Lifestyle

Hassles precede happiness in most dog-human relationships

Ask Dog Lady
Published: July 3, 2009

Dear Dog Lady,

We've decided to welcome a dog into our family this summer. We're going to the pound to pick one out.

My question is: Once we bring the dog home, what do we do? How do we know what food to feed it? When we need to take it to the vet? How often to feed it? How to housebreak it? We're likely coming home with a puppy.

— Kim

Dear Kim,

Bringing home a new dog is the greatest thrill — and biggest hassle. Until you bond with the dog, you and your family will be irritated and inconvenienced. Dog Lady warns you of this because such nasty truths are rarely shared publicly.

The deflation of a new dog — call it "post-poochum depression" — is very real at first. You have a strange creature sharing your space. The alien requires food, water, chewies, toys, training, quiet time, and constant walks outside. Be prepared because it can take weeks to learn to love and bond with a dog. Once you do — oh my goodness ¬­¬­— the truth about loving another species is revealed. You understand completely how to become smitten with fur, paws and sharp teeth.

Start doing your research. All the questions you ask are answered in dog training books, on many sites on the Internet, in dog stores, and in veterinarians' offices. Inevitably, you will make your own decisions about the care and feeding of your pet. You must make the investment in absorbing everything you can about being a responsible, thoughtful dog owner.

Dog Lady heartily recommends feeding an organic or holistic kibble with a dollop of canned meat on top twice a day. Change the water twice a day. Take the animal to the veterinarian immediately for a check-up. And housebreak the puppy using the crate training method. The lessons will last a lifetime.

Too many dogs are returned to too many shelters because people are impatient about the care, feeding, and training of their new pets. Don't expect miracles but expect to feel love - given and returned.

Dear Dog Lady,

I love going to movies and reading about movies. In many reviews of the new Disney/ Pixar film "Up," critics talk about the great dogs in the movie. Maybe I'm missing something but I didn't understand how the dogs are anything but dumb and menacing. I don't have a pet so I would appreciate if you'd explain the dog appeal in "Up."

— Marcia

Dear Marcia,

In the scene when an irrationally exuberant hound bounds up to our heroes, he introduces himself in clingy canine style: "My name is Dug. I have just met you and I love you. My master made me this collar. He is a good and smart master and he made me this collar so that I may talk." Dug quickly loses this train of thought, turns his head and obsesses about something completely different: "Squirrel!" Brilliant.

The dogs in the movie are easily distracted by treats, tennis balls and tenderness. "Squirrel!" There are no rodents running in the Pixar-esque South American landscape of "Up," but everyone who has a dog will understand the movie's sly wink at simple dog obsessions - even the cone of shame. If you don't understand the nuances of living with a pet, you merely saw a pack of problems. "Up" is great, whether you woof or not.

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