The honeymoon’s over! The match made in heaven has gone sour! Now the dog owner is looking for a new home for her ex-best friend.
I am often asked, “Do you know someone who would give my dog a good home? Fido is a great dog, but he just won’t stop ...”
I could fill in that blank with many undesirable behaviors. It might be digging, incessant chewing, begging or even jumping on people. There are many possibilities.
Before getting a dog, take inventory of your family and home. What kind of activities will you enjoy with your dog? What kind of home and yard do you have? How much time can you invest?
After deciding to make a lifetime commitment to a pet, do some research. Certain breeds typically have unique characteristics. Some are more active and need a great deal of exercise to be content. Other breeds are prone to dig. Some shed more than others. Other breeds may drool continuously. Some are more receptive to training, including house training.
If you know what to expect going into the relationship, you can be better prepared for potential problems.
Okay, let’s say you didn’t think with your head. You were moved with your heart. The situation is NOT hopeless if you are willing to seek help and hang in there.
Many times YOU (pet owner) unknowingly instigate and/or reinforce the behavior you want to extinguish. Your pet is merely following your cues.
There are several sources of help for the asking. The best place to start is with your veterinarian. Tell him specifically what problem behavior you are trying to eliminate. Ask for specific advice. He may also suggest a good trainer.
If your new best friend is a puppy, realize that all breeds go through puppyhood just as a child progresses through childhood. I have read that God made all puppies and babies cuddly and adorable; otherwise no one would ever want to live through the frequent trying experiences. (Remember the terrible twos?)
Healthy puppies are energetic. They need boundaries just as their mother provided. They need lots and lots of supervision, exercise and often correction.
Correction is simply stopping the act and redirecting the behavior in an acceptable manner. It does NOT mean hitting or other physical abuse.
Puppies’ teeth as they lose baby teeth and grow permanent ones. During this time, they may become aggressive chewers—often perceived as biting. They have sharp teeth and may choose their owners as chew toys. Make sure your puppy has plenty of appropriate chew toys.
Regardless of the age or breed of your new best friend, obedience classes are a great way to start a lifetime friendship. Owners often benefit as much from the experience as the dogs. It establishes a basis of communication, and knowing basic commands can be helpful in eliminating problem behaviors.
Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit and crave an established routine. They need boundaries, consistency and repetition.
Boredom and/or pent-up energy are the roots of many problems. Provide your dog with daily time together and lots of exercise.
Owners of the same breed and owners who have encountered and conquered the same problems can be great sources of help.
The HSUS established the Pets for Life program to help pet owners overcome pet problems. Go to www.petsforlife.org for information on combating many common difficulties.
Remember, any meaningful relationship takes time and work. Seek help and hang in there. You will reap what you sow. Working through difficulties together will build that lifetime bond you’ll share.
