The Making of a Good Dog

Dogs.  It's hard to take anything too seriously when talking dogs.  This is why dog training has become one of my favorite new metaphors for life.  It is hard work, to train a dog.  There can be success, but you can seriously mess it up by becoming way too... well,  serious about it.

Life is like that.  There is a fine line between squandering it away and hyper-focusing on it to death.  I tend towards the hyper-focusing.  In fact, I think it's the more socially acceptable way to err.  I mean how many people throw tomatoes at someone for working too hard, right?  Truth is, hyper-focus is just as detrimental and destructive (and if we are talking sin, sinful) as squandering.   Public perception aside, they both lead to decay and eventual death.
OK.  Enough of the heavy.  Let's get back to dogs.  How do you get a good dog?

1.  Don't write him off as damaged goods.

2.  Give medical care when necessary.

3.  Make sure he has everything he needs for his living conditions.

4.  A warm, comfy bed is a must.

5.  Cleanliness is next to godliness.

6.  Don't be stingy with your furniture.

7.  Introduce him to friends.

8.  Avoid friends that look like dainty morsels.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

9.  Expose him to lots of good books.

10.  And don't forget good music.

10.  Exercise, exercise, exercise!

11.  Teach him hand signals.... it looks cool.

12.  PLAY is a key ingredient.

13.  Make sure he feels like part of the family.

14.  Love him.... and show it!

Eventually, if you do these things, you should end up with a good dog.  Of course there are no guarantees but, like most things, you get what you put into it.  

Oh, I forgot the most important tip:

15.  Relax, don't worry, be happy,  he's not complicated, he's a dog!