Doggone Etiquette—

That’s A Good Dog!

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

How many times today have you been told you were a good dog? Or maybe you were smiled at in that special way that tells you how good you are. If you were really good, you got a special treat. And if none of the above came your way, you must be a very sad and lonely dog. Perhaps you don’t have a family right now, and aren’t even aware of all the rewards there are for being a good dog. If so, obviously, you aren’t reading this, but maybe someone in your new home will be!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Dogs are taken into our homes today from many different sources, which means they come with a wide variety of learned behaviors, some of which is more like excess baggage. A good match is made if you do sufficient homework before bringing a dog into the family. Specific breed traits can be defined by a reputable breeder, but any adopted dog over the age of 6 months has already learned plenty, which includes it all — the good, the bad and indifferent!

It is amazing how many adopted dogs actually yearn for their former way of life. Even dogs that have had a really tough life as we see it, may find it hard to settle down in a cushy, loving environment. It can be pretty hard for new owners to understand. I’ve heard it so many times: “We’re giving the dog everything — good food, a good home, loving care — and he just whines at the door as if he wants to be on the streets again.” Look at it from the dog’s perspective. The dog that was “on the streets” probably learned the hard way never to trust people.

Any adopted dog undergoes some stress at being confined in new and unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar people, and, of utmost importance to any dog, with unfamiliar smells and sounds. He’s not admiring your pretty rug or comfortable sofa, but only trying to figure out how they smell. Also, that the dishwasher is not an attack machine. It takes time and patience on the part of new owners to give a dog of unknown origins a good home.

Now then, the rest of you with dogs you’ve had for years, maybe since they were little puppies, it’s your turn to listen up. Let’s say your job moves you from our rural life to a big city; from a house with an expanse of lawn to an apartment with elevators. Your dog could be the one we’re talking about. Either he moves with you and undergoes all these possibly frightening changes, or he goes to live with Cousin Fred or a good friend. Rufus may know their home from visits — but not to live there forever! So, what happens? He has always been good when you visited, but now he pees here, there and everywhere! He panics when left alone. He wants to go home!

If it’s a first-time venture for a dog to city life, most of it can be terrifying. The noise, the busy city streets — even the hydrants smell odd. To a country-raised dog, an elevator must seem like a Mars spaceship! As for the owner, remember the “pick up after your dog” laws and be prepared!

Introductions to all new ways in a dog’s life must be made with patience and by trying to understand how the dog sees the situation. Be firm, but fair. A somewhat casual attitude toward those things in a new environment that you cannot change will help the dog to accept them.

These suggestions, by the way, are also for dog owners who are heading to the sunny South for the winter, or North to ski country. Rufus may not fully appreciate your reasons for the move.

                                            

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.