Doggone Etiquette —

Kids’ Questions

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

If you are lucky enough to have kids in your family, you probably know the answers to most of their questions, but stayed tuned! There may be some that will surprise you. You probably think you’re the most handsome “canine kid” in town, and I’m sure your VIPeople think so, too. After all, they spent a lot of time finding out all about you, and were very impressed that your mom and dad were both AKC Champions. But are you ready for the opinion of the judge at a dog show? That’s a tough question.  Maybe strutting around the neighborhood is enough of a “show” for you. Let’s see how some of the kids feel about that and other things concerning dogs.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

These days, kids of all ages are apt to be tied by thumbs and ears to tiny electronic devices, but a lot of the questions they come up with indicate an overall interest in all dogs, not just their own best friend.

A young boy told me he wanted to be a veterinarian, and asked if any research has been done as to why most dogs are afraid of vacuum cleaners. While I don’t believe any scientific study has been done on the specific subject, it’s true that the majority of dogs don’t like those weird noisy man-made creatures. Vacuums come in different sizes and shapes, sit silently in the closet and then spring to life with a roar. It’s no surprise that some dogs run away in fear of this monster. When the machine darts back and forth, the brave dog probably figures that it is attacking, and that the person is trying to control it. That dog will fight the vacuum and when it is shut off appear smug at having “killed” it.

Whatever an individual dog’s reaction may be, it would make an interesting behavioral study when this young man reaches his goal of attending veterinary school.

A girl just into her teens asked how old she’d have to be to become a dog trainer or dog sitter. Her own dog is a Labrador Retriever. The first thing I pointed out was that not all dogs are sweet, easily trained Labs! It takes years of hands-on experience to know how to handle dogs with different personalities (or problems), whether the dog is somewhat aggressive, shy – or just plain spoiled rotten.

Age is not as important as knowledge and experience when it comes to taking on the job of either a dog trainer or sitter. People who are successful in working with dogs also have a natural understanding of animals. Most dogs, but by no means all, are quick to respond to this kind of person. You need to enjoy being around all types of dogs, have a lot of patience, be able to learn from successful people with know-how and experience, and be willing to do the necessary jobs that are not much fun (cleaning out kennels is just one example).

I suggested to this young Lab owner that she start by attending training classes with her own dog and to pay close attention to “how, why, when and what for” the instructor corrects a dog’s owner. Also, she should discuss her future plans with the trainer and indicate her willingness to help in some way. Volunteer to work in the local animal shelter is a good summer or after-school job that provides some of the experience needed for dog training and dog sitting.

As for age, a responsible 12-year-old could walk a neighbor’s dog, or play with it in a fenced yard, and thus start learning how to care of someone else’s dog and how to accept the rules laid down by the dog’s owner. The job of dog-sitting for a couple of hours could be given to a reliable teenager. However, if the owners will be away, whether overnight or for a weekend, and the dog-sitter must either stay in the house or come and go at regular intervals, it is a job for an adult.

Having said that, it is also a job for the person who began as a kid asking how to get started in the wonderful world of dogs!

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 last year.