Below is a comment I got from Ian that I really enjoyed –
I have a Shiba Inu and his name is Rocco. He is great for our family except for my dad who does not really like dogs. Well this is a bit of a jump, he’s a great dog but he cannot be let off the leash. We do take him to dog parks a lot and he is starting to listen better so hopefully one day I can take him to run around and have him come straight back when called.
But if you’re looking for a breed: you should not get this dog if you have strict people in your house hold or people who don’t like dogs too much.
They are great for a fun loving family who love to play with him/her and will not get to mad if he acts up now and then.
~~ [Ian]
Often, we get a dog because some people in the family really want one. Those in the family who are unsure or who are against getting the dog may give in because they love their kids/wife/husband, and cannot deny them that happiness.
However, when a family is divided about the dog – it can cause a lot of friction, stress, and unhappiness for everyone, as well as the dog.
Consistency is Key
When a family is divided about the dog, it is only natural that each of them treats the dog differently. Some may want to fully participate in training the dog, others may want the dog to follow certain strict rules, and some may not want to spend any time with the dog at all.
It such an environment, it is easy for the dog to get confused. The dog will not understand why he can jump up on some people and not on others; he will not know why sometimes he is allowed on furniture and why at other times he gets hit or spanked.
While training a dog, consistency is key.
Everyone in the family has to be on the same page, use consistent techniques, and apply consistent rules.
Who Picks Up the Dog Poop?
Another common problem that arises is how to divide up the work.
It is fun to play with puppy for the first few days or weeks, but owning a dog is for the long haul. After puppy grows up, adult dog requires regular exercise and someone has to pick up the dog poop – every day of the year.
When family members do not all participate in the rearing and caring of the dog, those that do most of the dog work may grow to resent those that participate less. Members that did not want the dog in the first place, may not want to do any of the work. Suddenly, the family dog becomes my wife’s dog, or my son’s dog.
This often leads to arguments down the road and the dog becomes a source of stress and unhappiness.
Once a dog joins a family – it should be viewed as a group effort where everyone participates. When everyone shares the work, the rewards are truly great, and the dog will bring the family closer together.
Can I Just Ignore the Dog?
What if some of us just ignores the dog. Will that cause any problems?
Sadly, yes.
If some members of the family choose not to participate at all, the dog may view those members as not belonging to his pack. As a result, the dog may try to guard his pack or his belongings from these outsiders. Ultimately, a divided pack can lead to dog aggression and dog behavioral issues.
It Takes a Family to Raise a Dog
As Ian captured so well in his story – it takes a family to raise a dog.
This is even more true for stubborn, independent, or energetic breeds that require more attention and training from the people around them.
Only get a dog if everyone in the family wants one and is willing to participate in the dog’s life.
Having a dog can be a great, happy, and fulfilling experience – but only if done at the right time.
