Growing up I have had two Dobermans, a German Shepard, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Poodles, lots and lots of Poodles - two were senior foster dogs whose owner passed away. From a young age I helped my parents care for our dogs - and our neighbors dogs - and now that I'm older I solely care for my two Poodles, a miniature and a standard. These dogs were always treated less like pets and more like family members by my parents, so I have the same mindset. If you decide to own a dog, that dog is now your child and should be treated as such. Just like children, dogs need to be engaged and active. Running outside, going on walks, having physical contact, being shown affection.