It’s A Dog’s Life Too
Source from: edmontonsun.com
Breaking up is hard to do, especially for the pets
By Joanne Richard
Should you stay together for the dogs?
“No, definitely not! The battles will cause ongoing stress, which isn’t healthy for people or the pets,” says Jennifer Keene, a certified dog trainer who knows first-hand that the fur can fly when there’s a breakup.
Pets are increasingly part of custody battles, which are often hotly contested and complicated, so “single-again” Keene has written a self-help guide with dog-friendly solutions and compromises to who gets the dog, as well as joint custody issues, arrangements and expenses.
“Breaking up is hard to do — for the pets too,” says Keene, 31, who lives with her two pups and shares custody of a third with her ex. “Pets pick up on the high emotions and raised voices, and the stress can lead to behavioural and health problems.”
Most pooches are treated like a family member, yet they’re considered mere personal property, like a car or piece of furniture, when breakups occur, adds the Oregon author of We Can’t Stay Together for the Dogs: Doing What’s Best for Your Dog When Your Relationship Breaks Up (TFH Publications).
Protecting the human-canine bond is key, yet no single solution works for every dog or every relationship. “Focus on figuring out what’s best for the animal,” Keene says. Keep in mind who has the most time, energy, interest, patience and dog-friendly schedule to devote to Fido.
To make it a dog-friendly split, Keene advises:
- Keep your dog’s schedule consistent to help alleviate stress.
- Communicate with your ex about the dog in a calm, compromising manner.Use e-mail or text-messaging if necessary.
- Figure out the big stuff first, such as who the dog will live with and where; include the handling of finances, training, grooming and health care.
- Make the most of the time you and your dog have together — explore new parks, activities or just snuggle up with your own therapy dog.
- Get professional help if needed, including trainers, animal behaviourists, lawyers and psychologists.
UNLEASH YOUR LOVE LIFE
Walk your dog! Pooches make great date bait, says dog expert Deborah Wood, and studies show you’re three times more likely to meet someone if you have a dog with you.
“People with dogs are perceived as friendlier, more approachable and just plain nicer than those without canine accomplices,” says Wood, adding that dog owners are generally more stable in their employment and healthier than those who don’t have pets.
“When we’re with our dogs, we share our best selves; people can see the kind and open person you are — this isn’t something you’d see with strangers,” she says.
According to Wood, men generally prefer big, athletic, brawny dogs. Women more often want dogs that fit on their lap — and sometimes in their purse. “So if you’re a man who wants to attract a woman, you’ll want a small, sweet, sensitive dog. And a woman just might want to be walking a studly looking big dog.”
But, take note: “If you’re a woman walking a macho breed, you’ll meet a lot of men — but probably scary ones,” says the Oregon dog trainer and author of The Dog Lover’s Guide to Dating: Using Cold Noses to Find Warm Hearts (Howell Book House).
PAWS TO CONSIDER
Be sure to pick a pet and NOT a project!
Bad-behaving dogs greatly impact relationships, so choose the right breed or you’ll pay dearly — not only will your belongings get chewed up, but so, too, your human relationship.
According to premier dog trainer Brian Kilcommons, dogs can be a wonderful addition, or an additional annoyance, to our already demanding lives. “Dogs are a tremendous amount of work and it can end up being a very disheartening experience with everyone suffering, including the dog,” says Kilcommons, of mysmartpuppy.com.
Do not base your selection on looks. Do not impulse buy. Do your research and buy from a reputable breeder.
Meanwhile, stay away from these high input/high output breeds — experience, training and exercise not optional!
- Rottweiler
- Belgian Malinois
- German shepherd
- Jack Russell
- Border collie
- Australian shepherd
- Akita
Less demanding breeds, but you still need to put in time:
- Labrador
- Golden retriever
- Standard poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel
- French bulldog
- Burmese mountain dog
Tags: dog breeds, dog relationship