Doggone Etiquette —

School Days

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

This time of year can be hard on you dogs if there are kids in your family. Everyone is so busy, and you are either in the way or ignored. It all has to do with the kids going back to school. Maybe you have already heard the school bus, or better yet you saw it from the window. That’s the safest place for you to be, and the bus drivers appreciate it. Okay, so now the kids are off to school – and you are left with nothing to do all day until they come home. And even then, they’ll be busy with homework or text-messaging their pals. What’s a poor dog to do? Let’s find out!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

This is a busy time of year for every family with kids. It’s a hassle whether it’s getting them off to college or just down the road to school. These first few weeks might better be called school “daze.” No one in the family may be more dazed than poor Rufus who doesn’t understand what the fuss and worry and apprehension are all about. If he tries to get the family to spend the usual time with him, he’s in trouble. If he tries to participate in the confusion, he’s in trouble. Not all dogs have the kind of temperament that allows them to be silent observers of our often puzzling family life. This might be a good time for a special new toy, and do attempt to get in a few minutes of uninterrupted pooch-playtime.  

There is something else you can do. In the midst of all the back-to-school confusion, make a note to look into school for your dog.

If he has never been to obedience school, now is the perfect time for both of you. If Rufus has had some training, there’s no time like now for a refresher course. It will let you get your mind off the kids, and it will give the dog the undivided attention he needs. Look into the classes that are offered and let the people in charge help you decide which one is right for you and for Rufus to start his school year.

There are lots of rewarding extras about taking a dog to school. You will meet other people and their dogs. Your dog will meet other dogs and their people. Once the basics (heel, sit, stay, etc) are accomplished, there are lots of things you and Rufus can do together even if he didn’t graduate with a Canine degree in Obedience, or you with a Master’s! You don’t have to get involved in competition if that’s not your thing, but you certainly would want Rufus to earn the Canine Good Citizen award and be given an impressive document from the American Kennel Club!

Agility and rally offer good physical and mental exercise for you both even if you have no intention of competing for titles. Then there are all the various things to do depending on the specific breed of your dog. Activities such as hunting in fields or woods, retrieving on land or water, going to ground after woodchucks, or just pulling the kids on their ice skates or sled. A dog that has been taught to respond correctly to commands enjoys this interaction every bit as much as the person takes pride in the dog’s accomplishment.

Back-to-school time is not just for the kids. It’s time for every dog to be enrolled in his or her appropriate class. Any further preparations are nothing compared to what you’ve been through with the kids.  Brush up (or comb out) the dog’s coat, check the collar and leash for wear and tear – and you’re ready for that wonderful First Day of Dog School. 

Until then – 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.