DogTrainster.Com

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Penny Eims

Puppies are cuddly, adorable and oh so much fun! But, they are also A LOT of work. Are you really ready to be committed to the needs of a new puppy? Ready for the training (potty, crate and obedience)?? Committed to raising a puppy that will be a wonderful dog?

Being prepared means more than having a collar, leash, crate and bowls. New owners need to consider all aspects before diving into the puppy process. These sweet babies need an owner who is dedicated to starting things off on the right foot. Teaching good manners (no biting, chewing, jumping), working on potty training and crate training from day one, and looking ahead to the needs of an adolescent and adult dog.

Puppy ownership is DOG ownership and the faint of heart should not jump in on a whim (especially if motivated by the pleading of their children) especially if they aren’t willing to see ownership through the lifetime of the dog. Nothing is worse than bringing a puppy home and then turning your back on your responsibilities after several weeks or months because it’s just “too hard”.  Worse yet, making it through the cute puppy months and rehoming (or taking to a shelter) when the sweet puppy breath smell has faded and the gangly pup or rambunctioius adolescent dog’s sweet looks have faded and it’s harder to find them a quality home.

So, what should you expect with a new baby? Expect to get up during the night to attend to potty needs (probably every 2-3 hrs for a 8-12 wk old pup), expect to keep the puppy on a lead during this time or resign yourself to cleaning up random messes if you don’t make it outside in time (it takes up to 6 months to fully potty train a puppy due to their bladder size), expect to listen to crying when the puppy is away from you. Dogs are pack animals and want to be WITH their people, so if you are away from them, most likely they will cry. There will be an acclimation period as your puppy learns to use his/her crate.

Be committed to finding a puppy training class to start your dog off on the right foot for learning good obedience and manners. Studies show that puppies’ brains are 80% developed by the young age of 16 wks. So, you need to start early! Be committed to socializing your puppy to avoid fear issues in the months to come.

If this is your first puppy (dog) ever, expect to adjust your schedule. If you are used to taking off for extended weekends or even long nights out on the town, you should realize that a puppy (soon to be a dog) has needs that must be considered first.  If you take the step to adopt, or buy, a puppy, don’t resent that puppy when you are inconvenienced down the road.

On the upside, puppies are beyond adorable. Puppies are snuggly, fun and unconditionally loving. Puppies are a great tool to teach responsibility to children and a wonderful way to share your love. Just remember that it’s not a commitment to take on lightly.

Article Source: newschannel5.com
Article by: Darcy Lockman

When friends and neighbors Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie of San Francisco were 9, a dog training class was offered in their apartment building. Though neither girl had a pup of her own, both loved dogs, so they signed up for the class. Five years and many classes later, the two high school sophomores co-authored Good Dog! Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training (Dogwise Publishing 2008).

Inspired by the belief that kids learn best from other kids, Pang and Louie wrote and illustrated their book, which incorporates expert advice on teaching kids how to read doggie body language, how to be safe around dogs and how to train Rover to do cool tricks. Says Louie: “Kids need to understand and train their dogs so that neither ends up getting hurt.” Below, the young authors share their five favorite tips for kids who live with, or around, dogs.

Tip No. 1: Know your dog’s signals

Dogs are playful, peaceful creatures. When a canine feels threatened, it will display “calming signals.” These are visual cues that communicate to nearby dogs or people that the dog doesn’t want to fight. “The fur on the back of its neck will stand up. Its tail may go down, or its head will lower,” explains Pang. When this happens, Louie advises walking away, if you are the one scaring the dog. If a nearby dog or other animal is scaring your furry friend, you should simply remove your dog from the frightening situation.

Tip No. 2: Know your own signals

If a strange dog comes running toward you, Pang and Louie advise keeping yourself safe in the following way: be a tree. “Stand still, put your arms by your sides, and your head down. Look at your toes and don’t move,” says Pang. “The dog will think you’re boring, and it will go away.” Running from a dog will signal that you’re up for a game of chase, and looking the dog in the eye may make it feel afraid, which can lead to a fight that both you and the dog don’t want.

Tip No. 3: Be consistent during training

Pang and Louie advocate clicker training, which involves reinforcing desirable dog behavior with the sound of a clicker, followed by a treat. The dog learns to associate the click with the reward and comes to understand that that the click is a compliment. But this only works if the trainer is consistent. “You have to click on time, and every time,” stresses Louie. “You have to pay attention at all times during clicker training, or your dog will think you’ve lost interest, and (the activity) won’t be fun anymore.”

Tip No. 4: Treat, don’t trick, during training sessions

Dogs in training need rewards in order to learn. What they do not need is for you to yell, or worse. “Don’t punish your dog,” emphasizes Pang. “You are its teacher, and if the dog messes up, it’s sort of like it’s your own fault. It’s your responsibility to teach them.” If things get heated, or you start to feel frustrated, take a break! You can always go back to it later or another day.

Tip No. 5: Have fun!

Pang and Louie agree that training is a game, and games should be enjoyable. “If you’re not positive, you’ll get impatient. If you’re not having fun, it’s not a game anymore,” says Louie. The girls believe that training also promotes bonding between humans and canines. It’s the best time to create feelings of closeness between people and their pets. “Your dog will feel your love during training,” says Pang. It should be like hanging out with a friend. You’re doing something together and learning together.

About the author: Darcy Lockman is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn, with the prettiest pug dog in the five boroughs.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Keith Smith

It seems everywhere I go these days all I hear about is how you must physically dominate a dog to make him behave. I see these very common training practices of yanking dogs around on a choke chain and calling it training. These same people call the choke chain a “training collar”. I have a challenge for these people. Grab a friend and have them put a “training collar” on you. Now ask them to attach a lead and give a nice firm yank. Do you still believe it is a “training collar”?

Next ask them to yank on the lead every time you say “training collar”. I bet after a few times you stop saying those words. And not because you like your friend but because you are afraid to feel that dreadful yank again. You may even attain enlightenment and begin calling it for what it actually is, a choke chain! Choke chains are dangerous!

Choke chains, shock collars and other professed training tools are merely used as shortcuts by people who have yet to genuinely and compassionately comprehend the intricate workings of dog behavior.

Another thorn in my side are the people who believe that pretending to be Hulk Hogan and pinning a dog to the ground or using similar physical practices somehow makes them respect you. It will certainly make the dog fear you. Fear is not respect! In case you did not read that right, fear is not respect! Respect is a dog looking intently into your eyes, tail wagging and ear’s perky thinking with reserved anticipation “what should I do now”.

The goal in training is to develop the relationship using trust and motivation, not fear and desperation!
“Dog people are wonderful people,” Cherry said. “They will help new dog owners get off to a good start and advance in their training.”

She also stressed the importance of exercising dogs.

“A 30-minute brisk walk every day is good for the person and good for the dog,” Cherry said. “Knowing my dogs need a walk encourages me to get up every morning and get some exercise with them.”

Cherry assures puppy owners that if they spend time with their puppies, take their puppies to obedience classes and do the homework, they’ll have a good dog by age 2.

“Good behavior kind of clicks when a dog is 2. The dog settles down, and some of the puppy problems stop. If you can make it until the dog is 2, you’ll have a good dog for the rest of his life.”

Article Source: edmondsun.com
Article by: Kathy Toppins

EDMOND —  In the past few weeks, cute puppy faces have nuzzled visitors through kennel doors at the Edmond Animal Shelter. All the puppies that have been available will grow into big dogs. Two of the puppies, possibly Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mixes, are now in foster care and may be seen by appointment. They may eventually weigh 100 to 125 pounds.

Shelter employees take time to educate visitors interested in adopting the puppies about their breed traits and need for training. Anyone who adopts a puppy, especially one that will grow into a large, herding dog, will need to begin obedience training right away.

“A cute face will get a puppy a home. Training will allow the puppy to keep its home,” said Lynn Cherry, a German Shepherd owner and co-founder of Paws for Life Inc.

Early training is especially important for puppies that are growing quickly.

“You need to start training when the puppy is 6 weeks old,” Cherry said. “Puppies at 6 weeks can learn ‘sit’ and ‘down.’ If you haven’t started training by 3 or 4 months, you’re behind. You can pick up and maneuver a large-breed dog for only about four months. By the time a dog is a year old, he’ll be at his full weight,” Cherry said.

Training is easy. “It’s really just repetition with a dog. If you spend 15 minutes a day training your dog, you can have a great dog,” Cherry said. “There’s nothing harsh or mean about asking a dog to listen and mind. We all have to do that. It’s not fun to have a dog that jumps on you, your friends and your furniture. It is fun to have a best friend dog you can take anywhere because he’s obedient and trained.”

Cherry recommends connecting with other owners of large-breed dogs.

“Dog people are wonderful people,” Cherry said. “They will help new dog owners get off to a good start and advance in their training.”

She also stressed the importance of exercising dogs.

“A 30-minute brisk walk every day is good for the person and good for the dog,” Cherry said. “Knowing my dogs need a walk encourages me to get up every morning and get some exercise with them.”

Cherry assures puppy owners that if they spend time with their puppies, take their puppies to obedience classes and do the homework, they’ll have a good dog by age 2.

“Good behavior kind of clicks when a dog is 2. The dog settles down, and some of the puppy problems stop. If you can make it until the dog is 2, you’ll have a good dog for the rest of his life.”

Article Source: denver.yourhub.com
Article by: Robert Forto, PhD

One of the most common questions asked to us by our clients at Denver Dog Works is, “will my dog remember we when I pick him up?” Of course we all love our pets and most of us will go to the ends of the earth for them and the thought of leaving them in a strange place brings up connotations of horror. But let me assure you that is not the case. Denver Dog Works, and all reputable boarding kennels/training schools, treat your beloved pet as if they were their own.

“I just can’t be away from my dog…”

I like to tell clients its separation anxiety. No, not from the dog but you!Many clients are concerned that their dogs will not remember them or will become overwhelmed by home sickness, this is never the case. Children often spend more waking hours with their teachers than with their parents yet they never forget where home is. During training your dog is well cared for, very active, and enjoy the training experience. After all, every breed of dog exists today has been selectively bred because they serve a purpose in the service of man. They all have jobs. Today dogs that are not trained develop behavior problems. The reason is most often because they need some discipline, education and purpose in life. Obedience replaces that feeling with a feeling of value and purpose. As for you, rather than dwell on how much you will miss your beloved companion for a few weeks, consider the years of pleasure you and your dog will gain through professional obedience training. There are few things in this world as impressive as a well trained dog working in harmony with their owner.

“I am afraid my dog will only listen to you when he comes home.”

Well, that is a very valid concern. For most trainers there is only one person working with your dog. And when your dog returns he only listens to that person, or at least a person with that skill level (something we see all the time, a dog that has been trained somewhere else doesn’t work for the owner, but works like a well trained dog for us). What happens is the dog gets used to being trained with a certain tone, cadence, and quality, so when you say the same things the dog doesn’t recognize it.
We at Denver Dog Works get around that by having at least 2-3 different experienced trainers a day work with your dog. And to help even more we also use our newer staff members help in training so that they don’t sound “perfect” when giving commands. This makes it easy for you because the dog is used to hearing the same words, said MANY different ways. So all you have to do is build some respect, and you’re good to go!

Then there is the question about Respect that we often hear: “What is ‘Respect’ in dog training, and why is it important?”

Respect is the bond between you and your dog that says to your dog that when something else better is going on, and you say something, he should listen. Think about if your dog has his head in the trashcan, and you tell him to stop. If he stops, every time you say it, then that is respect. If he does not, then we can help with that with a few basic techniques.

Follow-up Classes are So Important: “Why do I have to follow up with class?”

During the week(s) of training at Denver Dog Works, your dog is introduced to many new behaviors and skills. And when you get him home he will happily show you these commands when asked. But, it’s like any new habit or resolution it’s still fragile. So, if you do not follow up with more training the behaviors will begin to break down.
So, just at the point when fragile behaviors start to waver, you start class. And during that class experience your dog gets the needed repetition and work to cement those behaviors.

So can you be away from your dog for training?

Well, that is definitely one of the hardest parts of boot-camp (ok, its like the hardest part). But, think about it this way, if you are considering boot-camp, or the more intensive board and train, that means you have a special circumstance already that you need help with.
If you do not get help now, will it weaken your relationship in the future? Also, if you consider the time you’ll spend with your dog during his life, then a week or more to make your relationship better is not that bad.
But, if you just can’t stand to be away, Denver Dog Works does have our Intensive Day training program. It works as well, but takes longer to produce the results you want since he does not stay with us.

When you do finally get your furry friend home follow these simple steps to make his return most enjoyable:

Your pet will undoubtedly be happy to see you when you pick him up. Following a few simple steps will help ease the transition back to home life.

• Overexcitement may make a dog pant a lot and act thirsty. He is probably not really thirsty and had plenty of water available at the training facility. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over until he settles down.

• Food: ditto. Be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets and bloating. Do not feed your pet for at least three hours after coming home from the pet care facility and then limit the food and water you provide until he has settled back into home life.

• Walk your pet upon arrival or allow access to a yard area. Excitement may also cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside his normal schedule.

• Give your pet some personalized attention - some play time or sitting and petting or brushing him will help him get through the excitement stage and calm down.

• A stay at a pet care facility can be very exciting and some dogs charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the facility exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot for the first couple of days they are home.

• Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule. Pets love following a schedule - it makes them feel safe and secure and remember to follow the rules your trainer has given you. Training starts the minute you get your dog home or bad habits will re-surface, Quickly!

Article Source: examiner.com
By: Jeff Millman

Halloween is a great opportunity for dog training. The uniqueness of the holiday provides some dog training experiences that you can take advantage of to help your dog get to the next level in his socialization and guest manners skills.

Socialize Your Puppy
Halloween is a prime opportunity to expose your puppy to new and interesting sights and sounds. Bring treats with you on every walk and say, “Yes!” or ‘Click and Treat’ every time your puppy sees halloween decorations, hears ghoulish sounds or meets trick-or-treaters.

Remember, with socialization it is critical that your puppy is not showing signs of fear or you are going too quickly. When a puppy stops taking treats, that is a sure sign of fear. Move him or her farther away and give treats from this new distance.

Doorbell Desensitization
Trick or treaters provide a perfect opportunity to teach a dog to be calm when the doorbell rings.

Keep some treats in your pockets in anticipation of the little ghosts and goblins and practice this doorbell desensitization exercise:

* AS SOON as the doorbell rings, say, “Yes!” or ‘Click’ (if you are using a clicker) and drop treats on the ground
* As you notice that your dog’s reactivity lessens throughout the evening (he might even start sniffing the ground after the doorbell!!) start talking to him more before giving treats
* By the end of the evening, try and walk him calmly to the door and have him sit after each ring
* Practice walking him to the door and sitting periodically between visitors to give him more practice

Have a Safe Place for Candy
It is easy to lose track of your child’s bounty after a long night of trick or treating. Make sure to help your kids put the candy in safe place to avoid making your dog sick (or worse) after ingesting candy.

Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and grapes are really bad for dogs and could prove fatal.

Wrappings can also cause intestinal problems.

Article Source: azcentral.com
By: Rhonda S. Verona

Keep dogs safe during Halloween - the most dangerous holiday for dogs - with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Based on the expertise of Bark Busters’ network of dog behavioral therapists, who have successfully trained more than 400,000 dogs worldwide, these guidelines for dog owners help ensure the safety of pets during fright night.

• Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

• Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

• Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

• Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

• Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar - just in case.

• Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies - especially chocolate - are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

• Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn.

• Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine - he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

• Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Keith Smith

Everyone loves a cute little puppy, that sweet puppy face, the puppy smell, and those adorable eyes. But what about the poop, stolen shoes, shredded paper and chewed furniture. Adopting an adult dog certainly has its benefits. The old myth that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is just that, a myth.

Shelter dogs make great pets. They are sometimes partially trained, usually at least housebroken, often past the stages of puppy destruction and normally very thankful for their new chance at life. They will express their thanks in their uncompromising devotion and unconditional love. Just imagine coming home everyday to a dog that is so thankful for the home you have shared you can simply glance over and see it in his eyes.

So what does it take to train a shelter dog? Often not much, but take into consideration how long they have been cooped up in a tiny room, the conditions they were kept in, their age and the often lack of stimulation and human interaction. Many shelters do their best to keep the dogs happy and healthy but it is often impossible to provide for all of their needs.

As with all training patience is one of the most important points to remember. Without it you will become stressed. When you are stressed your dog will be stressed. At that point training becomes futile. There is no one correct way to train. As long as the methods are humane and safe anything goes. If a method you are trying (even if it worked for you in the past) is not successful don’t be afraid to try something else. The first areas I recommend working on are, of course, the relationship between you and your dog followed by the relationship between your dog and others. That means socializing, lots and lots of socializing. If your new pal has been in contact with a mere handful of humans in the past six months it is unfair to ask him to sit like a good boy after only being home for two days and meeting your friends.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Amanda Vargas

Now that you have the right size crate, let’s discuss the best way to introduce Fido to his new bedroom. We always want Fido to associate his crate positively. Believe me , it is not an easy task to get a dog of any size or age to go into a crate if they don’t want to. Because of this you will want to use positive reinforcement the quickest and easiest way to do this is to go and get small training biscuits or even those treats that you can tear into small pieces. For my dogs I usually use the “sausage dog food” you can find them in most pet stores.  Not only are these easy to slice and cut into small pieces, but it tends to be more fragrant so my dogs tend to focus more on it amid distractions.

These training tips that I am about to tell you will work with dogs of all age groups and even with cats that you want to get in a travel carrier.

*  If your dog is reluctant to get in the carrier at first, use a command like “go to bed’ or “crate”  THEN toss your treat in the crate and the dog will follow.

* Close the crate’s door behind him, but only leave it closed for a few seconds at first and increasing each time.

* Repeat this often. But never exceed the attention span of your dog. The moment that you realize that your dog has lost all interest in what you are doing it is time for you to move on to another training issue or to stop until the next day.

* Some dog breeds will catch on very quickly due to the nature of the breed. Others will catch on [or not as quickly] due to the dogs personality. The thing to remember is to have patience.  Yes, your dog should obey you, but your dog should also respect you and think of you as the alpha dog. [We will discuss alpha issues at a later date.]

If your dog has not responded to the treats in the first session of training, you must find what your dog is motivated by, whether that is a tennis ball or a stuffed toy. It is what motivates them that will help in the success of their training. But please be aware if your dog is overly stimulated by a tennis ball, that is if it jumps and hops and barks, that may not be the best training tool. Also it is not the best behavior for your dog. Please remember to check back again soon for the next crate training article.

Happy Training!

Article Source: turnagaintimes.com
Article by: Julie St. Louis

So you just got an adorable new puppy and after all the cuddling and petting you think, “Now what?” Well, now it’s time for potty training. He or she needs to learn to go to the bathroom outside, and the sooner the better.

Despite the horror stories you may have heard from others, housebreaking is easier than you think as long as you set yourself and your pup up for success. For new pups it’s best to keep them in your sight while you are home, and crated or limited to one area of the house while you are out. To keep Rover in your sight you can shut the door to the room you are in, or keep your pup on a long leash tethered to you.

Know the signs and most likely times when your pup will need to go out. Rover will start to sniff the floor or may become restless or whine to get your attention. He’ll need to go out within about 20 minutes of eating, sleeping or playing, so make a point of taking him out at these times. Consistency is key.

If you aren’t able to recognize the signs, try teaching him to ring bells hanging off the door handle. A strip of sleigh bells work really well for this. Just before heading out gently help your pup nose the bells. Once Rover has done his “business” praise him enthusiastically so his tail wags, or reward with a treat. Immediately take him back into the house so that he associates the bells or your praise with going potty outside. If you stay out there to play, then he will wrongly associate the bells with going out to have fun, not for going to the bathroom.

Another added measure is to teach him special commands for both peeing and pooing. Take your pup for a walk. As he lifts his leg, or she squats to pee, say a word like “hurry” or “spot.” Each time your pup pees say this word, so that eventually Rover will associate your word command with peeing or pooing. Again, after each time give praise, “Good hurry” or Good spot,” or a treat reward. This way your pup will know that he’s making you happy and doing things right. This will come in handy on those super cold days when you want to go out and get back in fast.

Of course you can’t be home with you pup non-stop, but for faster training it’s advisable to take several days or a week off from work to focus on your pup. If you can’t be home for extended periods of time, or when you do leave the house, consider placing your pooch in a pet carrier or wire kennel, or using a baby gate to keep him confined to one area of the house, ideally one without carpeting.

A young puppy will be all right for up to two hours alone. If you must be gone most of the day, consider hiring a dog walker or having a friend come by to let your pup out every couple of hours. As the puppy ages, he will be able to go for longer and longer periods without being let out. Confining a pup to a crate or smaller area is not cruel, and in most instances puppies will feel more secure by having a space that is theirs. Also, puppies tend not to mess in an area they consider their den or bed. The crate should be big enough for the pup to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that he’s able to pee in one corner and still be comfortable on the other side of the crate. Place a durable toy, or treat inside and he will be content.

If your pup has an accident in the house, and he will, don’t rub his nose in it, or hit him or berate him, especially if you did not catch him in the act. Your pup lives in the present and will not associate your punishments with soiling the carpet. He will connect it with whatever he is doing at that moment and be confused. In particular if you yell and scream at him as soon as you get home, your pup will not be running to greet you happily when you return for much longer. If you do catch your pup mid-pee, scoop him up and run him outside to finish and then praise him.

Finally, for cleaning up the messes, there are several helpful products on the market as well as some home remedies. Water and soap will not be enough to dissolve the stain and the scent. You must get the scent out, or Rover and his other puppy pals will continue to mark that spot. Nature’s Miracle, Simple Solution, and several with Arm-n-Hammer Baking Soda added, all work to remove the odor-causing bacteria. If you don’t have any of these available you can use a solution of half vinegar half water. The vinegar will neutralize odor.

Enjoy your new puppy while helping him become a happy and well-trained member of you family. Remember positive reinforcement and consistency, and the love and companionship he gives back to you will only grow stronger each day.