Why We Love the Dogs We Do, by Stanley Coren, is a fun read and provides interesting insight on the interaction between humans and their canine pals.
Adopt the Perfect Dog, by Gwen Bailey, is a practical guide to choosing an adult dog.
Good Owners, Great Dogs, by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, eliminates many of the misconceptions of over-zealous dog owners and breed snobs.
The Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson, explores and debunks many common misconceptions about our canine comrades and provides strategies to eliminate unwanted behaviors.
Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog, by Pat B. Miller, is the guidebook for positive reinforcement. Each chapter is short, sweet and to-the-point.
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, by Turid Rugaas, covers observing and communicating with your best friend.
Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Aggressive Dog, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., and Karen B. London, Ph.D, is a quick reading book providing strategies for common challenges dogs can face.
Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog by Dr. Ian Dunbar, is the textbook trainers use with their own dogs.
Premier Ultimate Puppy Toolkit. This collection of pamphlets is the number one recommendation for new puppy owners. The toolkit includes charts with daily reminders.
Books and DVDs by Dr. Laura Paston are available through the Dog and Cat Book Catalog of Direct Book Service, 1-800-776-2665.
Is that Doggie in the Window Right for Your Family?
Feature
By Dan Aznoff
Lori and Jim, a Newcastle couple, lived what they termed “the perfect life” with their three children.
Perfect until the day the kids persuaded them to buy the adorable beagle puppy they spotted wagging its tail in the window of a pet store at the mall. They named him Champ.
The children adored Champ until it was time to walk him, feed him, bathe him and do all the other chores that come along with having another baby in the house.
Lori was not crazy about the dog hair on her clothes, dog hair on the furniture and dog hair in every corner of the house. Worst of all, the couple’s 8-year-old son developed an allergy to animal fur.
As a result, Champ spent most of his days alone in the backyard, barking and barking. Unable to keep him, Lori and Jim found Champ a new home through the Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue.
Not every dog is that lucky.
Alicia Rutledge of Canine Choice Consultants in Sammamish has heard similar sad stories too many times, and many of the rejected companion animals end up in the nation’s animal shelters. Of the eight million dogs and cats at shelters across the United States in 2006, more than three million were “put to sleep,” according to estimates from the Humane Society.
Dog = Commitment
“They were killed,” says Rutledge, “simply because the owner did not take enough time to select the right dog or refused to devote the time it takes to properly train the dog. Dogs are living creatures and members of the family,” she emphasizes. “You cannot just return them like a pair of shoes from Nordstrom.”
Rutledge is one of a new breed of pet professionals serving local families. She opened Canine Choice Consultants two years ago when she realized how many dogs were adopted and subsequently surrendered. Her goal is matching people with pets based on activity level, time restraints and the dog’s projected role as a member of the family.
Rutledge begins her initial meeting with clients with a short history lesson. She explains that dogs may be domesticated, but they are all descendents of wolves. Many of the characteristics that helped them survive in the wild are still inherent in every breed. Her services include recommendations of specific breeders and visits to shelters based on the desires of the family.
Amanda Brothers of Sidekick Dog Training in Bothell works from the opposite direction. She recommends certain breeds based on the ages of the children and the time available to devote to the family dog.
"Everyone loves the border collie. They are adorable and very smart and can be trained to be wonderful family pets," says Brothers. "But very few of us actually raise sheep. These are working dogs that were bred to run up to 20 miles per day tending the flock. Most backyards are not large enough to keep them happy."
Brothers warns prospective owners that collies, shepherds and other herding breeds can make great pets, but will instinctively nip at the heels of its flock (your family) until trained otherwise. She cautions families that adorable little Jack Russell terrier puppies can also be smart, but require extra dedication including twice daily walks and strict housetraining.
As an experienced dog trainer and amateur canine psychologist, Brothers singles out boxers as one breed that is often overlooked as an excellent addition to the family.
Hera Minkove of New Pawspective Dog Training, based on Mercer Island, agrees that prospective owners should look at the characteristics of each breed they are considering. “No matter how cute it is, please do not bring home a dog you know is wrong,” she pleads. “There is probably a good dog for you out there, but it might not be the one you expected.”
Her primary concern with families has been toy breeds (Chihuahua or Pekingese) with young children. “Toddlers are kind of unpredictable, so they can aggravate a normally relaxed and calm little dog,” Minkove says with a knowing smile.
Veterinarian Dr. Laura Paston, founding partner of Petlane Corporation in Carmel, Calif., reminds families to think about the long term implications of introducing a puppy into the house. The average dog can live from eight to 18 years. Parents should be aware that the family dog might be left behind when the children get married or go off to college.
“Owners should also be aware of life spans,” explains Paston. “Toy breeds can live to be 18 or 20 years old. The giant breeds (Great Dane, St. Bernard) are wonderful puppies, but usually live only eight to 10 years. That can be heartbreaking.”
According to Paston, even if you have narrowed your choice of dog to a certain breed or activity level, temperament should be factored in as well.
The veterinarian recommends some basic tests.
With puppies younger than 7 months, turn the puppy on its back and hold it down for 30 seconds or elevate the puppy in the palm of your hand two inches above the ground. Paston says 60 percent of puppies will remain calm and not struggle, indicating a tendency to be submissive. (The test is not good for cocker spaniels and other breeds that have the tendency to piddle when they get intimidated or excited.) The 40 percent that struggle to get on their feet show intelligence and independence. These dogs will be fast learners and candidates for agility training.
With adult dogs, older than 7 months, give the dog undivided attention for five minutes (including belly rubs and treats), and then walk away. If the dog has formed any sort of bond, he will follow you. That is the dog you want to follow you all the way home, Paston says.
Once you’ve picked a dog, each of the pet professionals stressed the importance of basic obedience training attended by each member of the family involved in daily care and feeding of the dog.
How Much is that Puppy?
Once you've determined the appropriate breed to fit your lifestyle, there are three purchasing options: animal shelters, breeders or pet stores.
Canine consultants Amanda Brothers and Alicia Rutledge both recommend shelters as the place to start the search for the family dog, unless the owners are determined to show or breed the dog. Adoptions from shelters are normally less than $200. Dogs from the Seattle/King County Humane Society can go home with you for less than $100, which includes the cost of spay or neuter.
Many shelters are connected with purebred rescue programs, giving potential pet parents that purebred chic look combined with the warm satisfaction of rescuing a homeless dog. But, like buying a used car, it’s best to do some research as rescued dogs can come with their own personality or health problems (based on how that dog was treated prior to coming to the shelter).
As long as you’re at the shelter, consider strolling past the puppies and adopting an adult dog. Friendly, well-trained adult dogs will often wind up in the shelter through no fault of their own. Many adult dogs come with a written history including character references from the former owner. Adopting an adult dog can also save you the anxiety of housebreaking.
Breeders are the logical place to start if you’re looking for a purebred. The price range for purebred puppies is $200 to several thousand dollars, depending on lineage and potential.
Most breeders can be found online or through an ad in the newspaper. Dedicated breed specialists with the American Kennel Club at 1-900-407-PUPS (7877) can recommend reputable breeders in your area. Talk with several breeders about the type of puppy you have in mind.
Breeders generally take special care of their dogs. In fact, they might interview you to make sure that their dog is going to a deserving home and will welcome the dog back if things do not work out.
There are many pet stores that receive puppies from legitimate sources. However, don’t be pressured into an impulsive or uninformed decision. Check out the reputation of any pet store before you walk through the door and don’t be fooled by breeding papers. Some pet stores sell dogs from puppy mills that are infamous for churning out puppies for pet stores, killing the ones that don’t look like they’d sell well, and often keeping the “breeding stock” in horrible living conditions.
Keep in mind that pet store puppies that do not sell while they are cute puppies are often brought to the pound.
Dan Aznoff is a freelance writer who makes his home in Bellevue with his wife and three dogs. He can be contacted at PetlanePals@comcast.net.
Upcoming in May: Read about “Bringing Puppy Home,” including training and children’s responsibilities.
