Bringing a dog into your family causes great joy
all around. But, making a commitment to a dog
is much like making a commitment to a human
being: Both relationships require daily care and
nurturing in order to flourish. So, as you embark
(no pun intended!) on this new commitment,
here are a dozen promises to consider making to
your dog:
1. I promise to have realistic expectations of
the role my dog will play in my life. I will
remember that she is a dog, not a furry little
human; she cannot satisfy all my emotional
needs.
2. I promise to protect my dog from dangers,
such as traffic and other creatures who
might want to hurt her.
3. I promise to keep her well dressed with a
collar containing up-to-date I.D.
4. I promise to learn kind and gentle training
methods so that she can understand what I
am trying to say.
5. I promise to be consistent with my training,
since dogs feel secure when daily life is
predictable, with fair rules and structure.
6. I promise to match her loyalty and patience
with my own.
7. I promise that my dog will be part of my
family. I will make a commitment to schedule
time every day to interact with her so
that she will feel loved and will not develop
behavior problems from a lack of stimulation
and socialization.
8. I promise to seek professional help if my
dog develops behavior problems that become
unmanageable.
9. I promise that my dog will have opportunities
to exercise and honor some of her instincts.
She’ll have walks and runs outside
of her daily territory, so she can sniff and
explore.
10. I promise to provide veterinary care for her
entire life. I will keep her healthy and watch
her weight.
11. I promise that if I move, marry, have a baby,
or get divorced, she will continue to share
my life, since she is a beloved family member.
12. I promise that if I absolutely must give her
up, I will find an appropriate home for her
that is as good as or better than my home.
all around. But, making a commitment to a dog
is much like making a commitment to a human
being: Both relationships require daily care and
nurturing in order to flourish. So, as you embark
(no pun intended!) on this new commitment,
here are a dozen promises to consider making to
your dog:
1. I promise to have realistic expectations of
the role my dog will play in my life. I will
remember that she is a dog, not a furry little
human; she cannot satisfy all my emotional
needs.
2. I promise to protect my dog from dangers,
such as traffic and other creatures who
might want to hurt her.
3. I promise to keep her well dressed with a
collar containing up-to-date I.D.
4. I promise to learn kind and gentle training
methods so that she can understand what I
am trying to say.
5. I promise to be consistent with my training,
since dogs feel secure when daily life is
predictable, with fair rules and structure.
6. I promise to match her loyalty and patience
with my own.
7. I promise that my dog will be part of my
family. I will make a commitment to schedule
time every day to interact with her so
that she will feel loved and will not develop
behavior problems from a lack of stimulation
and socialization.
8. I promise to seek professional help if my
dog develops behavior problems that become
unmanageable.
9. I promise that my dog will have opportunities
to exercise and honor some of her instincts.
She’ll have walks and runs outside
of her daily territory, so she can sniff and
explore.
10. I promise to provide veterinary care for her
entire life. I will keep her healthy and watch
her weight.
11. I promise that if I move, marry, have a baby,
or get divorced, she will continue to share
my life, since she is a beloved family member.
12. I promise that if I absolutely must give her
up, I will find an appropriate home for her
that is as good as or better than my home.
