The thing is, dogs are not human.
Treating them as such (anthropomorphism) is the most common way to create an unbalanced (and yes - unhappy) animal.
Your dog will be loyal, love you unconditionally, and always accept you, doesn't she deserve to be understood and live a life of purpose and connection? Rather than pretend you have a hairy child, I challenge you to learn your dogs language to open and strengthen communication.
As humans, we have so many forms: Text, phone, email, verbal. Dogs communicate to each other in forms we do not typically grasp: body language, intent and expectation.
They will be the most honest, loyal, accepting friend you will ever have, one that you'll love unconditionally. We have a responsibility to treat them as a friend, to facilitate a life of balance (this ALWAYS includes purpose and connection).
By your balanced dog's very existence you will be calm and secure; dogs will not accept an irate Alpha.
Most K-9s need at least 15 minutes daily of aerobic exercise. Using a chuckit to play fetch is the absolute easiest. A daily walk or two will also make your dogs day.
Traveling distances with their Alpha will make even the tiniest of chihuahua's feel the soothing call of the wild with purpose fulfilled.
'With their Alpha' implies that you are the leader, not the follower. It is the bare bones basics of Dogs 101. Wolf packs have sophisticated social structures, only one (pair) leads and there are no exceptions.
Tone, body language, intent and expectation to have orders followed are all aspects of an Alpha, that means no baby talk. Think of being on an airplane, you hit turbulence: over the intercom comes a paniced voice "OH CRAP - WE'RE SHAKING! W-WHAT DO I DO? - THIS NEVER HAPPENS!" maybe some fearful whimpering.
Absolutely terrifying considering that guy is in charge, right?
Now imagine turbulence- cabins shaking madly a strong calm voice comes over the intercom "Don't worry folks, just a little turbulence, happens all the time. Remain seated, it'll be over shortly".
Alpha is the Captain from the second scenario. Your dog lives in a world that is unnatural to its instincts including sights, smells, and stimulus.
It's your job to keep your head up, shoulders back (yes, good posture is an Alpha state) and assure your furry companion "It'll be OK, I'm here and I'm in charge".
