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Originally Posted by Britster  Quite the contrary.... "SPOILING" usually causes ill-mannered dogs, in my experience. It's not a matter of spoiling, it's a matter of making TIME for your dogs, and creating a BOND. They are NOT disposable creatures.... you can't just be like "oh well, these 2 didn't work out... let's try it again!" You are going to be highly disappointed when you find that the third is no better. It's up to the human to make an effort to bond with a dog and spend adequate time with them. It's not that difficult to spare at least 15 minutes a night hanging out with your dog and forming a friendship. |
I 100% agree with you. Depending on what you mean by "Spoiling", a dog can become overindulged in the wrong way and not know what you expect from them. I also admit I do spoil my dog. Sometimes I have to remind myself that treating him like the baby I see him as is not what will make him happy.
I think that interacting with him as much as possible, providing him opportunity to exercise...both physically
and mentally, training him to live successfully in society through positive reinforcement, being a good leader he can count on...that is what he wants and needs the most (besides tasty food)!
Treating a dog well, the way they deserve to be treated, does not necessarily mean you are spoiling them. I think you may be looking at it like you either have to "spoil" them or treat them badly. There IS something in between, which I think we can all strive for. (It's so hard not to spoil them when they are so darn cute and we love them so much)!
I don't consider my dog to be "lovey" like some dogs are. He loves us...I know that for sure. He follows me everywhere and desires to be interacting with us nearly every second of the day, but he is a real, true terrier! The only time he wants to cuddle is when he is sleepy. The rest of the time he is tearing around the house and/or begging to play! I don't think a person should ever get a Yorkie and expect to get a lap dog that desires more than anything else to sit with you...I suppose some are calmer and more content to be than others, but there is a reason they call them Yorkshire
Terriers!
I think if you want to be closer to your dogs, the best thing you can do is get into some kind of training routine, teaching them new things...obedience, tricks... and let them be stimulated in positive ways that allow them to grow. They will be happier if you engage in this way. Dogs like and want a job and a challenge.
Oh, and I also agree: Don't get another dog!