A well-trained and well-behaved dog is a happy dog. Any other kind is an abused dog, according to Jon Katz, writing in Slate this week.
Nobody is likely to talk much about Ernie . . . .He's affectionate and unthreatening, but he doesn't really know how to behave—not around his family or other people, not around other animals, not around me or my dogs. He lunges and barks almost continuously when anyone comes near, so few of us do.
A pet dog should be not only a dog that enjoys being around people, but also a dog that is a joy for humans and other pet dogs to be around. "Ernie," who, at ten months old, made his debut into the human world as a birthday present for an eleven-year-old girl, is not a dog that people enjoy being around.
In his column, Katz describes the life of abuse that has led to Ernie's behavior problems:
His abusers aren't lowlifes who mercilessly beat, starve, or tether animals. Quite the opposite: His owners are affluent, educated people who consider themselves humanistic and moral. But they've been cruel nonetheless, through their lack of responsibility, their neglect, their poor training, and their inattention.
Ernie's family has not only failed their dog, they have failed their community. A dog that lunges and barks almost continuously when anyone comes near is a nuisance to the community. A dog owner's responsibility is a serious responsibility, but it is a responsibility that brings much joy--to the owner, to the community, and to the dog.
Posted by Canis Major at July 22, 2004 7:15 AM in the following categories: Canine Good Citizenship