life goes on, and there are millions of dogs waiting for their forever homes. Instead of dwelling on the loss of your dog, share your love with another. You can make a difference, and your dog would want you to.

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