A Happy New Year to you all from Lincs Training – Dog Training Made Easy. During Christmas and over the New Year is a time I look back and reflect over what has occurred not only in the last year but also in the past.
In my job as a Dog Trainer I go to many houses and meet many families who are embarking on a new stage in their lives, embracing their new or even their first puppy or dog. Some people find it easy and take to it like a duck to water and welcome it wholeheartedly into their lives, whereas others find it more difficult as undoubtedly they will have to change their lifestyle to accommodate their new addition to the family.
I was three years old when I got my first dog, a Corgi named Candy, I had pestered my Mum and Dad and at first they bought me a stuffed toy dog thinking that might pacify me into not having one, but eventually they gave in and that little dog came into my life and changed my whole aspect of how I felt and my responsibilities to her.
I looked after her and cared for her throughout her life, Candy gave me a purpose to get up in the morning to feed and exercise her and she was my friend and companion – I hope that you would aspire to do the same. For children, it may be the first time in their lives that they would be introduced to responsibility and eventually loss. It should also teach you the more you engage and put into a relationship, the more you will get back in return. I have had many dogs since Candy, all different in their own ways, but each has taught me so much. To get the best from our dog we should respect and as a minimum give them the basic Five Freedoms.
Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – provide an adequate nutritional diet and access to fresh water at all times.
Freedom from Discomfort – provide an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from Pain, Injury and Disease.
Freedom to Express their Normal Behaviour.
Freedom from Fear and Distress
The above Freedoms are not too much to give in exchange for the companionship, loyalty and love they give back to us.
