Which One Is An Ideal Dog For Me?

This is a question I get asked a lot lately, actually more so when I was a volunteer dog rescuer back in the mid-eighties. My job then, besides cleaning cages, kennels, and grooming dogs, was to help prospective owners in choosing their ideal dog after they’d passed our pre-screen tests. My college roomie used to make fun about this cumbersome process. “You’ll make an excellent matchmaker in China and get paid for your services!” she teased.

I admit I took my voluntary work a little too seriously, that’s because I didn’t want any “returned goods.” Of course, we were always willing to take back “our” dogs including walk-ins if owners felt that the dog did not live up to their expectations. Many times it was through no faults of the dogs, rather the impossible expectations of the owners.

Reasons those owners who gave up their so-called imperfect dogs were many and upon further investigation, these were (still are though) the common replies…

• My neighbors complained about the dog’s incessant barking while we work.
• The dog chewed up my curtains, sofa, shoes, or anything he could sink his teeth into.
• The dog dug out our flower beds and killed my neighbor’s shrubs after he peed on them.
• The dog often gets into fight with other dogs.
• The dog stole food from our dinner plates.
• The dog won’t come when called, maybe he is deaf and you didn’t inform us. (Every time I say this, I always chuckle)
• The dog jumped at my sister’s two years old daughter who came for a visit.
• The dog chased after the kids on bicycles.
• The dog pulled on the leash during walks.
• The dog resented being touched by the vets and groomers.
• The dog bit the mailman or strangers who tried to pat him.

Where Have All Those Ideal Dogs Gone?

Our lifestyle today poses many problems for our dogs which would never have happened if they had continued to live like their ancestors. Wolves have the freedom to travel over various types of terrains and climates. They are too busy surviving than have the pleasure of becoming bored. In our cities communal living brings about stresses for both man and dog. Our dogs must get used to all kinds of other dogs and people, strange sights and noises. Many of them are left isolated for long periods of the day while the family work, and boredom often leads to the development of behavioral problems such as barking, chewing, roaming, and digging.

Just as dogs have to get used to crowds of people, people may have to come into contact with lots of different dogs. Some would rather not come close to dogs because they are afraid of being bitten based on their childhood experience. Others may be nervous because they fear getting any allergy reaction.

As dog owners we may feel that we have as much right to take our dogs out anywhere (almost) as parents would take their children. However rights come with corresponding responsibilities and we must make sure that our dogs do not upset the non-dog-owners in the community. It is not just a responsibility but a necessity, otherwise tough laws would be imposed and it would make it impossible for us to keep dogs as pets. Actually, a few countries have designated a few appropriate areas for dog and owners to be together. The only city that I know of where dogs are allowed in almost every place is in Paris.

What Exactly Is An Ideal Dog?

An ideal dog is a happy dog where you as owner are happy with his disposition around people and natural everyday situation. He is welcomed wherever he goes. He does not create any disturbance to your neighbors nor show aggressiveness towards strangers and other animals without due cause. And this comes with a price—not in monetary sense!

Let me say this, there is no such thing as an ideal dog off the rack—be it from breeders’ or in shelters. Any dog can be an ideal dog if only the owner bothers to put in time and effort to train and care for the dog. It is also very important that owners have realistic expectations and be more patient of the learning process. Remember, it works both ways.

Special Notes:

Next issue I will share my views on what constitutes an ideal dog?

As I had promised you that I would post the second quiz of Am I Ready For A Dog? around Christmas, well it is not forgotten. As a matter of fact, I’m still working on those “99 questions and answers.” I kinda under-estimated the amount of work needed. I reformatted the post so many times and still couldn’t come out with something presentable. Please be patient with me as I’m working on a few projects at the same time.