Dogs are part of our family; they greet us happily when we arrive home, know when we are sad, share important moments of our lives with us, and much more. However, most of the time we do not know how to interpret what they want to tell us, what they like, or what they do not like. Today we will share 10 tips to help you understand them better.
1. He wants you to learn his language. ARISTODOGS and we have completely different verbal and physical languages. They understand us perfectly, recognize our tones of voice, movements, and so on. Therefore, we have to make an effort to learn what their language is like and get to know our pet's personality. There are many books that can help you understand canine psychology, such as “Animal Learning and Mind” by Karen Pryor.
2. He wants you to pay attention to him. When dogs are sick, they express their ailments differently from humans. If you notice a sudden change in your furry friend's behavior, pay attention to him; he is probably trying to tell you something. For example, not wanting to play with his favorite toys, not wanting to be petted, and a lack of appetite are some behaviors we should watch for.
3. He does not want you to yank him when you take him for a walk. We think that pulling hard on the leash when our pet does something wrong during a walk will teach him. This is one of the most common mistakes made by ARISTOPARENTS. If we pull hard on the leash, he will not understand what we are trying to tell him; he will feel that we are nervous, which will make him even more nervous. We will also hurt his neck, and this can lead to health problems. On the other hand, if your ARISTODOG is a puppy and pulls hard on the leash while walking, we recommend that you put a harness on him; this will help you avoid possible health problems.
4. He wants you to let him be himself. We often take our furry friends for a walk and, as soon as they see mud, they run over and roll around in it, ending up dirty and smelly. Above all, remember that they do not do it to annoy you; it is simply an instinct they have had since ancient times. Their goal? To hide their scent so predators cannot find them. So when it happens, take it calmly, laugh, and let him be himself!
5. He does not want you to humanize him. Dogs are animals and want to remain animals. Sometimes we go overboard when showing them affection, treating them as if they were babies, which can cause them anxiety. Another important point is that a dog is not an accessory that has to match our outfit. It is important, for example, to put coats or sweaters on them during winter, but dressing them up and humanizing them is a serious mistake. They need to exercise, go to the park, and discover new scents.
6. He wants you to be patient with him. This applies especially to adopted furry friends who have not had a happy life. When they first arrive home, we want to give them everything, pet them, and play with them. However, they may ignore us or be a little “unfriendly” toward us. Remember that this behavior has a reason, and it is most likely a consequence of their past. Be patient and do not lose your temper with him. It may take months, but in the end, once he leaves his fears and anxiety behind, he will be grateful, and you will have the best friend in the world.
7. He wants you to know when he is stressed. If your pet scratches and licks himself nonstop, we should be alert; he is most likely stressed or anxious. This generally happens when we ask him to do things and he does not understand us. This behavior is similar to when humans bite their nails.
8. He wants to have fun with you. When we decide to bring a pet into our lives, it is to spend time with him, go for walks, or simply sit beside each other, pet him, and much more. Find out what he likes most: chasing the ball or a toy that makes a sound when he bites it? Going for a run or sniffing the other dogs at the park?
9. He wants you to be happy. It has been scientifically proven that dogs like to see their ARISTOPARENT happy. They can tell the difference between a happy face and a sad one. So, for your ARISTODOG to be happy, you have to be happy too; he will absorb your positive energy and be a strong, healthy dog.
10. He wants his final years to be peaceful. The final years of our best friend's life are difficult. When the time comes to say goodbye, try not to be selfish and ask yourself whether he truly feels well and can continue to enjoy a good quality of life. Try to provide him with as much comfort as possible, do not force him to take long walks, go at his pace, and give him food appropriate for his age. Remember that he no longer has the same strength he had a few years ago.
We hope these tips help you build a bond throughout your ARISTODOG's life. It is important to know how to communicate with them; that way, we can ensure their health and happiness.