1. I want to feel safe with you.
If your dog doesn’t trust you, he won’t feel safe with you. A dog who doesn’t feel safe will be more difficult to work with. Teach your dog without force, fear or intimidation by using positive reinforcement.
2. I depend on you to take care of me.
If you take a dog into your home he will depend on you for food, water, shelter, safety, healthcare, exercise, socialization and education.
3. I am not a furry child.
You and your dog are two different species but you can have a beautiful relationship if you understand each other.
4. I want you to understand what I’m saying.
Dogs communicate with body language – learn to read it.
5. I will bite if I have to.
Dogs can inflict a lot of damage very quickly if they want to. Don’t make a dog feel that he has no choice because you ignored his warning signs.
6. I need to learn what you want me to do.
If you don’t teach your dog what he should do – don’t blame him for not doing it.
7. I do what works to get what I want.
Behavior is lawful. Behaviors that are rewarded are repeated. Pay attention to your dog and reward the behaviors you like.
8. I really need to sniff when we go on walks.
Dogs learn about their environment by smelling. Let your dog sniff! It should be his walk not yours.
9. I want to be with you.
Dogs are social animals and want to be part of the family. They are not lawn ornaments.
10. I love you even though you are not perfect.
We are not perfect and neither are dogs but they love us anyway. Be patient, kind and gentle.
Here’s to being our dog’s best friend,
Linda
MyPositiveDogTrainingBlog 
Good post, number 8 is my favorite, the only reason I go for a walk is for my dog’s enjoyment.
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By: edithchase on August 10, 2015
at 10:04 pm
Thanks, Edith. I wouldn’t walk if it weren’t for Max. Another benefit of living with a dog is you get exercise. 🙂
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By: Linda Trunell on August 11, 2015
at 8:39 am
I like #10 best!
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By: Jen Beck on August 10, 2015
at 10:09 pm
So do I, Jen. I saved the best for last! 🙂
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By: Linda Trunell on August 11, 2015
at 8:40 am
Great post Linda and such good points as well. Because they can’t talk, we have to find ways to understand them to know what they need and want. My dogs are my kids and I call them my furry kids, because I love them as much as I love my own children, even though they can’t think and talk like humans, they should be treated and treasured as part of the family. 😀
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By: Sonel on August 11, 2015
at 3:25 am
Thank you, Sonel. We love them like kids and they are a part of our family. 🙂
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By: Linda Trunell on August 11, 2015
at 8:47 am
We certainly do Linda, but I think when it comes to dogs that needs to be trained, it’s definitely not good to think of them like that, is it?
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By: Sonel on August 11, 2015
at 10:32 am
In some ways they do learn like kids do – positive reinforcement is the best way to train all species. Studies have shown dogs have the cognitive ability of a 2 or 3 year old child!
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By: Linda Trunell on August 11, 2015
at 11:11 am
Positive reinforcement can work wonders for sure.
Now that is very interesting for sure. It seems the furry kids are getting more clever by the minute. 😆
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By: Sonel on August 11, 2015
at 11:13 am
Jack cut this out and put it on my desk – is he trying to tell me something?
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By: SlimDoggy (@MySlimDoggy) on September 10, 2015
at 12:10 pm
Hahaha – smart pup that Jack! 🙂
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By: Linda Trunell on September 11, 2015
at 9:52 am