We humans are very complex, and you need to understand that dogs are no different. They have their bad days the same as us. You know, there will be days when they just want to be left alone; they might not be feeling well. They'll also respond to our emotions, like being sad when we are, and playful and content when we're happy.

Alot of things can make dogs fearful. They might have been subjected to cruelty, or the noise of something could frighten them. Maybe they don't like being prodded by other pets, or children. They might not like the postman calling. Dogs will respond to kindness and love though, and they really love to be pampered. I know though, that there are a lot of dog lovers out there, including me, who are tempted to over - love, and maybe dogs become child substitutes. This is all very well, as long as you don't store up future problems for you and your dog. But I hear you say, look at the love we get in return!

Yes, it's true. Dogs are wonderful companions. Just think of the greeting you get when you come home. It's almost as if you've been away for months, and you've only been gone an hour. He loves you unconditionally and wants you to know it. You're the best person in the world; you feed him, you play with him and he wonders if you have a treat for him in with your shopping!

You can easily lead him to expect things by setting the same routines, such as times for walks, time for feeds, time for baths and time for Daddy to come home. Dogs are so clever. They seem to know the difference of you putting on your coat and going to work, or just going outside and coming back in. Our dogs always knew when it was time for me to go to work before I'd even got shoes,coat or bag together. Dogs seem to know us better than we know ourselves.

Talking of greetings, when my partner comes home, I don't get a look in. It's pure male - to - male bonding time. What with jumping on his lap, paws round the shoulders, lots of kisses and cuddles and a tail like a propeller. Maybe five minutes later, I might get a quick Hello. We wouldn't have it any other way. Toby's been with us for fourteen years now, and we know all his little ways. Of course, there are dog owners who really don't want their dogs to be jumping all over them, even though they love them, and it's only a matter of training that's needed.
It's wonderful if you decide to bring home a dog from the shelter, and to give him a home.

There are so many dogs who find themselves in kennels through no fault of their own, and they deserve to have a loving family to go to. You must understand, though, that you don't know all their history and you must be prepared to give them lots of love and understanding and to be patient with them while they adapt.
They might have been treated cruelly, or perhaps they have never been raised with children. They might not like men or other pets. They might be afraid of something you might not have thought of. You need to take these things into consideration. Also think carefully about the size of the dog you want. Perhaps you don't have time to exercise a large dog, or you only have space for a small dog. Whatever dog you choose though, you need to remember that they have been through such a lot and it will be important for them to have a settled and loving environment to go and live in.

You might have thought about how you will overcome problems, if you encounter any. Some dogs may well settle in with no problems, but if you do need help and advice on food, caring for dogs, and behaviour, there are lots of things you can do. You could talk to a vet, or buy a good book with advice on dog training:

There is plenty of help on-line and in forums and blogs. You can overcome any problems you have; you just need to do the right things and give lots of praise, but NEVER smack a dog or punish him. That will only cause fear and make the problem worse.

You could use desensitisation methods where you gradually get your dog exposed to the thing he is frightened of (like a recording of fireworks) but at the same time distracting him with a game or a chew. The reasoning is that gradually your pet becomes less bothered by the noise as he is distracted and having fun. Remember to give him praise. There are lots of methods for different problems. Just persevere and you'll have the best friend you ever had.

To read more dog articles, visit my blog at http://behaviourofdogs.blogspot.com/