I agree, LS! I don't think that "spoiling" your dog is a bad thing. Odie is definitely a spoiled dog, but I mean that in the best way possible. I mean that in the way that her happiness is more important that my own, and I would do anything for her. She's not just a part of my environmental landscape, she's a part of our family and our quality of life is better because of her. I spoil her with attention, and sometimes material things. I like taking her on outings to buy a new toy or doing huge amounts of research on a product I want to buy for her to make sure I'm buying a quality item.See, I always say that my dogs are spoiled, but in a GOOD way. They are
spoiled with the best nutrition, 6-7 hours of daily on-leash walks, tons of
affection(ranging from sweet words to nightly massages), unlimited access
to vet care(even for the "small" things), daily grooming, lots of play and training
time. You're probably thinking that's not spoiled, that's GREAT! In my opinion it
is great, but unfortunately not many dogs around here are treated this way, it
is definitely not the norm, therefore my dogs often get called spoiled. I will and
do put their needs before my own, no matter what. This goes for our rescues as
well, I have no problem eating oatmeal, rice and frozen veggies for two weeks
so a rescue could get a needed surgery for example. I'll go without if need be,
and some folks...well ok most folks think that's nuts. I don't leave the
house without my dogs, they come everywhere, with the exception of hospital.
I designed my home specifically for them, all furniture was bought with them in
mind, I keep a super neat home to ensure I don't set them up for failure by
leaving wires or garbage laying around, etc. My dogs came from hard times,
they need, love and crave discipline, order, exercise, stimulation and love, so
I give it to them. They are all well balanced good doggie citizens, even though
they had unfortunate pasts and previous behavioral problems. And guess what?
They even wear sweaters to keep warm during our adventures, and I have no
problem with those passerbyers who laugh at dogs in sweaters because I know
my African dogs and my little Chis could not and would not be able to tolerate
the cold, snow, etc. as well without protection. So yes, they are spoiled, they
are kings and queens, but they also have manners and will do anything mom or
dad asks of them.
I think there is no shame in "spoiling" your dog with the "good" things. The
way to know if you are spoiling a dog in a good way or not is simple, think of
how the dog sees it...to a dog there is nothing better than a long walk, good
meal and some belly rubs...if you give more of these things than the required
norm and feeding an above average nutrition than you are perhaps spoiling
your pups, which is more than ok in my book. I wish more people spoiled their
dogs the "right" way. Because throwing money around does not impress any
dog or add happiness to their life. What's the use of buying them every toy in
the store if you won't even play with them? What's the use of owning every
new hip harness if you won't even walk them? And what's the use of owning
them if you'll simply ignore them most of the day?
That's my 2cents, hope it makes sense, I'm functioning on 2 hours of sleep here.
Spoiling her doesn't mean that she runs the house. She sleeps in our bed, but is just as happy sleeping in her crate. She gets treats, but she knows that she has to work for them. My Grandma always calls her spoiled, and I know it's because when she was growing up in farm country, dogs didn't even come in the house. I think that most dogs are becoming more "spoiled" in that aspect. They really have become a member of the family, and if that means they're spoiled, then I'm okay with it!
