Doggone Etiquette —

Noisemakers

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

There are a lot of noises in this world, but which ones scare you the most? Do you just bark when a car backfires? Do you jump up wide awake and run to see what’s going on when someone drops a pan on the kitchen floor? And do you run and hide under a bed when there’s thunder and lightning, or curl up quivering in your favorite person’s arms? Or do you sleep right through the storm? There’s a big difference in the way you dogs react to all the different noises and the way your so-smart, all-knowing VIPeople handle it.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

How ever your special dog reacts to bursts of noise is okay so long as you don’t make a wrongful production of it. You probably jump, too, when a car backfires or a door suddenly slams shut. Rufus will either run to investigate what’s going on, or bark up a storm to show how well he’s protecting you, his home, or the world at large, depending somewhat on the size of the unexpected noise. No praise or punishment is called for. Stop the barking by command – if he knows and responds to it. Or you might distract him with a toy. Your dog takes his cues from you, so be casual and let him know you are not the least bit upset over whatever the minor disturbance was.

Thunderstorms, with or without lightning, are a natural occurrence, and dogs (like people) tend to react to them in various ways. However, the primal animal instinct takes over in dogs so they are able to anticipate the onset of a storm approaching. Some dogs would make good weathermen! When you know how your dog reacts to these natural explosions, the situation is easier to cope with. Leaving a radio on low, just loud enough to be a constant background sound may do the trick. Many dogs are panic stricken at the storm’s approach. It’s Mother Nature’s way of warning all animals to seek shelter, so Rufus may try to hide in a closet or crawl under the bed. Let him be. Above all, do NOT tell the dog “it’s okay” or use any other pacifying phrases to indicate that all’s well with the world because he knows it most certainly is not! If you cuddle a dog and try to soothe his anxiety, the only message he gets is that you are just as scared as he is.

Those are all what we might call “at home” incidents. Then there are the “away” ones like the upcoming July 4 fireworks or noise-crackers, or the numerous and varied noises of a parade – bands, honking horns, and cheering crowds. No matter how your dog handles other noises, these strange ones require vigilance on your part as a responsible pet owner. Even a dog that is only slightly frightened or puzzled by the sounds and confusion will all too often try to take off. And then becomes an even more frightened and perplexed lost dog.

This is my annual warning not just for parades, but for all the confusing, often noisy, activities coming up over the course of the summer. The safety of every dog means he must either be securely indoors or – as long as someone is home – safely behind a secure fence. On the road, security is a collar and leash held by someone who will not be distracted by what’s going on, and will keep an eye on the dog’s reactions to any noisy chaos. Of course, if it’s your dear sweet normally well-behaved dog making all the noise, you’d better do something about it pronto before the neighbors complain about your canine noisemaker!

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi