I look at my dog more like a friend and partnership. She keeps watch at night and lets me know when someone is on the property during the day, and in return I keep the chow coming and keep watch for her when she wants to sleep (she always wants to sleep nearby).

I don't at all see myself as the 'master'. She knows tricks and commands but only follows them when she feels like it, and I've never made her listen. If it was safe to do I'd let her wander wherever she wanted, but because there are a lot of large predators around where I live I wouldn't be upholding my half of the deal.

The only thing I don't let her do is sleep on my bed, mainly because it would leave no room for me But in return I don't mess around with her bed. If I even go near it she comes over to keep an eye on what I'm doing, hehe.