Can animals teach us how to keep our relationships happy?

In the May issue of Her World, psychologist Dr Judith Meyerowitz believes that women should start treating their husbands like their pet dogs if it's a happier marriage they are after.

The clinical supervisor of America's National Institute of Psychotherapists believe that pet owners can learn a trick or two from their dog's obedience training classes.

Keep a loose leash
Don't keep your partner caged up, just like you would not keep your dog confined in a cage all day. Spouses also need their own friends, hobbies and time away from their partners.

Give lots of praise
If your pet dog does something you want, you would reward it immediately. Same logic applies for the husband - say "I appreciate that" the moment he does something considerate for you.

Let him make a mess
Dogs like to have their own space to scatter their toys around or mess their blankets just so. Likewise, husbands should be given leeway to mess the place up a little without having their wives jump down their throats. It's better to have a messy house but a comfortable and happy husband.

Show me the love
Most pet dogs have a favourite place to be scratched or touched. Dr Meyerowitz said: "If you haven't already done so, then you should learn where and how your mate likes to be touched."

Keep him well fed
Many women have dinner cooking when their husbands come home, but delay serving the meal. Feed your husband at the same time each day. But if you can't do that, at least don't keep him waiting. After all, you would not keep withhold a treat from your dog after holding it out to him. In the same way, have dinner at the same time each night, so he knows when to expect dinner.

For the full story, grab your latest copy of Her World at all newsstands now.