These 20 essential facts all dog lovers must always keep in mind were written by DogHeirs. These life lessons are sometimes easy to forget in our hectic lives, but when you remember that you are your dog’s whole world, these 20 truths are unforgettable.

1. Don’t ignore me for too long. I may only live for 10 to 15 years. It seems like forever when you’re away from me and it hurts my heart when I don’t know where you are.

Photo credit: Christina

2. Take me to new places to meet friendly people and animals. I might be frightened of them at first, but if you hold my paw through these new experiences, I’ll learn to be more confident and trusting of others. I really do love to meet new friends.

Photo credit: Anne Savage Photography

3. Don’t throw me away when new family members arrive. They are my family too and I will love and protect them as much as I love and protect you.

Photo credit: Lindsey Potter

4. Don’t get mad at me when I jump up. I love you so much and sometimes I can’t help getting excited and wanting to give you a hug.

Photo credit: Misa Way

5. Teach me new things. I love making you happy so teach me what you’d like me to do. Learning is great exercise and I love it just as much as a run at the park.

Photo credit: Jeffrey Evans

6. Don’t get frustrated and give up on me. I don’t understand your language, but I’m trying my best to learn. Give me time to understand what you want of me because all I want to do is please you.

Photo credit: Natassa Kost

7. Don’t take out your stress on me. No matter how your day went, I am always happy to see you and will do whatever I can to make your day better.

Photo credit: Anna Teresa Herda

8. Give me comfort when I’m scared. I always feel better when I’m with you and it may just take a moment before I understand that new things wont hurt me.

“Poor dog’s terrifying first train ride…”

9. No matter how busy you are, try to spend a little bit of quality time with me every day. This is truly what I look forward to the most and every minute means so much to me.

Photo credit: Matt

10. Don’t leave me outside when it’s too hot or too cold. I don’t have anywhere to go to stay cool or to keep warm and I don’t know how to escape if I’m in a desperate situation.

Photo credit: Kristi Sockwell

11. Don’t forget the little things that keep me healthy and happy. My paws hurt if my toenails are too long and I feel much better after my coat has been brushed free of mats. I could even get sick if my teeth are too dirty. It’s only minutes of your time, but it means so much to me.

Photo credit: sarah-jane

12. Trust me. I trust you with all my heart, so please trust me too. You mean the world to me.

Photo credit: Kelly Charron

13. Don’t be angry with me for too long. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.

Photo credit: Kim

14. Talk to me. I may not understand your words, but I understand your tone and body language.

Photo credit: ChurchinPhotography

15. Always treat me with kindness. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. The more you love me, the stronger our bond will be.

Photo credit: Roy

16. Please don’t hit me. Remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you because I love you. If I did something wrong, I didn’t mean to make you angry, so please help me understand how to not repeat it. I would much rather give you kisses.

Photo credit: catherine krus

17. Let me know whenever I’ve done something right. Nothing in the world makes me happier. I can tell when you’re pleased with me and if I know what I’ve done to make you smile, you can bet your life that I will try and do it again. And again, and again, and again…

Photo credit: jiuliana mckenzie

18. Pay attention to me if I’m not being myself. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, please check to see if something might be bothering me. My heart may be getting old, I may be unwell, or I could even be in pain.

Photo credit: Hans Gotun

19. Take care of me when I get old, just as much as you cared for me when I was a puppy. When I was young, you spent so much time cuddling me and touching my soft fur. My fur might not be as soft and I am no longer small, but my love for you has only grown stronger.

Photo credit: Janet Woudenberg

20. Come with me on difficult journeys. I understand that it’s hard for you, but please stay with me until the very end. Everything is better, easier and safer for me if you are with me. Remember, I love you.

Photo credit: Sara Robertson

This article was published with permission from DogHeirs.com.

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