By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Of course, you know you are definitely the “right” kind of dog, but, much as I hate to say it, you are not at all the “right dog” for every home or family. As a dog, you know that dogs are not all the same, but perhaps what you don’t know is that people are even more not all the same! We’ll have to work together and try our best to iron out most of those differences so every dog will get into the right home this Spring and summer. First we’ll have to impress the people as to which one of you is right for them!  Even the President and his family went this route.

A Word to the NEW Dog’s NEW Owner:      

If you’ve never owned a dog before, take the word of all the people who would never be without a canine companion. When you bring a dog into your heart and home, you have made a pact with that particular dog for its entire life. Dogs do not grow up and go to college, or move out! Almost anything else you buy can be returned or exchanged, but buying, or rescuing a dog is a long-term commitment, whether it’s an older dog or a 10-week-old puppy. The dog puts its complete trust in you, both for wanting him, and for making the union work. You get all the preliminary cautions about what you’re getting into. The dog does not.            

It’s a common error for people to make a decision based on the physical appearance of a breed, be it macho, pretty, or just cute. The temperament that is typical of each particular breed plays a much larger role than its appealing looks when it comes to making the dog a perfect pet for you. Ignore the differences in size, coat, color and expression. The basic breed temperament, behavior and personality are what you bring into your home. All breeds originated for specific purposes, primarily to fill the needs of humans – for work and play.                

The good thing is that it’s not at all difficult these days to learn as much as you need to know about the dogs whose looks do appeal to you. There are breed-specific books, and responsible breeders can be contacted via the American Kennel Club, the Newtown Kennel Club or individual breed clubs. You will be finding out about any breed-specific health issues, grooming needs, the ease (or common difficulties) in training, and that all important basic breed temperament. All of these things will vary slightly in the individual dog, but the innate breed characteristics and needs are there. Deal only with responsible breeders and you’ll quickly discover which breeds are, or are not, for you!              

With a mixed breed, what you see is not necessarily what you get. A dog that looks like its strong, fun-loving Bull Terrier father may in fact have the calm, more submissive temperament of its Golden Retriever mother. 

The people at the shelter will guide you as best they can based on what they have encountered with the dog. After all, they want every dog to go to a “forever” home and don’t want any dog to be returned.                                                                                                                                                    Here are some things you need to consider seriously, and truthfully. If you ever owned a dog before, what breed was it, and if there were any problems, were you able to deal with them? If you never owned a dog before, why now? How old are any kids in your family? Do you have other pets – cats, turtles, birds? 

Then, of course, there’s your actual home (house, condo, farm) and lifestyle (home or at work all day, weekend activities, vacations) – all of which need to be right (or adjustable) for the life of your chosen dog. 

Those last two things will help you decide whether you should be considering a young pup, an older puppy, or a mature dog.                           

It’s not hard to line up the dog that’s exactly right for you, but you do have to look beyond that first doggie glint in your eye!          

                            

Until next time – BE GOOD!

-  Bardi