Doggone Etiquette —

Second-Hand Dog

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

If this is your second or third home, you know there’s a lot of give and take ahead of you. This is a new home and heaps of things about it (and the people) will be different, but your biggest problem could be trying to forget to remember how you lived before. Maybe you’re not happy with where they put your new bed — so move it! You may not want to eat from such a fancy bowl even if the food smells decent. I’m sure you’ll change your mind when you’re really hungry! Some of the sounds, smells and even the daily routine may happily remind you of the way things were before and help you settle in quickly. Some things will seem strange and upsetting, but don’t go off the deep end, tomorrow will be better. Whether you are still a puppy, or an older dog, cooperate with your new VIPeople. If you try hard, you’ll make this home the best one you ever had — and it will last your whole lifetime!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:            

Regardless of how or from where you got your adopted dog (or may be thinking to adopt one) far more is involved than your taking credit for doing a good deed. It’s the dog that should get the credit for trusting you in the transition. Bringing a dog into your home requires complete understanding of what you’re getting into and, more importantly, how to cope with the puzzling situations which have you scratching your head! There are two methods that are the basis for future success. One is to start off as you would with a ten or 12-week old puppy regardless of this dog’s age. By sticking to a routine of your choosing, you’ll quickly learn how the dog responds to the basics such as bedtime, wake-up time, feeding, and — very important — elimination (where and when). Those first three are up to you to stick to your rules, but that last one you will have to learn from your dog’s needs. You can decide where (always the same place), but Rufus decides when he has to go. A male dog can lift his leg 15 times in 20 minutes, whereas females are more apt to squat longer and only once! Pay close attention! Don’t be ashamed in the least if you have to write it down; lots of people do.

The second thing is to use only firm, but mild corrections followed by noting how, when and where you can use the greatest tool of all in working with dogs, and that is PREVENTION! Prevention goes hand-in-hand with correction. By preventing an unwanted behavior, you not only gain a bit of self-satisfaction, but Rufus will hear “Good dog” more often and know he has pleased you. Keep in mind this could be a dog that only knew he had a person’s attention when he heard, “NO!” all the time.

True behavioral problems are likely to require professional help, but some minor ones are aggravated by the incorrect action taken by the dog’s owner. This is especially true in the case of a second-hand dog when the owner jumps to a conclusion. Here’s just one example: Say the dog growls or barks when meeting other dogs on your walk. It may be the result of poor previous training, or caused either by fear or by true aggression. Pulling back on the dog’s leash is the first major mistake. But putting this dog in an obedience class, a solution often chosen by a new owner, would worsen the behavior. A trainer’s help is essential to evaluate the cause, and plan a solution. A qualified behaviorist may well be needed to overcome established aggression.

Bringing home a puppy is a learning/teaching experience, but bringing home an adopted dog, regardless of its age, has as much to do with the dog’s ability to unlearn much of what went before as it has with the new owner’s ability to teach what’s wanted. It’s a challenge for both.

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.