Doggone Etiquette —

The Dog’s Future

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Do you dogs ever make resolutions? For example, can you decide to be good today and tomorrow – or forever? Most likely you only think about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. Therefore, you may be sure that today is today, but what you probably don’t know is that in your people’s world tomorrow is the start of a whole new year. They make resolutions to be good. Even if you can’t imagine how long a year is, try to be not just good, but the very best dog you can be – for part of that length of time. That, my dear Rufus, is called a New Year’s Resolution! Let’s see if we can get your VIPeople to include something special for you in this New Year.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

There are lots of theories about our domesticated dog’s ability to plan ahead, but for the average dog owner, it’s probably best not to count on anything so profound. Perhaps wisely, dogs live, for the most part, in the present – one day at a time. You are the one responsible for planning and executing tomorrow and the more distant future of your dog’s life. Let’s hope your list of New Year’s resolutions includes the dog’s best interests and wellbeing. Here are a few things you might want to consider.

*We will teach Rufus to come when he’s called, instead of punishing him when he doesn’t. (That goes for just about every other thing Rufus does, or does not, do!) 

*We will either keep him groomed ourselves, or make regular trips to the groomer. 

*We will make routine visits to the veterinarian for general physical check-ups and essential immunizations. 

*We will teach Rufus new games. Or better still, we will enroll him in classes where he (and you) will be taught special skills such as those needed for Agility. 

The list of resolutions you could come up with for your own special dog (or dogs) is endless. You might begin with something as simple as promising to stick to routine walks, or upping that usual five minutes of playtime to ten or 15, or keeping a few very small treats in your pocket or by the door for a “good dog.” Those are all things to do for (and with) that dog you call your best friend.          

Going beyond those daily resolutions, how about having some real canine adventure? Look into joining one of the groups dedicated to developing the natural instincts of your particular dog. Activities such as hunting and retrieving in woods, fields or below ground are available. Or perhaps herding better suits your Rufus. Scent discrimination is a basic instinct for lots of dogs, and with proper training you and Rufus might eventually become involved in Search and Rescue, a world-wide group.       

Dogs have a whole world of their own and it’s out there for you to explore with them. It’s all up to you.

Until next time – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

- 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 in 2008.