The days are getting shorter,
the nights are cooler, and preparations for winter
have begun. Mom has taken sweaters and jackets
from storage, dogs have grown thicker coats, and
the heat has come on once or twice already. Halloween
is just around the corner, to be followed in short
order by Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kids stay
after school for soccer practice and spend evenings
doing homework.
Life has shifted gears, and Rover
may need some help to adjust.
The decline of daylight after
the summer solstice triggers growth of lush undercoats
in northern breeds and other double-coated dogs.
Many dogs develop a voracious appetite, handy
for wild animals that need a layer of fat to get
them through the winter but less than useless
in a family pet. Cool temperatures are a tonic
to most dogs, and they'll romp and play long past
time to go to school or work in the morning or
get to the teacher's meeting in the afternoon
if they're allowed.
Most living takes place inside
from October through April, and close quarters
enhance the possibilities for trouble between
family members, including the dog. If Steve comes
home late because he had volleyball practice and
spends the evening doing homework, Bear will feel
snubbed. A neglected Bear can be a dangerous Bear
— possessions may be stolen or chewed, housetraining
may be forgotten, and training may slip down the
drain.
Family members can ease the transition
from summertime to school-year schedules by keeping
in mind that Sassy is still part of the family
and that the humans must make time for her. She
still needs a daily walk, grooming once or twice
a week, food twice a day, and periodic training
sessions.
The family dog can be included
in family activities. He can accompany Mom and
Dad on a walk to the neighborhood school yard
or the park to watch football or soccer practice
or ride in the car on short trips. Mary can groom
him a bit while she watches television and Mom
can talk to him while she fixes dinner. Of course,
in order to join the family in these projects,
he must be well-behaved.
A well-mannered dog knows how
to sit, lie down, and stay on command; walks quietly
on a leash; and comes when he's called. He drops
things in his mouth when told to do so, stays
quietly in his crate when necessary, and rides
calmly in the car. He can learn these things at
home if owners are persistent, consistent, and
patient; he can learn them at training class if
the owner appreciates a group training atmosphere.
If Taffy knows "sit," she won't
jump on guests and knock bags of groceries or
trays of hors d'oeuvres out of Mom's hands. If
she knows "down," she can't beg at the table,
run around the back seat of the car, or pace in
front of the television screen. If she knows "stay,"
she can remain with Mary anywhere in the house.
If she walks nicely on a leash, she can go to
park or playground on a family outing. And if
she comes when called, she's safe just about everywhere.
Old dogs can learn to behave
if owners have an extra dose of patience and a
good imagination in case the first few techniques
to teach an exercise don't work. Remember how
difficult it is for an adult human to learn new
procedures or jobs and give the pooch a break!
Make training fun, keep sessions short, and use
plenty of praise.
Group classes are available at
training clubs and private trainers throughout
the area. Training books are available at local
bookstores and libraries. Start now!
Holiday
dangers
The holiday season is full of
dangers for Phydeaux. House plants, chemical salts
used on icy walks, antifreeze, and chocolate candy
all pose hazards to man's best friend.
Many popular house plants have
poisonous leaves, stems, or berries, including
dieffenbachia, holly, philodendron, and poinsettia
and should be kept out of the reach of pets.
Halite, the chemical salt that
melts ice on sidewalks, is also poisonous. If
Rover walks on treated sidewalks, wipe his feet
with a damp cloth when returning home. Sand makes
a good alternative to chemical salt; it doesn't
melt the ice, but it does improve traction. Kitty
litter is OK in a pinch, but when wet, it clumps
and loses its gritty texture.
Anti-freeze is a definite hazard.
Highly toxic, it has a sweet taste that appeals
to dogs and cats and can be deadly in doses as
small as a teaspoon for a large dog. Spilled anti-freeze
should be flushed from driveways to avoid even
tiny puddles that pets could lick.
Holiday treats
Many dogs have a sweet tooth,
but candy can be deadly, so make sure those Halloween
candy bars and holiday boxes of chocolate are
put out of Fido's reach.
Chocolate contains theobromine,
an alkaloid similar to caffeine, that can cause
nerve damage and even death in dogs. Different
types of chocolate can have varying amounts of
theobromine, so if Macho eats a bag of M &
Ms or a chocolate cupcake, he may not be affected,
but a dish of dark chocolate candies may do him
in.
Iams Company veterinarian Dan
Carey makes the following recommendations to safeguard
pets from theobromine poisoning.
Resist the urge to share any
candy -- chocolate or otherwise -- with your pet.
Give your dog or cat a healthy
treat instead of candy.
Bring your dog trick or treating
with you. Better yet, dress him up in a costume.
Your dog will enjoy the exercise and you will
probably get more candy!
Keep a bowl of dog biscuits handy
for the trick-or-treaters who bring their dogs
to your house.
When sorting your candy, make
sure to pick up all candy and wrappers.
