Doggone Etiquette—

Holiday Weekend

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Another holiday! People are obsessed with them. Too bad you dogs don’t get more of your very own, but at least you get to share in some of the people ones. So much depends on how the holiday is celebrated by your family. If they go away, you may get to go, too. Or, you might stay in a kennel and be treated like the very special dog you are. If it’s a holiday with lots of food, you usually luck out, but don’t think for a minute that you can help yourself to any of the things you aren’t actually offered. Your people won’t share everything because some of the things people eat are seriously dangerous for you dogs. We’ll have a talk with your VIPeople about this holiday business.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Memorial Day weekend is one of the holidays where almost all our plans depend to some extent on the weather. Parades, baseball games, and barbeques are not much fun in pouring rain. Nor is it much fun to have your invited family and friends crowded into your house due to the weather. That’s the worst case scenario and could be even more upsetting to your dogs than to you. From Rufus’s point of view, his home has been invaded and he may not know whether to protect you from the onslaught, hide under the bed, or enthusiastically join in the chaos!                 

If you are going away this weekend, you long ago made the appropriate plans for your dog since boarding kennels and pet sitters get booked up very early. Plans also needed to be made if Rufus is going with you — arrangements for the dog’s “welcome mat” wherever you’ll be stopping, and for canine comfort and safety en route (water, bedding, food, secure collar and leash, etc). 

Let’s be optimistic. You’re staying home and the weather is gorgeous. Everything is set for the barbeque. Possibly even the pool is ready for the swimmers. Let me remind you of one more thing. Don’t overlook that canine member of your family, that very special pal, Rufus. Include some holiday fun just for him — his favorite walk, a new toy and playtime, plus, of course, his favorite treats. Keep an eye on the dog to be sure he stays put, especially if people will be coming and going. Many dogs become lost dogs during our holidays when no one is watching those gates and doors. And if the pool is operational, don’t leave it to the kids to watch the dog every minute. They’re taken up with their own fun and games. If an adult can’t watch Rufus when he is near or in the pool, secure him safely in the shade or indoors.

There is one other thing that none of us dog admirers like to own up to, and that is the fact that some people don’t like dogs or are afraid of them. If some of your guests indicate their objection to the proximity of your dog, best keep them separated. This is not the time to start a class on canine/human socialization. Rufus will no doubt get the message if he’s totally ignored, but he may be an overly friendly pooch who is trying to make friends. Separation avoids a possible problem. The real danger is when children are afraid of a dog because they are apt to scream, pull away and — yes, get bitten by that otherwise sweet dog. Also, watch it when kids are racing about that they don’t get nipped by the dog trying to share their fun. It is not dog-biting, but be aware, and you’ll prevent a mishap.

On the other hand, if you are home alone with your Rufus, share the holiday weekend sunning in the garden, watching TV, snacking or snoozing — or whatever you both enjoy.

Until next time — Have A Good One!

—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.