Sometimes, dogs bring in unwanted treasures
As most of my readers know, I live in the middle of nowhere, in close proximity only to the buffalo that roam and the deer and antelope that play. Or so the song goes.
I actually do have buffalo in my area, but the deer and the antelope are not very playful. They appear a lot more serious than the song would have us believe. Because of where I live, it is not uncommon for one of my dogs to find something delectable outside and bring it into the house. The item may or may not have once been alive. The item may or may not have once made its way into and then out of some creature's intestinal tract. And the item may or may not actually been something that could harm the dog if ingested. What I do know is that it is something I do not want my dog eating.
Most dogs will not gladly and voluntarily give up a treat when asked. My dogs are no exception. The big dogs know that if they bring something in that wasn't on a prior approved menu that they will have to give it up as soon as I ask them. They may not like it, but they give it to me because they know that there is nothing they can do about it. The Mom has spoken - they must obey.
However, the puppies and the little dogs are a different story. Little dogs and puppies learn very quickly that if you are living with older or bigger dogs, you had better hide with your treasures as soon as you can get into the house. Little dogs and small puppies can fit underneath things. - under the bed, under or behind the sofa. These are worlds I have never, and will never, be able to visit. These are safe havens for little dogs with unapproved and potentially unsafe contraband.
I used to have a little black and white Pomeranian named Panda. Panda was a little gangster. He was unlike any of the other Pomeranians I ever owned. He was difficult. He was opinionated. He was his own little person. I loved him and he loved me but he drew the line when it came to sharing things he brought in from outside.
He lived with numerous very large dogs and he had learned that the best way to keep his treasures safe from piracy was to enjoy them only where the big dogs and the Mom couldn't go - under the bed.
I didn't want him getting sick on something he found outside so I had to get creative.
Next week: What I came up with in order to have Panda (and others) gladly give up their treasures.
Terry Jester is a nationally recognized companion animal behaviorist. To learn more about companion animal training, visit www.rockymountainrawhide.com. For questions about your own pet, call Jester at (970) 568-7585 or send e-mail to arriniranch@aol.com.
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