Definition of Spoiled: harm the character of (a child) by being too lenient or indulgent.
For me, "spoiling" a dog would mean giving in to their every demand exactly when they demand it. A "loved" dog lives in harmony with the world around it. How much attention or toys or special treats is a personal thing. We all have varying degrees of what makes us happy. And of course there is the personality and needs of the dog him/herself too.
Monty isn't a "lap dog" meaning he won't stay in my lap long but ... whenever I approach him he flips onto his back and presents his tummy and gets all dreamy waiting for that rub. And he can get demanding if I fail to make him wait for his food ... next time he is all impatient and trying to rush me.
He gets tons of attention, but also has boundaries enforced so he can be happy and in harmony with social norms and therefore a pleasure to be around. |