Being a dog owner can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. The unconditional love, endless cuddles, and playful energy are just a few reasons why we can’t resist those furry four-legged creatures. However, as much as we adore our dogs, there are still a few things that we could do without. In this article, we’ll explore four things that many dog owners can relate to, from the inevitable poop-scooping duty to the never-ending shedding. Despite the frustrations, we’ll also discuss why being a dog owner is worth it, and how the unconditional love we receive in return makes it all worthwhile.
Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. The reality of dog ownership can be vastly different from the idyllic fantasies that many of us have when we dream of bringing a furry friend into our lives. As a seasoned dog owner, I can confidently say that there are parts of it that I’m not particularly fond of.
For me, the first issue that comes to mind is health issues. When I brought my border collie puppy, Fenwick, home, I made sure she had the best pet insurance possible. I didn’t want to be left with a difficult decision to make in the case of an emergency. Luckily, I made the right decision, as Fenwick was very ill as a puppy and had a severe chicken allergy. Getting a diagnosis took months of intermittent stomach issues, but with the help of pet insurance, I was saved from having to pay over $1,000 in vet bills.
Speaking to an APDT-certified dog trainer, Lara Sorisi, I discovered that allergies can have a significant impact on a dog’s day-to-day life. It can cause symptoms such as itchy skin, an upset stomach, and a painful tummy ache, which can affect the dog’s behavior. It’s important as a dog owner to find the best nutritional diet suited to them. Fenwick’s allergies are now being managed appropriately with the best dog food for allergies, but I still worry that she might experience flare-ups in the future if given the wrong type of treat.
Besides health issues, behavioral issues are also another aspect of dog ownership that can be challenging. When Fenwick was a puppy, her chicken allergy severely affected her physical and mental development, as she was unable to be properly socialized. This led to her developing reactive tendencies towards cars and dogs, which I’m still working on resolving.
As a dog owner, I have come across many other dog owners who don’t have the proper control over their dogs. This can be frustrating, especially when their dogs approach mine and make her nervous. It can be a setback in her training, but I have learned to remain calm and communicate with the owner.
Finally, training isn’t always a linear process. As someone who loves seeing results, it can be frustrating when a setback occurs, and it often leads me to spiral and think that all my effort has been for nothing. But the truth is, there could be several potential causes like stress, tiredness, or even a bad day. It’s essential to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Despite the challenges, owning a dog is incredibly rewarding. The bond between Fenwick and I is incredibly strong, and I have learned so much about training, behavior, and nutrition through her. Recently, I started agility training with her, and it’s been a game-changer for us. Her focus and desire to work for me have improved significantly, and I feel more confident in my training as well.
In conclusion, owning a dog isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. It’s a huge responsibility that comes with its fair share of challenges. Health issues, behavioral issues, dealing with other dog owners, and non-linear training are all aspects that make dog ownership challenging. However, it’s all worth it in the end when you have formed a strong bond with your furry friend, and they bring love and joy to your life.
