Dog owners know that dogs think and feel. Just like humans, they can be happy, moody, alert, dreamy, relaxed, squirmy, interested, bored, etc. They can also be embarrassed. That is not a good situation. A humiliated dog might run away or show some other undesirable behavior. I was in Tennessee on business some years back. The owner of the company had a beautiful dog, a brown and white bundle of love. The dog showed me the greatest affection. I told the owner I wanted to take him home with me. A few months later I went back to the company. The dog was not there. The owner said sadly, I should have given him to you. My wife bought a poodle which had been in the car. When my dog got in the car and caught a whiff of that poodle, he put his head between his legs and cried. When we got out of the car, he ran off into the fields. We havent seen him since. He was broken hearted that we would buy a second dog. His dog never saw the poodle. Maybe if they had been introduced, the shock would not have been so great. We have to be mindful of the mindset of our animals. Here are some ways not to embarrass your dog: If you are a lady, dont where those short shorts when you walk him in the park. If you wonder what I mean, look at your backside in a full-length mirror. When you pickup your dogs poop, keep the plastic bag behind your back when you pass other walkers. You wouldnt want people see your poop, would you? Dont baby talk your dog in public. Dogs like to be treated like adults. If another dog challenges your dog to a fight, dont pick him up in your arms and say, There! There! Dogs like to fight their own battles. If an old lady says, What a nice puppy, dont let her kiss him on the lips. Dogs dont like there heads held while old ladies kiss them. When your dog wont perform the trick you taught him (to show others what a great dog trainer you are) dont call him names or kick him in the side. Dogs can be skittish about performing in public. Dont scold your dog when you see teeth marks in your newspaper. Youre the one that taught him to retrieve it. Dont make your dog eat cat food when you are out of dog food. How would you like a bale of hay for dinner? Dont make your dog do stupid tricks. Do this for me; stand on your head and quote the Gettysburg Address. Dont stop your dog from rolling in the remains of that dead coyote. What is natural to your dog is natural to your dog. Dont run along the irrigation ditch yelling to your dog to come out before he drowns. Dogs swim. Dont stop your dog from chasing your cat up on the roof. They are just having fun. Besides, cats can always take care of themselves. For starts, that should do it. |
