Today my precious Bruin turns three. He is a golden retriever and quite frankly one of the best friends I could ever have. In only three years my heart has swelled with unconditional love, and I can't imagine those years without him. Anyone who has owned a dog knows the term "pet" starts to melt away. In it's place, "pet" turns to "family". They become an extended family member complete with their own personality traits to bring to the table. Not only can dogs lower your stress and increase your happiness, but they also help you from getting sick less. Living in a home with a dirty dog increases your resistance to germs and bacteria. Growing up in a house with a dog also decreases your chances of developing allergies to dog hair and dander as an adult. In my opinion, a house doesn't truly feel like a home until it's complete with a pup. Health reasons or not!
Bruin is always up for an adventure. I started bringing Bruin on walks and hikes with me when he was still very young. I wanted to ultimately be able to bring him with me on outdoor excursions without the fear of him running away. I started him out on a leash all the time we were walking. Slowly, I started taking him off of it for small increments of time. During these first leash free moments, however, I kept him occupied. I would let him swim, eat, etc. After I did this several times, I would increase the amounts of leash free time whether he was preoccupied or not. I made sure to stay close to him. If he started to wander a little too far I would call him back. When calling was not enough to trigger his attention, I made sure to have plenty of treats to tempt him back. Over time, I found the name calling was happening less. Bruin had successfully learned his boundaries. Now we are both happily satisfied. I am not a fan of leashes (I should say the constant untangling of leashes) and Bruin is not either for the obvious restrictions. When we are in the woods now, Bruin will trot ahead, stop, look to me, wait, and then trot again. He is free, and together we are full of trust for one another. To love a dog, is one of the most rewarding feelings.
Bruin is always up for an adventure. I started bringing Bruin on walks and hikes with me when he was still very young. I wanted to ultimately be able to bring him with me on outdoor excursions without the fear of him running away. I started him out on a leash all the time we were walking. Slowly, I started taking him off of it for small increments of time. During these first leash free moments, however, I kept him occupied. I would let him swim, eat, etc. After I did this several times, I would increase the amounts of leash free time whether he was preoccupied or not. I made sure to stay close to him. If he started to wander a little too far I would call him back. When calling was not enough to trigger his attention, I made sure to have plenty of treats to tempt him back. Over time, I found the name calling was happening less. Bruin had successfully learned his boundaries. Now we are both happily satisfied. I am not a fan of leashes (I should say the constant untangling of leashes) and Bruin is not either for the obvious restrictions. When we are in the woods now, Bruin will trot ahead, stop, look to me, wait, and then trot again. He is free, and together we are full of trust for one another. To love a dog, is one of the most rewarding feelings.
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