THE PET TEACHER
In-YOUR-Home Dog Training
248-232-3655
I don't have the time to practice!  

I hear it all the time from people, along with a laundry list of everything their dog is doing
wrong,  They call, sometimes at 11pm even 3am, leaving messages at my office about how
they have a dog emergency ... how they've had it with their dog ... how they've tried
everything and still the dog misbehaves.  I do what I can to re-arrange my schedule in
order to accommodate their needs as quickly as possible in order to help them get in
balance with their dogs.  We meet for sessions and when I return after 1, 2, even 3
weeks they tell me that they haven't had time to practice.  When I give them suggestions
on how to incorporate the training into their schedules they rebut with how it won't work,
how busy they are, how they don't sit down from 5am until midnight, and how they've
never had to do any of this with their previous dog - and so now they are resentful toward
this dog.  Y'know what - that's all wasted energy that won't take them any closer to
success with THIS dog.
TAKE TIME OR MAKE TIME?
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years.  Any separation from you is painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.  You have your
work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me nicely. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice
when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, remember that I can bite you in response - and yet, I choose not to
hurt you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might
be bothering me.  Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long,
my stomach is upset, my hips hurt or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old.  You too, will grow old.  

10. On the last difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch.
Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I
love you so.   

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life
would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters. We do not have to
wait for Heaven to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and
has four legs.

SOURCE: Anonymous