Domestic dogs need much more attention than they usually get

Having a pet dog is a delight, and only those who have a dog to call their own know what we are talking about. Deservedly known as “man's best friend, ” dogs are extremely intelligent creatures, capable of learning a great deal, showing feelings, and even feeling abandoned by owners who cannot understand the needs of pets.

Dogs should not be seen as occupying only a portion of our time - quite the opposite! These animals need much more attention than they get in many cases, and as painful as it may be to hear this, the truth is that you yourself may be paying little attention to your pet.

Recently released, the video “Downward Dog”, able to tighten our throat in the first minute, brings the perspective of a dog that, despite having a owner who loves and cares about him, feels alone for the most part. of time.

Attention

Downward Dog from Animal on Vimeo.

The dog, who is the narrator of the video, says that its owner spends most of her time away from home, studying and working, and that when she returns, the two do not have many happy moments. From the animal's perspective, we notice some details that are not always present.

The truth is that many people believe that loving your dog is enough, when not quite: you really need to take care of the animal, devote your time to him, take him for a walk, play with him.

When we leave a dog alone at home for long periods, he always feels abandoned, and many dogs suffer from anxiety disorders and become more stressed than we may realize.

The thing is really serious

According to an article in IFL Science, the first 30 minutes of a dog alone at home are the most stressful times of the animal's day, and some may have this prolonged stress level all the time they are without anyone.

Dogs will never get used to their owners' absence, and over time, they begin to relate small acts (such as going to the bathroom or getting a car key) to the fact that the owner will leave. This way, whenever a person goes to the bathroom or takes a key in his hand, for example, the dog begins to trigger an unconstructive anxiety process.

The idea that another dog can improve the situation is not true, as one dog may be influenced by another's emotional state. So instead of a stressed dog, you might have two.

Tips

The recommendation for a less traumatic departure from home is to prepare toys for the dog, along with some snacks, so that when you leave, he has something to distract himself afterwards - that's what's called positive reinforcement, which is nothing more than establishing pleasant associations. It is also indicated to make as little noise as possible at the moment of departure, treating the moment as something natural.

Remember that dogs should be trained to be alone since they are puppies, so that they can better handle the situation as soon as possible.

Although it is amazing to imagine that a domestic dog is always stressed, one must understand the perspective of the animal, which, despite living in a comfortable home, having food and water, is still trying to adapt to the routine of the person who looks after it - and This ranges from pooping to eating. Dogs almost always have all their needs put in the background.

Another perspective

As researcher and writer Jennifer Arnold said in a statement published in Psychology Today, dogs are not at liberty to meet their own needs: "Instead, they must depend on our benevolence for survival."

Does it make sense or not? Dogs depend on us for their needs, and when we take them for a walk, we restrict the area that they can break into. Dogs eat when and what we decide, and if they eat something that is not allowed, they get scolded. The toys they use are chosen by us, and the people and other animals they interact with are also defined by us.

People don't realize it, but the relationship between a dog and a person is pretty one-sided - we wouldn't submit to that kind of relationship with another human being, you can be sure.

Calm down, you can improve the situation

If you are wondering what could be done to improve the scenario, rest assured: this is not very absurd. The ideal is to go out with your dog daily and let him run, play, get dirty. To be safe, always use a nameplate with his name and contact phone number, as well as a longer guide so he can explore the environment better, but with no chance of getting lost. Demonstrate the love you feel for your dog - he doesn't have an Instagram account to see the photos you post beside him.

Having a dog is a serious commitment, and it needs to be repeated, always, for people to set aside the idea that a dog, or any other pet, is a toy or hobby. Dogs are living things that deserve respect, love and dedication, and if you think about having one at home, study well about it and preferably adopt it.

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