I'm noticing that too many people own dogs who shouldn't. Maybe I just care too much, but I cannot understand how dog owners can think they are taking care of a pet without getting familiar with how they communicate and why they do what they do! I mean, I would have thought it was important to train your dog on the 7 basic commands. Not only because they are useful, but also because that is bonding time with your canine. Dog's "untrainable?" Maybe, but I think it's more likely that the owner is not going about it properly. I do respect that there are some dogs that are going to do their own thing, no matter what. They are called "cats", however. Ask the owner what trainers he's seen and you'll get a blank stare as often as not. Pro trainers have expertise because it's sometimes needed, and always important. Attend dog training WITH YOUR DOG, because otherwise you won't learn how to read your pet's behavior, nor will your four-legged companion be able to understand you since you didn't bond with each other.
I have been around enough dog owners who just ignore their pets' body language that it's kind of embarrassing to me as a human. I mean, they are literally telling you what they need and want, but you haven't learned to read that, and so you are oblivious. Not nice. I don't even own a dog and I have taken the time to learn how to read doggie communication signals. Mostly because I had a friend with a Basset Hound that was so delightful, I wanted to know this stuff. It has had unexpected benefits, though. I have also had friends with less charming pets and I can calm them down after hanging out with them for a while. They are similar to us in that they need to feel "seen" and "heard."
