Doggone Etiquette—

Spring

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog: You dogs may not know the seasons of the year by the names people have given them, but you sure do know what “spring” means! You don’t care if it’s called April or May, but there’s no doubt in your minds that a lot of the activities most of you dogs are good at are connected to spring. Things like springing into action at the sight of a squirrel, or springing up on your hind feet to welcome your homecoming king or queen. You dogs can also take credit for having lots more “spring” in you than your people — especially when the doorbell rings. Of course, if you’re a young puppy, you are bound to be even “springier” than any of your own parents or grandparents, but that’s just a difference in age.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner: When we think of spring it’s usually one of those “it’s just around the corner” thoughts! Maybe, just maybe, we’ll soon luck out and with more than an occasional mild sunny day, we can truthfully say that spring has arrived. Those nice days will take us outdoors to spring into action with renewed energy to clean up the yard, cut the grass, plant flowers and veggies. Watch out that you don’t fall for any springing leaps into the newly planted pansies as Rufus pretends to go after a chipmunk. On the other hand, an obedient “sit-stay” or “leave it” should earn such a good dog a brief game of fetch once in a while.

As Tennyson put it, spring is “The boyhood of the year,” which could easily refer to the bouncing, pouncing, leaping actions that closely convey our dogs’ own delight that it’s the end of winter. On the other hand, the dog’s exuberance could stem from your dog’s heritage or parentage — so where did your Rufus spring from? Then there’s always the chance in May that the weather itself will spring a surprise and give us a couple of days that feel more like midsummer. The heat should curtail some of that canine activity.

Apart from all this “spring” nonsense, there’s a very serious warning for all dog owners to heed:  ticks! Those deer ticks can be tiny. In addition to using one of the approved applications that kill (as well as repel) fleas and ticks, it is vital to brush and comb the dog regularly. Be aware, too, when Rufus is doing any excessive chewing, scratching or biting in one area. It could be a tick he has found that you missed. All this is a lot easier with a light-colored dog; those with black, liver, or brown coats make spotting the ticks a lot harder.

Other warnings are the chemicals we use to eliminate weeds or bugs on the lawn, plants, and even bug sprays used around the pool, patio, or deck. Read the product labels carefully, keeping in mind that dogs lick the pads of their feet and the surrounding hair. Check the security of your fencing whether it’s invisible, wire-backed split rail, or any other variety that gives appropriate protection for your dog — and the neighbor’s cat! While you’re at it, check gates to be sure they won’t spring open when Rufus pounces up to greet the deliveryman.

And so we’re back to spring again! However few the days, be prepared for all the changes involving your dog when we finally get into our New England spring — including the opposite of excess energy, that lethargy we call spring fever!

Until next time — BE GOOD!

—Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.