The stereotype of the perfect dog
Most people have the idea that the perfect dog is a dog that does not bark or bother at home.
A dog that, during the walk, sticks close to its owner without pulling on the leash and waits at traffic lights.
The perfect dog comes immediately when called and would never be interested in a child’s snack or ball.
The perfect dog does not ask or demand, willingly complying with whatever our schedule is.
Is this impossible?
Not really. We can get the perfect dog. If the main tool is our ability to perfectly meet the individual needs of each dog as a species and individual.
It’s not you, it’s Me
The perfect dog is the one that connects with your lifestyle. Something similar to your “better half”.
The four common points of the perfect dog
- The perfect dog enjoys physical health.
- The perfect dog is properly socialized. He has no irrational fears of animate or inanimate elements of his daily life. It will also be able to quickly adapt to new situations.
- The perfect dog has a home . A place to protect yourself from inclement weather and feel warm or cool as needed.
- The perfect dog is given the opportunity to display his natural behaviors and take advantage of his environment to behave like a dog.
The importance of individualizing
Within the health block, we must consider 3 points:
- Feeding
- Hygiene
- health care
These three points must be individualized. Well, two different dogs will not have the same needs. For example, a Maltese Bichon will need more hair care than a German Shepherd, which in turn will need more attention to the development of its hindquarters, as dysplasia is a common disease in the breed. The type of food will also be different and must cover the nutritional needs of each type of dog and its vital moment.
The social part must also be adapted to each type of dog. Two different dogs will not need the same number of social interactions with peers and other people. In fact, what can be very satisfying for one, can fill another with stress and anxiety. This will cause him to misbehave, alienating him from the perfect dog.
Considering the gregarious nature of the dog, and the fact that every dog needs a family , it will be important that he has his role in it. Some dogs will adapt better to life with children and others will prefer the tranquility of living with a single adult guardian.
Some dogs will need physical contact with us and others will just lie down next to us.
The fourth common point of the perfect dog is tremendously important , and almost always the most forgotten.
A dog, it is what it is, a dog . Neither a baby nor a piece of furniture.
As a social animal and hunter, it has exploratory and communication needs.
And these needs will be somewhat variable between different individuals.
All dogs will need to communicate with animals of their species. But while some will enjoy like crazy playing inside an enclosure full of dogs. For others, it will be enough to smell each tree or ledge, recognizing the traces of urine and droppings left by other dogs in the neighborhood.
Dogs, too, will need to explore and chase “prey.” Some will enjoy doing it with a ball or stuffed animal. While others will choose to run after a rabbit in the field rather than after a ball in the park. And for many it will be enough for them to walk freely pending us, in the distance that they consider they have under control.
What you should never forget about the perfect dog
The perfect dog has no breed.
It does not need to have a specific size or color, or more or less silky hair.
The perfect dog just needs a competent and conscientious guardian.
With whom to walk every day, explore and show dog behaviors.
Play or exchange affection with him and allow him to interact with other dogs and people in an appropriate way.
The perfect dog eats quality food and feels nourished and fit. He is healthy and makes at least one annual visit to his trusted veterinarian.
So now you know, having a perfect dog does not depend on the dog, but on you.
