I will treat your pets with as much respect and love as I would another pet or person because that's what they deserve. It matters how we treat them- they of course have their own personality and and want to be themselves. Maybe they want some affection, or a walk, or to play with a toy, or to sniff that thing, or maybe they just want to nap alone. My goal is for them to be happy and relaxed. It's the little things- like how most pets like to come up to you and sniff your hand when they meet you (not be picked up or petted). Or, some dogs really like eye contact and being talked to- that's something I can instantly pick up on so they can feel comfortable. Of course, I have no problem telling them no if something is off-limits or if we are discouraging a behavior/training them.