Love is equally as important as is any other piece of the puzzle.  Those puzzle pieces being articulated from the great dog trainer and behaviorist,  Cesar Millan; Exercise, Discipline, and Affection.  Now I know he puts them in order but the puzzle doesn’t come together unless all are accounted for.  So to me; they are all equally important to the rehabilitation process or just in general to provide for your dog properly.  Remember though; its not the only piece of the puzzle.

Behaviorally speaking I was fine with my first dog Roosevelt by only giving him treats and love…  So I know a few of you out there don’t believe all is needed and that dogs only need love to come around; but I know first hand that isn’t true.  Ziggy was my boxer and best friend for the last ten years.  He passed away about five months ago and it still hurts, but the lessons he taught me are hard wired in me now.

When Ziggy came to me he showed me very quickly that treats and love were not the only things he needed for a calm mind set.  He went out of control almost from day one and I didn’t know what to do.  I did everything I did with my last dog but he was different.  I went through dozens of dog trainers and so called behaviorists but didn’t have any luck.  I finally learned that my own behavior needed to change before my dogs was going too as well.  I needed to learn how to properly show him the rules of the world; what is and isn’t appropriate behavior to really and truly calm his mindset so he wouldn’t go to the equivalent of a mental institution or jail for that matter.

I realized that true love is providing for your dog.  Not just giving them what you want; but what they need.  This aha moment was applied when I stopped giving treats because I was guilty for not walking him; and I started walking him.  I stopped managing the household by dog proofing everything before I left and started to teach him the rules of the house.  I stopped putting him away when guests would come over because he was too rambunctious and would jump all over them and I started to teach him how to properly greet and hang out with us.  His and my life changed because I wanted to give him what he needed because I loved him so much; and still do.

Now everyday I got down on the floor and gave Ziggy big “squishy love”.  He was allowed to take naps with me in my bed and sometimes I would share my food with him.  The household did not become some sort of totalitarian regime or a dog obedience ring.  Once true dog psychology is applied all of these things can be given; at appropriate times.

Love is the reason we brought these animals in our lives and homes, and they will always be there for us with unconditional love regardless of how we treat them.  Now that we have what we want (unconditional love and companionship) lets provide them with what they need.

Love is providing rules, boundaries and limitations.  Ask any adult that is the product of a divorce;  children, just like dogs push the limits trying to find them.  If there are no limits they will keep pushing until one is found.

Lets try to redefine what affection means in dog language.  Affection isn’t only treats and rub downs.  Love is going for a walk and sharing a calm mind set.  Sharing the rules of the world and giving them boundaries is love.  I know my dogs love, love.  I love my dogs.  I will do anything for them so they get what they want as well as what they need.  Ahhhhhhh   Love………………………

Blair Diamond                                                                                                                           Primal Needs Dog Training and Behavioral Solutions                                                     Sacramento Dog Psychology