Doggone Etiquette —

Christmas Gifts

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you wonderful dogs!  How about all those gifts – are you still busy opening them? Some of those toys are to play with by yourself, and some with your Very Important People. Try not to mix them up, but if you make a mistake, back off and say, “oops” to yourself.             

Here’s one example of how that degree of separation works. Tug-of-war is usually played with a rope toy held by a person, but rope toys are meant to be chewed, obviously by you. Confusing? You bet!  When your VI Person is holding one end and allowing you to tug at the other end, then it is called tug-of-war. If you want to prove how smart you really are, you won’t play. Anyway, it’s a game that only your VI Person should win. Rope toys are for you to chew, toss around, catch and chew some more.  Lots of fun and good for the jaws and teeth!   

If Santa happened to bring you any winter clothing, such as a quilted jacket or wool sweater, or a set of snow-defying booties, play it cool until you decide whether or not it’s really “you.”                                              

Now, run off and play with your new ball, the squeaky toys and the rope toys that were given to you.  Just be sure to keep your nose out of the ribbons and pretty papers that usually end up on the floor.  Also stay away from everyone else’s gifts, especially Mary Anne’s dollhouse furniture! 

A Word to the Dog’s Owners:

No doubt you’ve given Rufus (Fluffy and Kitty Kat) as many gifts as your wallet could manage, and friends and relatives may have added to the pile. When financial times are tough, our pets generally come out ahead. Dogs appreciate the toys or treats without concern for the monetary value, unlike people.

Not all dogs and all toys are compatible, by which I mean there are always some dog toys that some dogs will instantly destroy. If you are really clued in to your dog’s preferences, you can probably avoid such a Christmas catastrophe, but not necessarily. No matter how you may personally feel about seeing him destroy a toy you thought was a real “find” don’t take it out on the dog. He is looking at it from a strictly canine viewpoint – and every toy that comes his way is played with in the mouth, some gently squeezed (perhaps to squeak) and others to be cuddled, tossed or chased. And some instantly chewed to bits. That’s why there is such a huge selection of dog toys on the market today.

If Rufus has gone on a destroy-the-toy mission, remove what’s left of the object and all the bits – without any comment. (That’s the hard part for you.) If he’s still gripping some of it in his mouth, use the “drop it” command and then call him to you. Rufus does not know which chewed-up bits might be harmful, and you don’t want to take any chances. It’s all handled without scolding or punishment, and in the end, simply by offering another toy. Of course, if Rufus is a known chewer, keep an eye on him and on the gifts that are not his. Remember the preventions – “Leave it” and “Drop it.” Then, of course, there’s the ultimate one: removal of the culprit from the scene of potential crime!

The other thing I warned Rufus about above is playing tug-of-war. A few tugs on a good-sized rope toy must be followed by “drop it” or “give it” and when the dog obeys, the rope gets thrown for him to catch and play with on his own.

As for a doggy wardrobe, that is strictly up to you and ultimately to your dog’s take on being outfitted with “people” attire. An older, smooth-coated dog might truly appreciate being wrapped in a warm coat for cold walks. Other dogs don’t find the idea one bit amusing and will fight all your attempts to clothe him. Then there are those dogs that love all the fuss and admiration they get from being dressed up.

Go with your dog on this one!

To Rufus, his family, and all the other dogs and their families, have a wonderful holiday weekend, enjoy school vacation time – and all the winter activities.

Until next year! — 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 this year.