My uncle owns a garage, Semuta’s Service Center. He fixes and inspects cars. I often stop in with dogs I am working with to expose them to the sounds, strangers and smells of the shop. It’s an environment completely out of their comfort zone and the perfect place to help them learn to trust their pack leader and mind their manners no matter what.
He’s also a dog lover himself and enjoys offering a treat or some affection to the visitors I bring. He commented once how I always have the tough cases. Well, sure, I told him. Nobody brings you a car that runs perfectly fine. They wait until something is broken.
It would be so much easier- and cheaper- if they didn’t wait, he told me.
Ditto, Uncle Dave. Ditto.
Preventative maintenance on your car helps you avoid serious, painful and expensive repairs down the line. It’s the same with your dogs.
- Keep the oil changed so that it’s running clean; maintain a healthy and regular diet for your dog.
- Rotate and maintain your tires so that your car has good balance; keep your dog’s nails trimmed for the same reason.
- Check the fluids and keep an eye on everyday systems so you can catch problems early; regular vet care and cleaning up your dog’s poop daily helps keep you on top of things.
- Keep the salt and grime off of your car to avoid rust and body damage; brush and care for your dog’s coat to avoid unhealthy, preventable issues such as painful matting and tick-born illnesses.
- As belts and brake pads wear from daily use, replace them before they break; ditto collars and leashes.
- Know how to change a tire or manage acute emergencies while on the road; learn basic first aid and have a plan for medical emergencies.
These analogies practically write themselves.
Maintaining your car can be very simple, so can raising a happy, healthy dog. If you have your eye on a new puppy or rescue and you’re wondering when you should begin thinking about training let me be the first to tell you: NOW. Reaching out for help from the beginning not only helps you avoid major problems down the line but it also helps you build a healthy relationship from the start. It’s so much easier and enjoyable for all parties involved to teach well from day one instead of cleaning up messes later on.
It’s cheaper, too.
How much is the deductible for your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance? I guarantee that making an investment in quality training is going to be a delightful piece of chocolate compared to the jagged little pill of needing to file a claim when your dog bites a neighbor.
Many veterinarians speak of wishing they could just install a zipper in dogs who routinely get into things they shouldn’t requiring surgery. Wouldn’t it have been less stressful to just teach your dog to stay off the counters and out of the trash?
Let’s not even get started on the medical bills and emotional toll of a dog getting hit by a car. If he survives it’s not likely going to be cheap. Do you really want to have to decide between the $3,000 surgery you will have to put on a credit card or a $50 euthanasia shot you can pay cash for? So much more rewarding to teach him not to run off into the street.
Think your dog’s bad manners won’t put you in medical crisis? Think again. Torn rotator cuffs, broken bones, bite wounds- I’ve seen it all as a result of a dog who didn’t know how to behave properly.
Nip all that in the bud before your dog nips you in the butt, (ha ha ha- see what I did there?)
When is the best time to look for and begin training? Now.
I’ve had clients contact me before they brought their new rescue home to help make the transition with their existing dog. It’s been effortless. Other clients have begun with their puppy before he’s even old enough for formal training. We get things off to such a great starts that the puppies are ready for graduation before they’re even a year old.
Don’t wait until problems become painfully clear to ask for help. Head them off at the pass and enjoy that much more joyful, respectful, peaceful time with your pup. You will all be better for it.
Love & Belly Rubs, Zia
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