Doggone Etiquette —

Relax – Or Not

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

The holiday confusion is over and now you can relax for almost a month! Or, of course, you could be outside playing in the snow, skating on the ice, or pulling a sled. Or, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you could just be curled up, nice and warm indoors dreaming of all those fun outdoor things. Or you just might find time to work on some of those hard-to-keep promises you made last week. So, it’s up to you – to relax, or not. But, whatever you do, do NOT fall back on your major duty as a dog. Every dog should be a good and faithful pal to its people and to all doggie friends and acquaintances.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

The New Year has only just begun and chances are you are either completely exhausted, or up-and-raring-to go. If life was a family merry-go-round over the holidays and now everyone is back at work and school, Rufus may be undergoing the “where did everybody go?” syndrome which is very hard to explain away to a dog. On the other hand, he may share your exhaustion and appreciate having some time to himself.  

That’s all okay, so this will be a calm, quiet wake-up call. Holiday and post-holiday periods, whether indoors in the winter or outside in summer sunshine, are often times when canine behavioral problems surface. It’s easy to blame it on the fact that you were so busy with activities, family, etc. that the dog just didn’t get enough attention. That may be true, but it’s the aftermath that counts. When your days return to normal, be sure your dog’s days do, too.   

Rufus may retain any or all of the tension that he built up during holidays, and become somewhat confused, or dominant – or even a bit aggressive – when the hubbub is over. It’s important, therefore, that you maintain your role as master, leader, understanding friend, and playmate – all rolled into one. Stick to handling any unusual misbehavior as calmly as you can, and try hard to understand why it’s taking place.        

Here’s just one example of what I’m talking about. Let’s say, during the holidays, the fridge has been well-stocked with the door being constantly opened and closed, food taken out, put back in, etc. So now Rufus tries to push you aside when you go to open that door. He may even growl to prove he means business. Don’t flip your lid! Move away from the fridge, calmly getting him to follow you. Put him on a Sit-Stay and tell him he’s a good dog as he holds it. If you lose your cool, the growling or assertive behavior will only increase. Rufus will figure that is how he can get what he wants. It’s up to you to let him know it won’t work, that you are still in charge, and do it in a way that he can comprehend and accept.                         

And speaking of “work” – how about working out with the dog in order to get rid of nervous energy or exhaustion? It all depends on the weather when it comes to outdoor exercise, but even in the worst of winter conditions, a short brisk walk in the freezing cold or some playtime in the snow can revive a dog’s outlook on life. Both dogs and their owners benefit from healthy outdoor exercise in the winter. Besides, it’s a perfect opportunity to bring out that fleece-lined dog coat you gave Rufus for Christmas!  

Fortunately, most dogs will simply take that whole holiday thing in stride, or will sleep off any minor anxiety they may have.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

  - Bardi