Pets need to behave, too

Many of us have a family dog. I have two, not originally, but I thought the first one needed company and besides I just couldn’t resist the second pup at the local animal shelter that seemed so overlooked.

Taking on the responsibility of a dog is like taking responsibility for children. Many families have both.

Having a well-mannered dog is as important as a well-mannered child. Especially today, there seems to be a lack in both. The screaming child in the shopping cart is as un-nerving as the dog that barks loudly and jumps all over you.

It may not be a fair comparison, but it’s certainly mine. Several times I’ve been standing at a checkout stand in a serene mood and some mother pushes her cart up behind me. At right about the same time the unhappy child in it blasts out a blood-curdling frequency that would send anyone’s brain into overdrive.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve visited someone who has dogs that think it’s play time when you enter their yard. I don’t mind a friendly lick on the hand, but to be mauled is just not my idea of a proper greeting.

So it’s important to be on top of things with children and pets.

I find many people don’t particularly like animals. It could be it’s because they don’t appreciate having them in their lap while visiting their friends.

When I’m expecting company, I usually keep my dogs away from the area where guests arrive. If they are not interested in animals, they don’t have to worry about being accosted, jumped on or licked to death. Go in the doctor’s office and see how children behave with a parent who is right there with them. Politeness isn’t instilled in some children, who treat total strangers as if they are part of their family, even to the extent of kicking or smacking someone in the waiting room. There is a time and place for manners.

Rearing children and raising dogs are quite similar in concept, but who knows that today? Well there are still many of us around who believe in proper behavior in children and pets.

You can’t expect the system to do the job that is geared to be handled in the home. You can’t expect the dog trainer to do it all in an hour a week. I have to draw the line when pet owners scold an untrained pet unmercifully for damaging furniture, the yard and lawn. This training, by the way, doesn’t happen overnight. Dogs, like children, need exercise on a regular basis. It goes with the territory. Don’t bring a large dog to an apartment and think that letting it out to go potty a couple times a day is enough exercise. Small dogs, like large dogs, need to stretch themselves as well.

There are many philosophies floating around on rearing children and training dogs and even cats, although cats are much more of a challenge. I know this because I have had many cats in my lifetime. Most of us recognize that while cats do their own thing they don’t always stay out of trouble. My cat miraculously is a sissy and is afraid of loud noises, cars etc. and will stay close to the door when let outside. He likes the willow tree in the backyard, plays in the garden, then wants back in the house where he feels safe. However, my cat has taken a fetish to climbing through the mini blinds on my windows so it can sit on the sill and watch the birds outdoors, especially the ones nesting on the front porch.

Yes, he has damaged the blinds so now they have parts missing on the edges. Bending them back and forth numerous times has taken its toll on the plastic material. I don’t plan to replace them for another year and will go to something more durable.

So, go back to the training methods of which there are many versions. Whatever you choose, make sure you don’t expect the trainer to do it all. I don’t know any trainers that go home with you everyday and work with your dog. They typically show you how to get the most out of training methods, usually in an hour or so, maybe once or twice a week at most.

It’s your follow up that counts. Practice over and over and over again with Fido at home. Socialize your pet at places such as dog parks, walking trails — utilizing a leash where required.

Just like children, pets definitely need to be restrained at times.

In the best of everyone’s interest, it’s a good idea to oversee your pets and children so your visitors can appreciate them, too. Bottom line: Teach your children and pets manners, especially for the times they are mixing with others in public.