It can be a hot bed of emotions when the topic of 'pets as replacements for children' is mentioned.
The sale of accessories for dog owners has gone through the roof.
The same can not be said of feline lovers; few people are buying jackets and clothing for their cat.
The trend for pampering cats has not taken off to the same degree, but pet products as a whole is a billion dollar industry and continually growing.
So how did mans best friend capture our hearts so thoroughly? Is it a reflection of our society that some of us are forgoing having children and cherish our canine pals more than we do some of the human relationships we are forced to maintain through family or work.
How many times have you forsaken going out socializing on the weekend to spend it curled up on the couch with your furry best friend? Intrinsically there is nothing wrong with nurturing your beloved pet, but you have to remember that while spoiling them nourishes the soul, it may not be the best thing for the dog as an animal.
Although it is easy to project human qualities onto your dog, it helps us relate to them on a deeper level, what you should always keep in mind is that your dog is an animal first and foremost.
Animals are powered from deep within by their instincts, and will not always react in a situation the way you may expect.
It is imperative that you learn how to mingle your doggy adoration with a big healthy dose of discipline.
If you fail to discipline your dog you are sunk, and your dog will take over the role of pack leader and you will be the follower.
Have set tasks for your dog where you can demonstrate your control, such as making him sit before giving him his food, this way your dog will see you as the dominant one.