Dog Owners Must Wear Many Hats

Why? For sure, there are more than five whys. Because dogs are dogs twenty-four hours a day. Because dogs do what works. Because dogs do not know better. Because dogs do not choose us. Because dogs are members of the family. Dog owners must at least wear these hats.

The Parent—For most people, it's love at first sight--the puppy is a baby and an instant member of the family. Puppies arrive in our homes sometimes as young as 7 weeks of age, taken from their own kind and placed with us, another species. Families are largely responsible for teaching their children to speak and mind their manners. So it is with puppies and dogs. They're learning when you're not teaching and, like children, dogs believe you to be exactly who you are, in every moment, in every interaction. They learn about other people through you. They too must go to school.

The Teacher— It's not just a coincidence that many first classes for puppies are called puppy kindergarten. It is rare that a dog owner learns all there is to learn about training a dog in puppy kindergarten. It is very important to not wait until your pup is an adolescent to get started in his education as that is the case at just 5 months of age. Learning good habits are easier than breaking bad ones. Living with teenagers of any species can be challenging, on a daily basis. It's a good idea to keep your dog on the straight and narrow with plenty of social opportunities through athletics and other educational activities for the first few years of life. Training a dog is about teaching--your dog is the student and you are the teacher.

The Best Friend—We've all heard that a 'dog is a man's best friend' but, are men and women, boys and girls, their dog's best friend? Developing a good relationship with a dog is about building trust and respect, a mutual understanding. It's a two way street, a meeting in the middle, a connection. Spending quality time together enjoying one another's company.

The Responsible Party—Dog owners must look out for their dogs and the people around them. Dogs that are afraid of something or someone frequently bite in self defense, they do not 'get over' or 'grow out' of it. Nor do dogs that intimidate people, defend territory or bully other dogs. Dogs that are uncomfortable or in pain are, like us, more irritable. Overweight dogs are not concerned about their waistlines or their health. The bottom line? People are responsible for everything their dogs do. It's not just about picking up after them or, taking them to the dog park to let them be free.

The Advocate—Dogs are totally dependent on the people who choose to bring them into their lives, and, into a very 'human' world. Keeping your dog safe from other people is more than half of what it takes to keep others safe from your dog. It is about not putting your dog in harm's way, it is about making decisions on his or her behalf even when your doing so might be perceived by other people as rude. Dogs are regularly put into uncomfortable situations while their owners watch. Just because a person loves dogs does not mean that every dog loves them. Advocating for dogs means that one will not push their will on a dog; will give the dog the benefit of doubt; and will know how to respond appropriately when the going gets rough.

Vera E. Wilkinson - written in 2008