Be sure to incorporate your pooch into your daily activities to make her feel like a true family member. You can do this by signing your dog's name -- or her paw print -- on birthday cards, by getting 'from our dog to your dog' holiday cards, or by including your dog when asked the number of family members in your household. These small, considerate actions will make you an ideal petowner.

Cats, for the most part, seem indifferent to human activities that do not revolve around their needs and wants. They all but roll their eyes at the owners who expect their cats to do things for them.