Doggone Etiquette —

Fall Back!

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

There’s only one change for you guys (and gals) this weekend. Your VIPeople may go to bed an hour later and ask you to do the same.

Then, to complicate matters, it will seem to you that everyone gets up an hour earlier! If no one in your family has to go to work or to school, you might luck out and get to sleep later for the next few mornings. This overnight switch in time is just a strange thing that people do with their clocks to tell themselves it’s autumn. You dogs don’t have clocks, so your sleeping habits change gradually as the nights get longer and summer turns into fall, and finally winter arrives. All animals are in tune with Mother Nature. You know that the seasons don’t change overnight! Sneak in a few extra naps and you’ll soon be in synch with your family.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

This Sunday officially marks the beginning of fall, or the end of summer, however you want to look at it, but we can always hope for a few more sunny autumn days. There’s another holiday which only your British-bred dogs may notice. The 5th of November is Guy Fawkes Day in the UK, celebrated with bonfires and fireworks to recall the gunpowder, treason, and plot contrived by that “Guy” of yore. Today bonfires just might be a good warm way to mark the beginning of winter.    

Apart from remembering to change the clocks and getting used to the difference, it’s the time of year when walks in the woods can be invigorating for dogs and their owners. Even dogs that have no particular interest in hunting will enjoy sniffing the autumn smells in the ground and bushes. The crisp sounds of dry leaves and cracking twigs underfoot will wake up the sleepiest of dogs. As for the sight of small things that squeak, or a turkey or deer — that will add to the excitement for any dog whether he’s a hunter or not! Your vital participation in this fall venture is to stick to the numerous marked trails we are fortunate to have in our area. No dog can read those markers! And that includes your very own, very intelligent Rufus! A dog loose in the woods can get into a whole heap of trouble, including getting himself lost. Rufus needs to wear a secure collar (with ID tags) and be kept on lead so you’ll both have a safe, enjoyable hike.

Speaking of safety, while you’re out there raking leaves and putting everything in the yard to bed for the winter, it’s an excellent time to check every inch of your dog’s fencing. Rufus may not have been the culprit in digging holes under it, but any of the little wild creatures in your area could be digging in for winter. This is especially true if you feed the birds (which I hope you do) since bird feeders also attract those speedy diggers. Because this activity on your part may inspire Rufus to inspect your work (or even to help you with it), best keep him indoors and away from windows. Take a break once in a while, and bring him outdoors for any game that will give him the attention and exercise he needs and enjoys. 

Here’s something you may not have thought about. You stacked wood outdoors to bring in to the fireplace, and even covered it with a tarp. But when you bring the logs inside, Rufus may smell any little creatures that took refuge in the pile — under the tarp — encouraging him to lift a leg! Be aware that it could happen so you can use prevention, not punishment.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi