Doggone Etiquette —

Quitting Time

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Are you old enough to know when to quit? That is, when to quit doing whatever it is you’ve been told to stop doing? Have you been punished for not stopping? If you’re a puppy, you may get away with it while they think you’re still learning the rules, but you’d better smarten up or you’ll be looking for a new home!

Of course, if you are no longer a puppy, your only excuse might be that nobody ever taught you right from wrong. Well, listen up because we are going to have a talk with those VIPeople who let you down.  And puppies – pay attention!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:                            

Most dogs are intelligent and can be taught just about anything as you’ve no doubt seen on TV and everywhere online. The problem is that too often the dog uses plain old common sense to outsmart you.  If you think Rufus-goofus is stupid because he doesn’t catch onto what you are trying to teach him, look at it from his point of view. By pretending not to understand (or by outright disobeying), he may get exactly what he’s after – quitting time! When you lose it and give up on whatever it is you’re trying to teach him, he will continue to do things his way or not at all. You have made him a Big Winner!

It’s an Obedience Rule for people: Always end on a correct response. In other words, quit while you’re ahead. Even if it’s not a perfect Sit or Stay, if Rufus is showing any signs of boredom, that’s the time to stop. Pick it up again later. Here’s an example of how it works from the dog’s viewpoint. 

If Rufus comes every time he’s called when he’s in the house, but almost never when he’s outdoors, stop and think what you may really have taught him. Indoors, he comes right away because it is (or might be) for dinner or treats and he hears “Good dog.” But outdoors, maybe he tries to figure out why he’s being called – to be locked up, or have his nails cut? Or waiting for a treat to lure him? Or is he testing you by pretending to be suddenly deaf. Intelligent? You bet he is! He’s a little dog and he’s making you go through hoops! Go back to Puppy Training No. 1.

Chewing is also part of being a dog, and we’re not just talking about kibble! A friend complained to me that their dog was so sneaky, she chewed holes in anything she could – furniture, clothing, towels and rugs – but only when the man-of-the-house was supposed to be looking after her. 

When she-who-must-be-obeyed was in charge, it was a different story. She was a good disciplinarian and the dog knew it. What to do? My suggestion was to send her husband and dog back to school – obedience school!

All dogs chew and many don’t stop at dog food. Puppies need chew toys to relieve teething. After that, almost all dogs enjoy chew toys as a sort of canine occupational therapy. Simply put, dogs have to be watched (24/7) and taught what is off limits to those lovely teeth and jaws. Caught in the act, there are two ways to do it. Give a stern “leave it” command followed by tossing a toy (not a treat) or other distraction. That usually works on mild-mannered chewers. For more determined chompers, nothing beats a watchful eye, an immediate stern correction, followed by the use of a distasteful product such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple on whatever was about to be demolished. A good supply of suitable dog “bones” or other chew toys helps.

Please – please – remember that two seconds after the dog has stopped the vandalism is too late for any correction. (Grit your teeth, save your breath and use the Bitter Apple!) Taking the dog back to the scene of the crime only brings on that “intelligent common sense” we were talking about. He’ll cringe at the tone of your voice, but look at the destruction and deny having anything to do with it (or secretly be rather proud of his work).   

               

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.