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Unreal Expectations from Dog OwnersJackie Drakefordwww.shootingtimes.co.uk |
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Many of the behavioural problems I get asked to help with are not bad behaviour at all, but the result of unreal expectations from dog owners. Surprisingly, this happens just as much with people who have had dogs before as it does with first-time dog owners.
People who have rosy memories of childhood dogs are usually blissfully unaware of the hard work done by someone in the background who made sure that the dog was behaving and having sufficient exercise. For those who have had dogs as adults, much of it is the result od simply forgetting how hectic puppies can be. Any comment that starts, "Our old dog never..." has to be taken with a pinch of salt. While certain breeds have certain expected behaviours, some traits are common to almost all dogs. If you leave food out, it will be eaten (not stolen - dogs have no concept of theft), chewable items that smell of human pheromones will be chewed, gardens will be dug, leads will be pulled upon. The dog needs to be taught what is and is not wanted.
Sadly, some people say to me that they "want something back" from the dog in return for giving it a home. They expect a dog to be automatically gtateful. They want it to love them. While dogs are capable of this, it is not a given. Dogs are not toys ot therapy for needy humans, and this is not why we should have them in our lives. The human most likely to recieve the kind of love that a dog is capable of giving is the one who expects a dog to be a dog, and enjoys it for its otherness and the whiff of the wild that comes with it.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist
you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.