Doggone Etiquette —

Treats

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Yesterday was the first day of April. So what, you say. Well, people know it as April Fools Day and they play jokes on each other. The idea is to try to fool the other person. Aren’t you glad you dogs don’t do things like that? That’s one holiday you are probably glad you missed. But Sunday is Easter and as far as you’re concerned that day is all about rabbits, chicks and holiday food! That’s more like it. Better polish up your best manners because that’s the only way you’ll be a “good dog” and only the “good dogs” get the treats!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

It’s a fact — a sad one perhaps — but dogs do not make jokes, nor do they share ours. Rufus may look puzzled, cock his head, wag his tail (or drop it) in reaction to our idea of fooling him, but believe me he does not understand it as funny. We even refer to some of our jokes as “shaggy dog stories” but our dogs don’t laugh. Devoting a whole day to April Fools is strictly for fools like us!

Fortunately for Fido, there’s yet another food festival in the works. My apologies if you’ve heard it all before, but there are always new dog owners out there who need to know where to draw the line when it comes to doggy treats. For the Easter holiday, chocolate is the big danger for dogs. All those chocolate bunnies and cream-filled chocolate eggs and other cute chocolate candies, cupcakes or brownies can be poisonous to dogs. Unfortunately, all those good things smell even better to Rufus than they do to us. Remind the kids (and visitors) to keep all such people-treats well out of the dog’s reach. Those little yellow chicks and Easter eggs made of marshmallow are only dangerous because dogs tend to inhale as they take something into their mouths, and those candies are very light and can easily cause choking.

By now you are probably asking what’s in this holiday for my dear dog. If you are having a special Easter dinner at home, include the dog’s favorite dinner on your menu. If you are going elsewhere, feed him — before you go, or after you return — that special favorite of his. A new toy might take his mind off the people treats, at least for awhile. There are also special treats available in pet supply stores that look like all the kids’ favorites, but are made solely for healthy canine consumption.  

Then, of course, there’s the Easter parade! How far you go involving Rufus or Fido is strictly up to you. Or, come to think of it, it may be even more strictly up to your dog! The extent of resistance may be the deciding factor. Here again, don’t forget that almost any part of the costume is chewable, but ‘buttons and bows’ are not easily digested. Explaining to the vet that the dog ate it will not reduce your vet’s bill.              

If we luck out and have a warm sunny weekend, as promised — oh, you know what I’m going to say! Get outdoors to enjoy it even if you are not celebrating the holiday. It’s time for games with Rufus, whether it’s an Easter egg hunt (with bits of hotdogs, not eggs) or just to play ball. If games are a strain on you or your dog, what about a nice leisurely before- or after-dinner walk before that sun goes down?

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 in 2008.