Doggone Etiquette —

Bedlam For Dogs

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Here we go again! It’s once more all about noise, but this time something you may not be overly familiar with and that’s a parade. A parade has all kinds of noise, with people everywhere – some marching in the streets and others watching alongside. There’s the loud music of the marching bands and the shouting and applause of the people who are watching it. For you dogs, it is total confusion to say the least. So be a very grateful, understanding dog when your VIPeople say you’ll have to stay home alone during this mayhem. Just say, “thank you” and then have a nap. Enjoy the treats they left for you and give them a warm welcome when they return.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

We’ve had days and nights of thunder, lightning and pouring rain, and now to top it off – a parade! You know by now that Rufus reacts to Mother Nature’s noise either by sleeping through it, or hiding under the bed, but a parade is something else. Never mind the number of times you could scream because Rufus has turned a deaf ear and ignored whatever you have told him. That’s training, not a hearing problem. Dogs’ hearing is super sensitive. Excessive sounds from things like parades, fireworks, kids screeching (and that thunder) can be terrifying and all too often can cause a dog to escape the frenzy by running away.

In the case of a parade, it is truly best and safest to leave Rufus at home. If you absolutely feel he must be with you, then – in a word – Hang On! There is no way to foresee the precise moment when sound and confusion will scare the wits out of an otherwise cool, calm, and obedient dog. Keep him on a short leash, and keep an eye on him to be sure he isn’t stepped on, pushed aside, or about to dart off. And you’re supposed to do all this while watching the parade? It really is best for everyone to leave Rufus safe at home.

The other problem to tackle regarding noise and confusion for the dog could be the start of school. If there are kids in the family, school may necessitate a change in the whole family’s daily schedule. The confusion of getting kids ready and out the door to catch the school bus affects Rufus. Granted, the dog has to learn to cope with it even if he doesn’t understand any of what’s going on. It’s the family’s job to give him plenty of attention and help him to accept the sudden upheaval.

It all boils down to taking into consideration the dog’s view of changes in his life. After a changeable summer (weather-wise) we may now be changing our work and/or school routine, and soon will change our clocks. The dog may even have to be left home alone for the first time and there is no way to verbally explain any of it to our poor dog! Maintain as much of the basic routine as possible. For example, take Rufus to his usual spot to eliminate, and at as near his normal “first thing in the morning” time as possible. Check that he’s left with an adequate supply of water, a favorite toy, a treat or two, a radio left on a “calm” station (low volume), with Rufus in a safe (somewhat confined if necessary) area. Oh, and of course you will undertake all this with a big smile, pleasant voice, and no indication of “rushing” on your part. Poor dog? Poor you!

It is a hectic time of year for everyone! But by next month it will all have become a normal routine, even for dear Rufus. Be alert, but don’t be overly concerned if you notice changes in the dog’s behavior. Everyone in the family can help with that by giving Rufus his share of calm good-natured attention.

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.