Doggone Etiquette —

All Grown Up

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Now that you are all grown up, you’re sure you know everything about everything – right? Sorry to say it, but much depends on exactly how grown-up your VIPeople think you are. What your age is in months or years doesn’t have much to do with it. Lots of you dogs act like puppies until you hit really old age. Don’t get me wrong, if you fit that description, I’m sure your people love you for it. Having fun with your people or other dogs is okay, but knowing when to quit the fun and games and behave like a well-behaved adult dog is what being grown up really means. People sometimes get it all wrong and then blame it on you dogs. Hang in there. I’ll try to explain it to them.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Many first-time dog owners figure their little puppy automatically becomes an adult at six months of age, and that’s a big mistake! No matter how well-trained a puppy of that age may seem to be, he should still be thought of and handled as the pre-teenage dog he really is. There will be heaps of times when Rufus appears to have learned everything you’ve taught him, and the minute you come to that conclusion, he does something that brings you back to reality. Lots of continuing education is essential in order to have the puppy evolve into a well-behaved, dependable adult dog. And, yes, I can hear your rebuttal. It does require time and patience, all of which falls on your shoulders.

There are several breeds that mature very quickly physically, making it difficult at times to remember that they are still young puppies. Then there are the breeds, or just individual dogs, that let you think they are know-it-alls at six months. Those are the wise-guys to watch out for because they’ll test you every chance they get. They may perform each command you give them when Aunt Martha is there to praise and applaud, and then not obey one thing when you and pup are one-on-one around the house. Reinforcement of the basics is still needed – but an inner smile of understanding on your part won’t hurt.

Occasionally there’s the dog whose owner is sure will never ever grow up. Surrender, I say, and enjoy the long life of your “puppy” dog. However, even though the fun and games are okay, there still needs to be a firm line drawn by you between that behavior and true disobedience, a line that the dog understands. Go along with the puppy antics, but teach Rowdy Rufus to understand and accept the times when he must call it quits and do whatever it is you are asking of him. Even these puppyish dogs need to learn the difference between being a puppy and being just plain naughty. Beware of that innocent, “who, me?” look – it’s a trademark of this type of dog, and what’s more, generally lasts a lifetime.

It pays to be particularly cautious in selecting a puppy as a companion for an older dog already in the family. Once you’ve made a tentative decision, let them meet on neutral ground and closely watch their reactions to each other. A sedate senior citizen may not think your choice of a non-stop bouncing around pup is such a great idea. On the other hand, it may be just what the old guy will enjoy. You never know, the new pup may teach the old dog some new tricks. As for that dear little puppy you got last spring, he still has a lot to learn about life in his new home if he wants that home to last forever. Keep working on it.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi