Notes to Dog Owners
On behalf of Skylar.
To dog owners everywhere, but especially in my neighborhood:
- Yes, you have to pick up your dog’s poop. Don’t think that because I have a dog that I am secretly with you on this whole “leaving it there” thing. I walk these sidewalks and yards every single day. I don’t want to step in that pile any more than the nice person who lives in that house does. Don’t want to pay for poop bags? Use grocery bags. Don’t buy groceries? Who are you?
- Retractable leashes are stupid. They allow you basically no control over your dog. I’m talking especially to you, teenage girl from the other day whose collie raced into the road while you waited patiently on the curb. That’s because the dog pulled a bunch of extra leash out of that contraption in your hand. And what could you do when that happened? That’s right. Nothing.
- My dog will not give your dog smallpox. It’s OK for you to walk it over to mine and let the dogs say hello, rather than giving me that wide berth on the sidewalk. My dog will not fight yours; she is sweet and just wants to say hello. If you expect that your dog might try to fight mine, it should be trained to not do that. P.S., that is your responsibility.
- On a related note, “socialization,” i.e., regular exposure to other dogs, is healthy, normal, and widely recommended for your little princess there. Look into it.
- Training your dog in the basics is not that hard, and you should do it for the benefit of you, your dog, and anyone who comes in contact with you. Associate bad behaviors with bad results (saying “NO!” or “bad” in a harsh tone) and good behaviors with good results (petting, saying “good girl”). Also, learn the difference between a dog doing something bad, and a dog who is simply distracted. Nine times out of ten Skylar only does something bad because she is bored or being ignored. Saying “no!” and then demanding that she sit in front of me and shake hands pulls her right back out of it.
- “Controlling” your dog is not a bad thing. Neither is “leading” nor “bossing.” Dogs are pack animals and want to follow someone’s lead. If your dog is acting out, it might be because the dog senses that you are ineffectual. Dogs do not want to act independently, to be left alone, or to follow their bliss. The dog does not need to be prepared to someday leave the nest and fend for itself. You can and should tell it what to do.
- Having said that, dogs are neither our punching bags nor our home furnishings. They are living creatures and deserve respect, kindness, and attention.
Skylar thanks you for reading.
Comments
Posted by: Little Sis
Posted on: July 7, 2009 12:16 PM
I too agree, that retractable leashes are stupid. How do you train good walking manners when they can run free like that? Might as well just let them roam free. That said, we don't have one and our dog still doesn't have good walking manners. :)
Posted by: Andre
Posted on: July 8, 2009 06:38 AM
Well done on a great post. I was fortunate enough to serve in the Police force (in South Africa) in the Dog Unit, besides the amazing facts that we learnt about dogs and training them, one really does develop a special bond with them. It is great to see the measure both discpline and love that you approach subject. Tell Skylar I said it was a pleasure to read and she looks like a very happy dog.
Posted by: Little Sis
Posted on: July 8, 2009 07:03 AM
Just noticed in the second Sky pic that she "stole" that Santa Pluto from Gramma's house...I think that Grampa actually bought that for Brandon! ;)
Posted by: Erin
Posted on: July 8, 2009 10:18 AM
No, I think the Pluto was in that big bag of toys you guys gave us.
Posted by: dog sitter
Posted on: July 8, 2009 05:56 PM
hear hear to the last point.
Posted by: dog sitter
Posted on: July 8, 2009 05:58 PM
I think the last point should be repeated multiple times!!
Posted by: Cim
Posted on: July 12, 2009 04:16 AM
i agree with this post.. great post .. say thank for skylar..
Posted by: dog boarding kennels
Posted on: July 17, 2009 08:45 AM
I also think that how much of the 'pack' instinct is still left in a dog depends on the breed and personality. Some are very docial and don't need to be contained in that way.
Posted by: Types of dogs
Posted on: July 18, 2009 08:41 AM
You make some great points here. Those retractable leashes are just useless! Good dog obedience training is needed with so many dogs I meet on the street. Owners should take responsibility for their dogs more!
Posted by: Erin
Posted on: July 19, 2009 01:18 PM
I don't think "contained" is an accurate word for what I was saying. My dog is also extremely docile and good-tempered, and has been since she was a puppy. But she also needed to be taught how to hear the word "No" (meaning: drop the sock, stop barking at the mailman, etc.) and she needed to learn that when it came to house rules, she didn't get a vote, you know what I mean?
Your dog is not your kid, is basically what I'm saying. Love it all you want, dress it up for Halloween, go nuts! And look out for your dog's best interests, so she is relieved from having to do it for herself.
Posted by: Ray
Posted on: September 9, 2009 01:47 AM
There are some dogs that are simply not sociable. My Akita is one. He's had proper training, but is simply a type of dog that doesn't want to hang around with other dogs. An Akita is not a pack animal like most dogs. He's the lead dog and my Akita puppy has let me know that from the start
Posted by: Robin Huber
Posted on: October 30, 2009 12:03 AM
I definitely agree with cleaning up after your dog. I have seen many people just leave the poop there and I think that is very disrespectful. My kids are out there playing all the time and I do not want anyone of them to get it on their shoes and then bring it in the house. That is just my two cents.