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The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment.

Defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association:

Permission to use information from http://www.critterhaven.org

Dogs are pack animals, which means they do things as a group. When we bring a dog into our home we become their pack. Dogs that are kept in a kennel, tied up, or not allowed to interact with its human pack develop behavior problems. What they really are saying is "make me part of your family. A friendly pat on the head, a hello as you pass them, playing with a ball or stick, and letting your dog be part of your family will let your dog know that he belongs to your human pack.

	Dogs like to feel that they have a job within their family pack. Some dogs are guard dogs, some are herding dogs, some help their human family to do things they cannot do themselves like guide dogs for the blind.
... a working dog	Some dogs just want to be your friend and pal. Your dog may even save your life. (Ruged the Barbadian dog that followed the United Caribbean team to Carriacou)
Puppies are so cute! But they take a lot of care. They need your attention, guidance, and love 24 hours a day. They don't automatically know not to go potty in the house, or not to tear up your favorite shoe. Puppies respond to firm tones of voice but not loud or yelling voices. If you yell at your dog he will only get scared. Always call your dog like you are inviting him to a party.
Training: Your dog is never too old or too young to learn what you want him to do. Having your dog "sit" and "stay" may save his life when he wants to dash across the street to say hello to another human or dog. All dogs that belong to a human pack should go to "obedience school."

Even when your dog is all grown up, he is like someone in kindergarten. They depend on you to help them and guide them because you are the pack leader. (Rescue dogs in Barbados urgently need good homes, seen here Pumpkin my latest rescue who is looking a lot happier now)

Most dogs that don't mind you don't know what you want from them. All dogs want to please. They are "team" players and want to go along with the group. Dogs who bark all the time, act mean, act scared of you, don't come when you call, chew up furniture, or go to the bathroom in your house, are all saying that something is not right with them or that they don't know what you want. Spanking a dog, rubbing a dog's nose in his ‘soiled’ area, or yelling at his bad behavior, only makes your dog confused and doesn't fix the problem. Show him what you expect. Most bad behavior can be corrected by taking your dog outside regularly so he can go to the bathroom, play with him so he feels like he is part of the family and doesn't need to tear apart furniture, or bark to get attention.