Doggone Etiquette —

An Old Friend

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Older Dog:                

Do you know how old you are? Do you still have an occasional play-date with your doggie friends, or is one day pretty much like every other. Are your walks getting shorter? (Or do you wish they were!)   How are the legs holding up? Do you wake up in the morning raring to go? Or do you turn over and go right back to sleep? That’s not a good way to start the day, Rufus! Maybe, just maybe, you’re not all that old, but are allowed to be lazy. Let’s talk to your VIPeople about some things you are still perfectly able to do and would really enjoy doing.

A Word to the Older Dog’s Owner:    

Spring is when most puppies go to their new homes, so we’ve spent a lot of time discussing the youngsters. Now let’s turn to the older, mature dog. Not the geriatric old friend whose days are numbered, but the one that’s getting on in years and perhaps bored with a sedentary life. The life expectancy of dogs is as variable as are their breeds. In general terms, the tiny breeds live longest, and the larger the breed, the shorter the normal lifespan.                     

Dog owners are mistaken if they think obedience school is only for teaching puppies to behave, only to be embarrassed when their dogs are called “stubborn” or “stupid” (or worse, the person is so labeled). But those same classes can stimulate the older dog physically and mentally, as well as offering him some social life. 

Any training should also provide fun interaction between the dog and you (or the whole family) which is good for all.                         

Let’s say Rufus has reached that bored middle-age point in his life, or even a bit beyond, and this idea sounds good. The first thing to do is have him vet checked for physical fitness (hips, joints, sight and weight!) which might set limits on your plans. If all’s well, sign up for obedience class and remember to keep it fun. If Rufus does a “Sit” facing the wrong way, have a good laugh before you gently turn him around. Keep all corrections and treats to a minimum, but verbal, smiling interaction and praise can go to the max. This is not competition. You and your dog don’t have to prove anything. However, you can certainly be a bit smug when he does anything well.                 

If classes are not enjoyable for you or for Rufus, try different at-home activities such as swimming in a pool or stream, or just paddling in a kiddie pool. Spend time on a regular basis teaching him anything that he thinks is terrific, even if it’s silly nonsense. For example, “speak” (bark or growl) or “sing” (howl) and “roll over” are easy to teach if you give him a one-word cue as you catch him doing it on his own. Your timing is the most important part of teaching the trick.

The new competitive sport, rally, is lots of fun on a strictly non-competitive basis. It puts the onus on the dog’s VIPerson. You have to read consecutive signs (one at a time) that tell you what you and Rufus are to do at each one. It is usually the person who makes the mistake in reading the sign. The dog is exonerated! Who knows, you might get involved in rally competition.                         

That same old walk, whether down the road or around the block is ultimate boredom for an older dog, whereas each day in a field or on a trail in the woods is different, with new sights and scents. So at least on weekends give your old (or older) friend a walk that’s just for him. (Please feel free to enjoy it yourself!) It can be a slow meandering kind of stroll, or a bit more active when his canine senses come alive. For the most part, let Rufus lead the way, and for both of you, there’s nothing wrong with an occasional stop to smell the flowers.        

                                            

Until next time – BE GOOD!

-  Bardi