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ALL ABOUT DOGS
From Sullivan's Short Stories
By Jerry Cooper
First, I'd like to explode a couple of myths about dogs.
Myth number 1: The dog in a human family sees the family much the same as as a dog pack, and considers himself a member. There is a huge difference in a dog's behavior toward humans and in his behavior toward other dogs. Sure, the dog knows that he is a member of a "pack," but his relationship with his "human pack" is far different than it would be with a dog pack.
Dogs have been with humans many thousands of years, and during that time they have adjusted to us. Although they have retained many of their instincts, they know that they are dogs and that their owners are human.
Myth number 2: A dog's stomach can handle things that might kill a human, like bones that will splinter easily. Actually, the stomach of a dog, and the rest of its intestinal tract, is not that much tougher than a human's. Many vets will tell you that they have treated a number of dogs harmed by eating splintered bones, especially chicken bones. The dog doesn't always survive.
The dog is a marvelous animal, but most of us pay little attention to them. He is so common that he is almost like a piece of furniture. We see him every day and take him for granted.
When we see a chimp, a dolphin, or an elephant perform tricks, we ooh and ahh. We especially think the chimp is smart because of its human-like appearance. But we practically ignore the dog when it does something extraordinary, because it's expected of him.
Dogs can do tricks with the best of them.
When you stop to think of all the things dogs can do, it's amazing. Sled dogs. Police dogs. War dogs. Guard dogs. Hunting dogs. Tracking dogs. Rescue dogs. Dogs assisting the deaf. Dogs assisting those in wheelchairs. Drug detecting and bomb detecting dogs. Seeing-eye dogs for the blind. And I probably missed some.
For all that, dogs are probably prized more for their companionship than anything else. They are loving creatures. They are loyal. They comfort us when we feel depressed, or just feel bad. They'll protect us when we're in danger, even to risking their own lives.
But there are exceptions. No two dogs are exactly the same in temperament, intelligence, courage, loyalty, and other traits. But by and large, the great majority of them have traits that are favorable to us.
Many of the dogs that have undesirable traits were made that way by people. For example, keeping a dog chained all the time may make it vicious. Physical abuse can make it overly shy, or it may try to take its frustration out on a smaller animal, or even a child.
But dogs are like people in that sometimes they don't need a reason for bad behavior. Some kids from the best of families occasionally go bad; same with dogs.
Mistreatment of a dog can be not only physical abuse, but can also be keeping the poor animal out in the heat, cold, rain, sleet, etc. It can also be denying them water. Dogs drink a lot. Animals in the wild can find water and shelter from the weather, but the poor dog can't; it's usually fenced in and depends on its master for what it gets.
Another form of mistreatment is allowing the dog to run loose. Many of us don't think of this as mistreatment, but dogs running loose are strays, and the stray can be a danger to himself and a nuisance to neighbors. Dogs will eat whatever they find, even contaminated food. Some people have been known to shoot stray dogs, or to leave poisoned food out for them. Not to mention the danger of cars.
A few tips:
1. Keep the dog in an enclosed area with room to run and exercise. If you must chain him, make sure it's not for long periods.
2. Always leave plenty of water, and check it often.
3. Bring him in during very hot or very cold weather. Also during rain and thunderstorms. Many dogs fear thunder and lightning.
4. Never give a puppy as a gift unless you have talked it over with the recipient.
5. There is no longer any excuse for dogs having fleas. There are plenty of good flea preventative treatments available, such as Advantix.
6. Never, never leave a dog in a parked car in hot weather.
7. Never give him chicken bones or small bones that can splinter. Hint: If you want the dog to chew on something for healthy teeth, there are plenty of dental chews available in the pet food aisle. Find the ones your dog loves.
8. Try not to leave him alone for long periods. Dogs hate being alone.
9. Take him out for walks when possible.
10. Finally, give him lots of attention and love. He'll return it ten fold.
The End
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