The pet industry has long since been considered recession proof but it has proved to be more recession resistant than anything. While spending continues to increase, the products being bought display more value-for-money thinking, where frivolous expenditure is replaced with thoughtful. People are willing to shell out money for pet services such as grooming, hotel boarding and a good deal of novelty canine items as the population ages and pets replace children who have left the nest. Is this what Rocky really wants?
Sweaters and monogrammed bandanas with home cooked-meals are truly a treat but Rocky barely notices them; sure, he looks handsome and his coat gleams and you spoil him as you would your favorite (or only) child, but dogs value things differently than humans. While it is a display of affection that we shower someone or something with gifts, Rocky really wants one thing from you and one thing only. The best part is you don’t even have to try to find it or run out and slam a fistful of dollars on the register pay station: it is you. Yes, all he wants is his human, his pack leader, his alpha, his belly-scratcher. It doesn’t get much warmer and fuzzier than that.
A Dog’s View of the World
Rocky is a pack animal and in the view of a pack mentality animal, the leader is the end-all–be-all of the subservient animal’s entire world. This is true in the wild and it is true of domesticated canines. The leader is afforded the best of everything: the best food, the most comfortable bed, eating first while the rest wait their turn, and all the added respect that comes with being the leader of the pack. In the wild, the alpha barely even looks at the rest of his charges, by and large ignoring them until they crawl up and lick at his face and mouth, begging for attention. In the human pack the dog gets much more attention naturally, elevating his status in his own mind and providing him with comfort, security and a special place in the pack. They will take what is given to them and be grateful, not noticing if a collar is designer or not. They do not care about designer names. They cannot read.
What hits home for a dog is how much time the pack leader spends with him, how much he is included in activities and how strong is his leadership. Rocky loves to run with his humans, he adores walking beside them; he is incredibly excited to participate with a hike into the hills and rocky out-croppings where he can see new things and smell new scents. Rocky loves to share these moments because in his mind, they are what make life good. You need not go to exotic locales; your backyard is good enough. You do not even need a ball or a Frisbee though you would not be remiss to have them on hand. A stick is good enough and in some cases, Rocky does not even need that much. You calling his name from one end of the yard to the other so he can run to you and back is what makes his day. Simple, sweet… life is good.
It Does Not Have to be Perfect
It is quite possible you are unable to run or go hiking or even walk very fast. That is perfectly alright. Rocky does not need those things, he would just enjoy doing them with you. A leisurely stroll around the neighborhood a couple of times a day, a game of fetch or even just accompanying you as you putter about the garden, Rocky simply desires your time. He wants your attention, your voice, your praise and to be pet or brushed. Set aside some time each day for a short grooming session, such as 10 or even 20 minutes and make it your alone time when he is your one focus. He will match your activity level or inactivity level; just remember that dogs do genuinely need exercise of some sort for their mental and physical health as well as a way to relieve boredom.
In your eyes he is part of the family and in his eyes you are his pack. He relishes time spent with his pack mates because that is how dogs think and socialize. You would be heartbroken to see your child left out of a game on the playground and it is much the same with Rocky when he watches his pack cavorting but is not allowed to join the fun. Make some time and room for Rocky and watch him shine!