If you have a pet, especially if you are a dog owner, you can skip this article right now and move on to something else, because you get it already. What I am about to say is nothing new and not surprising, since you are already privy to what millions know.
But if you have somehow continued to this second paragraph, you will also know that as I realized what was happening to me, I knew that I had to tell someone. So I guess you are it.
Bonnie, is a semi-pure Border Collie. I say semi-pure because the rancher who we got her as a puppy from, pointed half-confidently to several dogs running about the open field, saying, “He’s the daddy, er… no…wait he’s the daddy, er… no, wait… maybe he’s the daddy…”
Experts will tell you that as your first dog, Border-Collies are a handful. I will however, tell you that the experts are dead wrong. Border-Collies are much, much more than handful! You will question your decision to own one, many times. As puppies, they tend to be the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, but as they grow into teenagers and test your fast-thinning patience, you will wish you had gotten an easier dog—a less, shall we say, “questioning your authority” dog.
At the low point in the training of a Border Collie puppy (and there will be many), you will suddenly realize and ask yourself this very profound question, “Exactly who, is training whom?”
What I have learned
Food is the by far the universal language of negotiation. It can be used to reward, thank, ask, demand, coax, punish, and promise. Food should actually be a part of every international foreign policy negotiation. I doubt that you could ever bomb someone, after you have just enjoyed a meal together.
Dogs are part of a sleeper “sofa cell conspiracy” by the furniture industry, because after you get a dog, you quickly realize that you need to plan on getting new furniture one day soon! You will find teeth imprints, evidence of gnawing in the finest wood tables, chairs and cabinetry, and rips and tears in your cherished upholstery, on an almost daily basis. Constant vigilance and training eventually gets this to stop, which is when you will decide to go shopping. Coincidence? Me thinks not.
Walking a dog is healthy! I lost 20 pounds in the first eight weeks after we got Bonnie, and have kept if off for almost seven months. I did not miss food, I simply was able to burn off the calories during the two walks per day that pretty much any dog needs. The strengthening of your back, arms, and legs from the walks pretty much takes away any aches and pains as well. And you will find that you sleep much better than before too. So, I will absolutely guarantee the 20 pounds in eight weeks to anyone.
Walking a dog is therapeutic! You might start the walk thinking of ways to kill certain people in your life, or begin it with any amount of negativity you might be carrying around. But by the end of the walk, you are euphorically serene, fully oxygenated, and have all but forgotten any negative thoughts.
The reason for this is, possibly, by being focused on your dog, and making sure you take them through the many behavior and trick training exercises, and that they walk next you properly, and so on, your brain is able to let go of one set of problems by your focusing on the dog. Kind of like Lamaze. Do not be surprised though, if, as your contemplation starts to show on your face, your dog catches you sometimes even crying a bit on the walk. And do not be surprised if they give you that, “What’s wrong dear?” look you will no doubt need at that moment.
A dog makes you a more cordial person. I am constantly surprised by how much more I smile and say, “Hello” to people I pass when walking Bonnie, and how nicely people react and say “Hi” and smile back. Often, we even stop and chat! Of course, it’s about the dog, but to engage with perfect strangers in a simple cordial manner like this is unheard of—even in the suburbs. Heck, especially in the suburbs! And don’t get me started on the conviviality of fellow dog owners. It’s a regular “high school reunion.”
So, a dog can literally and metaphorically save your life. Sure we’ve seen and heard all about the amazing rescue stories of dogs pulling children from house fires and so on, but the seemingly real emotional connection a dog provides you, borders on (dare I say it) the holy. Certainly it is profound. Who are these creatures that hang on your every look, step, or gesture? Do they know what you are thinking and are they sentient? Is it all really just about the food?
You will ask yourself these and many more universe shattering questions as you scratch behind your dog’s ears, pat them on the head and find yourself endlessly stroking them like some lost blanket. For this moment at least, you and your dog are at peace!
Dog (and owner) etiquette:
Never automatically assume that the other dog owner is comfortable with stopping and letting your dog say “Hi” and start sniffing and playing with their dog. Always ask if it is OK. Some dogs are a bit aggressive or shy and not as friendly, so always ask. Also, know your dog. She might not be interested as much as you think.
Clean up! There is nothing worse than trying to walk through a minefield left for you by an un-courteous dog owner. The process is really easy and not any more than you did for your child. So carry the bags with you and don’t be shy! It is far better to be seen picking up poop, rather than trying to pretend to get away with not doing it.
When taking your dog to a dog park, make sure that if your dog is being aggressive, dominating, bullying, growling, or hurting the other dogs, you check this behavior and put them back on leash immediately. Trust the rest of us, it isn’t “cute”, your dog isn’t being “just excitedly friendly”, and they aren’t “just playing”. Nips and bites can lead to infections and scarring, and no one wants to have to deal with that on top of an already full list of doggie duties.
Train your dog. We all have certain human behaviors that we were trained to do. It is no different for your dog. Sit, Stay, Come, Good, Bad/Stop/No, these are the basic commands you should make sure your dog can execute by your voice. Other tricks and behaviors are dependent on you and your dog’s intelligence, imagination, and will.