30 things your dog wishes you knew

I understand that you probably work and you’re busy, but I get bored easily. Consider taking me to doggy daycare or bringing in a dog sitter a few times per week. And also make sure to give me plenty of lovin’ once you get home!

Crazy, right? I don’t have the breadth of emotions that you do, and when you try to make me feel guilty, frankly, I don’t understand. But usually your voice is really loud and that makes me upset. Please train me firmly, but with a softer tone.

Don’t miss these incredible stories of dog loyalty.

Tail wagging is kind of a language for me. Sometimes it means I’m happy, but sometimes it means I’m scared, insecure, or even angry. Take the time to learn the differences between my tail wags.

Find out the secrets your dog’s tail is trying to tell you here.

While I am a social animal, don’t confuse that for me loving crowded places. I get overwhelmed and scared when there are a lot of people vying for my attention. Plus, if you were my size, wouldn’t you be scared of how many legs you have to dodge?

Are dogs smarter than cats? New research suggests maybe.

If you give me treats for doing something good, I will keep doing that good thing because I love treats. But if you just yell at me and point at things when I do something bad, I won’t understand you and I’ll probably keep doing the bad thing.

Like I said, when you talk to me, I don’t understand your words. I do understand your tone, though. So keep talking to me in your high-pitched ‘pet’ voice… I like that.

You get excited when I jump on you, but when I jump on a random stranger on our walk, you get angry. Who can I jump on? And am I allowed on the couch or not? Please make up your mind; I just want to make you happy.

How smart is your dog? Here’s how to tell.

I need an annual check-up so the vet can make sure I’m healthy and up-to-date on my vaccinations. Please don’t overlook this appointment – it could be life or death.

Since I’m a domesticated dog, I don’t always have the innate desire to ‘roam free.’ Putting barriers and fences around the house or in the backyard will keep me safe and out of trouble, I promise!

Just like you like to ponder while you’re doing your business, I have a process. I have to find the perfect place with a mix of smells and mark my territory correctly, and I don’t like it when you tug on my leash.

Read on for the things your dog should be doing every single day.