1. Be an Alpha leader
Descended from the wild, the domesticated canine is accustomed to life as a member of the pack, while the domesticated feline continues to do whatever it likes. Animals are intelligent enough to understand simple words at the level of a human toddler, so it’s up to you to be a good leader and provide them with consistent structure, training and loving discipline to help make them good citizens.
2. Ask for help when you need it
Is there an area where your pet is falling down? Do yourself (and family and friends) a favor by nipping bad behavior in the bud. Does your dog jump on every visitor? Nip at their hands? Whine or bark non-stop? Don’t just laugh it off or ask guests to “ignore” the dog, do something about it: research on the web, sign up for obedience class, or ask a dog whisperer.
3. Exercise regularly
At least once a day take your dog for a nice long walk, wave to your neighbors, stop to say hello, feel the sun on your face, see the dog’s tail wag with joy as it struts through the neighborhood. Walking is wonderful exercise for the two of you, plus it places you squarely in the present moment, giving you a break from workaday worries.
4. Choose healthy, portion-controlled food
Loving your pet means feeding it nutritious, portion-controlled food. Whether you’re home-cooking something special or opening a bag or a can, a loving pet parent helps keep their pet at a healthy weight.
5. Practice good grooming
Brush fur daily and clip nails regularly to keep your pet looking and feeling good, especially as they age. If daily tooth-brushing is too much of a chore, give your pet treats that are specifically designed to control tartar and clean teeth.
6. Less is more
Animals have no idea how much money you spend on them, however regular vet check-ups and shots are far more important than any designer accessory you could buy. Your pet doesn’t particularly want to wear clothes nor does it care about labels, so respect their animal nature and focus on the basics.
7. Live in the moment
Take your cue from your pet and be fully present – whether in a heartfelt, joyful greeting, a companionable walk, or quiet cuddling. Animals don’t care how rich, attractive or youthful you are; they accept you for who you are and embrace you unquestioningly.
8. Be a good friend
The healthiest pups have been socialized from a young age. You can tell by how they joyfully run up to meet and greet new dogs, tails a-wagging with plenty of “play bows” to go around. So get out of the house and meet lots of dogs, hang out, have fun, and make new friends
9. Take time out to play
Pets can’t tell time, but they seem to know exactly when dinner should be served and a walk should be undertaken. Cat owners, get the string or laser pointer out at least once a day and play with kitty. Dog owners, bring a ball or Frisbee on your next walk so Rover has some extra playtime.
10. Love, love, love
Our pets provide us with unconditional love during their every waking moment. Dependent upon us for survival, the human-animal bond has evolved to become so much more, from the simple joy of daily companionship to daring rescues by brave pets; our furry family members remind us every day of the importance and simplicity of unconditional love.
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