I was watching a dog whisperer rerun and he said something I thought was interesting. I am being philosophical LOL.

"If you don't provide for the needs of the dog, you break the spirit of the dog."

He was speaking in the context of what we humans think dogs need (with good intentions) that are actually to fulfill our own emotional needs instead of what the dog needs.

What would you define as the needs of a dog?

"excercise, discipline then affection."

Exercise, stimulation, companionship, order and discipline, a healthy diet, water and shelter. Affection is important, but we have to remember they are actually pack animals. They seek you as part of their pack.

Look at Paris Hilton's dog- I'm sure it receives plenty of affection, but it doesn't come across as a "happy, well-adjusted" dog...