Who doesn't want a perfect pet? I mean, when we decide to get a new dog or cat, at the back of our minds, we are picturing a cuddly, loyal, always-there-when-you-need-him kind of pet. Who would want to get a pet so that he could see his favorite shoes chewed, step on an "accident" in the carpet, or spend hundreds of dollars to get rid of fleas? I know that is not what I want to sign up for if I get a dog.

Reality check. Pets, just like our kids, and very much just like us, are not perfect. Our kids doesn't always have an A in their report cards (I know my kids don't!) , they are not always the best in sports, and sometimes they don't clean their rooms even after you've told them to do so a dozen times. But we still love them right? Well listen up, pet parents. Our pets will not be perfect either. Puppies or kittens needs to be house broken and until they are fully trained they will have "accidents". Older pets that we adopt from shelters would already have some sort of training that could either be good or not. It is not true that you cannot teach old dogs new tricks. With a lot of patience, love and perseverance, even an old dog can learn something new from you. Forget the punishment and be generous with praise instead. Let your pet know that you are happy every time he does something good. Have a pleasant tone of voice and tell him what a good boy he is. It is not wrong to show him your disappointment through your tone of voice. Say "No!" in an authoritative tone if he chews on the furniture or chase the neighbors cat.

But always remember two things: PRAISE and REWARD. Dog or cat treats are good rewards if your pet does something good. They would also love to hear praises from you ("you're a god boy!") and get a pat or a belly rub. A quick note: puppies and kittens needs to chew so get them toys if you do not want them chewing on your furnitures and shoes. Cats needs a scratching post. Again, get a scratching post if you don't want your couch to be the victim of your cats scratching needs.

Until there is a perfect pet owner, then there will never be a perfect pet. Our pets love us the way we are and will never expect us to be perfect. Let us not expect them to be perfect as well!