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Does your family have what it takes to raise a happy dog? Find out this Friday, April 10, at 8P et/pt!

A Member of the Family was an important book for me to write. My previous books dealt with the basics of dog psychology, but A Member of the Family talks about what it means to adopt a dog. I don't believe pets are disposable. To take in a dog, or any animal, is a commitment for life. I hope this episode helps in making the big decisions, from picking out the right dog, letting your dog go, and fulfilling your dog's life in between.

When we make animals totally responsible for fulfilling our needs, we place too much weight on their shoulders. For example, if two parents want to get a dog to keep a child company, the dog may become so protective of that child, it can cause problems. If a mom wants a dog because her kids are leaving the nest, the dog may pick up on her neediness, as well as her resentments toward the rest of her family members, making them targets. To avoid such situations, start with a family meeting. Lay all these issues on the table before the dog comes home with you.

No matter what the makeup of your family "pack" - be it a college frat house looking for a mascot, or a retired couple looking for a late-life "child" - every member of that pack needs to be equally committed to adding a canine companion to the mix. Everyone in the family must be aware of the realities of dog ownership. That means everyone needs to be familiar with my three-part fulfillment formula for raising a balanced dog: exercise, discipline, and affection - in that order!

One of the hardest aspects of dog ownership is knowing that a human lifespan is so much longer than a canine one. This fact should not bring you down, but help you rejoice and celebrate the wonderful years our dogs are able to share with us. Dogs celebrate every day. A senior dog doesn't spent time reminiscing about old times like a senior human would. Instead, he works to make the best of the time that he's still got - something we can all learn from!