Resources

• Dogs & cats communicate very differently than humans. Educate yourself on dog/cat body language and communication. Listen to your pet.

• Understand dogs & cats have their own thoughts, feelings, & emotions. Animals are individuals and should be treated as such.

• The amount of work and emotional connection it takes to build a relationship with your pet is a daily commitment. It’s work, it’s not always easy.

• What is the goal? Grow, teach, and learn with these goals in mind. Prioritize your goals and don’t have unrealistic expectations or timelines. All dogs & cats progress at varying rates.

• Goals should be beneficial for you and the animal. This is a partnership/relationship not a dictatorship. Relationships should be built on mutual respect and love for one another.

• Understand your dog or cat may not be able to be or do everything you want.

• Each pet is different in regard to energy level, interests, socialization, thresholds for stress, etc. Never push your dog or cat to become something they are not.

• Attempt to understand why your pet is behaving a certain way, then help your pet understand your expectations. This will build mutual trust and provide a healthier relationship.

• Take the time to teach your pet the expectations and behaviors you want and like, don’t wait to scold for mistakes. If a mistake occurs, try to understand why it happened, and then show your pet what you want instead.

• “Your dog/cat isn’t giving you a hard time; they are having a hard time.”

Training your pet is a lifetime commitment. Rather than a scheduled time for training, incorporate it into everyday life and routine. Each moment can be a teaching moment. The more information your dog or cat collects, the calmer and more confident they will be. Help them understand what is expected of them.

• Meet your pet’s needs, from the perspective of a dog or a cat. Allow them to express normal behaviors. Dogs: sniff, dig, chew, lick, run, play, bark, etc. Cats: hunt, nap, scratch, play, hide, perch, etc.

• Commit to their care and understand their likes, dislikes, what brings them joy, what causes them to be fearful, etc.

• Keep them in good physical health, and have an established vet to visit annually.

• Understand there will be good and bad days, no one is perfect. Be your pet’s advocate and they will give unconditional love in return.

• The bond, relationship, and trust you will develop with your pet over time will be one of the most humbling and feel-good experiences you will ever encounter.