I am a responsible pet owner. I have taken time to choose my pet wisely. My neighbors respect me because I always have my dog on leash for walks and I always clean up after them. My veterinarian and I have a close relationship and knows my dog well. He has all his vaccinations and I buy him quality food. I daily spend time playing with him and I have provided him with toys to play with. He has a large yard to exercise in and I show my pet kindness and affection and I care for him and love him dearly.

Then why as a responsible pet owner do I feel so frustrated? My dog doesn't understand when I come home with a suit on, he can't jump on me. My wonderful canine companion doesn't understand that after it rains he needs to stay still so I can dry his paws off. When we come in from playing outside I don't know how to convey to him that the clothes in the hamper are not another one of his toys. When I have to go to work, or when I want to go out for an evening he doesn't understand that I need him to come in the house, now, and that playtime is over. And recently, when I leave him alone, he has started chewing up things in the house, and if I leave him outside, he digs.

Being a responsible pet owner sometimes involves more than just taking care of a dogs physical needs. A dog needs direction in it's life. It needs to know what it's place is in the household, and it needs to understand your desires and what it is you require of him. Most dogs would rather please it's owner and get a pat on the head than even eat, it just doesn't know how to accomplish that and the pet owner doesn't understand how to properly communicate with his four legged companion. To do these things, a dog needs the next step, Basic Obedience.