Our Piece:

Get Real!

A study conducted almost 10 years ago by our friend and colleague, veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Gary Patronek, revealed that people who found pets to be more work than expected were more likely to surrender their animal to a shelter than those with more realistic expectations. Another friend and colleague, Dr. Randy Lockwood, often quotes a study that found pet owners are more tolerant of chaos and untidiness than non-pet owners. Because we know most of you are pet owners, and many of you work in an animal related profession, we thought it might be helpful to create a short list of realistic expectations and helpful training tips to help prepare people for what to expect from sharing their lives with a pet.

1. Expect to lose something of value (sentimental, monetary or both) when your pet chews it, scratches it, pees on it, poops on it, throws up on it, or buries it.

2. On any given day, any pet can turn anything into a chew toy. Even if your pets have never chewed the couch, clawed the drapes, or gotten into your briefcase or backpack that’s been lying on the floor for weeks, one day, for reasons known only to your pets, they will.

3. Your pet cannot learn right from wrong, or moral rules for behavior, in the same sense that people can. Stop believing that your pet “knows he shouldn’t, but does it anyway” or that pets misbehave because they are mad at you. Pets do what works – to cope with their world, relieve frustration or anxiety, to find something fun to do, or to meet other behavioral or physical needs. Your pet doesn’t learn “getting in the trash is wrong”, but instead engages in this enjoyable pastime only when you aren't around to correct her.

4. Pets need to be included into daily family activities. Dogs are not adapted to, and cats are not best served by, spending the majority of their time outside. If your pet isn’t going to be allowed in your house, then the best decision is to not acquire a pet.

5. Treat your dog as a member of your family, not a member of a pack. “Being alpha” should not be the guiding principle in your relationship with your dog. Mutually enjoyable relationships with dogs are built on trust, consistency and fairness, not on “dominance”.

6. It’s just as important to socialize your cat as it is your dog. Cats who spend much of their time hiding from other pets, visitors, family members, or anything new, need help.

7. The foundation for creating well-behaved pets is to encourage and reward good behavior rather than focusing on “how can I get him to stop” misbehaving. Find 10 good behaviors to reward your pet for every day.

8. Expect your pet to do things that frustrate and annoy you. No family relationship is without its ups and downs. Be prepared to hang in there with your pet through good times and bad and when it’s not convenient to make sure your pet is properly cared for.

9. If pet hair on your clothes, on your furniture, and in your food is not acceptable, you are better off without a pet.

10. Pets cost money. There is no such thing as a “free” pet. Some estimates range as high as $1000/year for basic pet care. Make sure that a pet fits your budget, including those unexpected expenses for veterinary care should your pet become seriously ill or injured.

In return, you’ll be rewarded with a four-legged family member that is always glad to see you, forgives you over and over again, makes you laugh, doesn’t hold a grudge, and loves you regardless of how you look or how successful you are.

:: ezine@animalbehaviorassociates.com :: http://www.AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com