Animals really do need affection and attention. Think about it––your pet waits all day for your return, yet as soon as you walk through the door, you begin to get irritated because it greets you so exuberantly. How dare that animal get so excited over you! Who else would be consistently happy to see such a grouch?

What would be the harm in taking ten minutes for a hug and a few loving scratches? Not only will it thrill the animal, it will also be better for you than taking a tranquilizer. Your blood pressure will go down, and you will feel stress slide away.

Make it a daily routine to spend time twice a day with your pet. A twenty-minute walk twice a day would be extremely beneficial for the dog and owner alike. No telephones and no housework, as you relax and walk with someone you can tell anything to, someone that will always be on your side and never repeat your secrets. A walk before you leave for work settles your dog down. A walk after work is something for him/her (and you also) to look forward to.

Without exercise, a dog has pent-up energy, which it uses to pull and tear and dig and bark. These behaviors don’t do your house, yard, or neighbors any good!