[kimsum]

I think you can tell a multitude of things about a person by the way that they are with their animals and perhaps more importantly..vice versa. Dogs..of course..being my yard stick of choice Over the course of my years I've seen some friendships flourish while others fizzle. I'm thinking that there might be some direct correlation to the "animal instincts" that we and our 4 footers share.

Watching how a dog interacts with it's owner speaks more volumes than words could ever disclose.

For example..some one who professes a love for dogs but is heavy handed and overbearing in their handling..says something of the person that's wielding the stick but the repercussion will show up in the animal. While a dog that's allowed to overrun it's owner..says a lot again. Sometimes even the choice of breed can make a statement..though more important is the animals behaviour.

And..in general..I've found non animal lovers entirely too sterile. Neon white..in a non racial sense of the meaning.

Just wondering..and just for fun..what other peoples thoughts are.

 

[TooneyDogs]

I think the dog/human relationship is a complex one. It's too simple to choose the extreme ends of that relationship and draw conclusions. There are dysfunctional people...there are dysfunctional dogs. Added to that mix are training skills or lack of them, dogs with issues either medically/emotionally or genetically. Too often, there is a 'mismatch'.
We humans have a less than stellar record of getting along with another human (ie; spouse) who we can actually understand and communicate with.

 

[poodleholic]

We humans have a less than stellar record of getting along with another human (ie; spouse) who we can actually understand and communicate with.

So true, Tooney! Which is why I continue to be both amazed, and delighted that my dogs and I understand each other so well!

 

[Billycourty]

I would like to say, close bonds take time and acceptance to form.

My dog is 8 months old now, and only now would i say i love him and he is starting to love me.

Its funny because you are pregnant for 9 months and then you have your baby and love it, but it isn't instant, because the mother has spent 9 months getting used to the idea of the baby.

It takes time to accept another's faults and when you accept them then you truly love.

I read a zen quote a month or two ago that really changed my life:

If something doesn't love you look at how YOU love.

And after that i never worried if Rox loved me or not because i realized i didnt love him deeply either.

Care for, defend, nurture, train, vet, cuddle, walk and share every moment with but not love in my heart like my human kids.

But that just took time and now its there and our bond deepens everyday.


heres some pics of me and my daughters tourturing him

Jay

 

[JustTess]

I've realized recently, how much my two dogs have taught both of my children. They, the dogs, have taught my boys about building relationships ... better than I could have. Basically, how my children's choice of actions positively influences a positive reaction. When my boys visit relatives with different ideas or views on dog training (or just dogs in general) they seem to understand why their dogs do not behave like ours.

 

[Shaggydog]

I think you can tell a lot about people in how they treat their dogs.My dog is well mannered and behaved as a pup.She'll run around the yard all day and when it's time to come in,she'll sit at my feet.When my wife comes come home,she'll sit at her feet.She knows that we both love her and she tries to share her love with us equally.Isn't that the way we're supposed to treat our loved ones?