Part 3 of 3 - A Seniors Guide to Selecting and Owning a Dog

A Socialized Dog is a Happy Dog

Dogs are typically protective of their elderly owner because of the emotional bond and because they may see the person as a weaker member of the pack. A dog's deeply rooted sense of loyalty will drive him to protect his owner. No matter the size or breed, if a dog feels threatened, he may demonstrate aggressive behavior and even bite.

Your dog needs to learn to feel comfortable with all visitors to the home, from family members and neighbors to your housecleaner or building janitor.

If you require assistance from a personal caregiver or home health care provider, your dog must learn to understand that this stranger will not harm you. Should you voice discomfort or flinch when a health care provider treats you, the dog may perceive that the caregiver is hurting you. Be sure to reassure your dog that you are okay. Allowing your dog to continue this misperception can contribute to aggressiveness to all visitors.

The chaos created by young visitors like grandchildren will inherently raise the energy level in the house, bringing new stress to the dog. Here are some ways to control such situations.

• If your dog begins to bark or nip at visitors, remove him from the area and place him in his safe crate or pillow.
• Have children of school age drop a piece of food near the dog. The dog will see this as a friendly gesture and will know the child is not to be feared.
• With very young children, parents need to remain vigilant to monitor their youngster's interactions with the dog and teach her to treat the dog with respect and gentleness.
• Never invite a child to feed the dog by hand-this teaches the dog it is acceptable to take any food from a child. Because of a child's small size, the dog may view her as an equal, and thus may try to take advantage of the situation.
• Never leave a young child and any dog alone together. This is when most dog bites to children occur.

Bringing Home Your New Dog

You will also need to pet-proof the home to ensure your dog will be safe is his new environment.

• Keep him away from household dangers such as electrical wires and outlets, plants, pools, balconies and open doors.
• Put away those things your dog may find tempting to chew. Remember to immediately pick up anything you drop on the floor.
• Ask your vet for a list of poisonous foods and materials that should be kept away from your pet.
• Keep lids on trash cans.

Within the first week, take your dog to a veterinarian for a health check and necessary vaccinations. Arrange for the dog's spay/neuter surgery, if needed. Your vet can make recommendations regarding your pet's food, exercise needs and other care tips to help you get started on the right paw with your new pal.

Happy Dog = Happy You

Consistent training and leadership go a long way toward ensuring a happy dog. By treating your dog with a balance of understanding, discipline and affection, you will be richly rewarded with a loyal, grateful and loving companion in the years ahead.

Humans and canines can share a very special bond that's unique among different species. Dogs can make ideal companions for people of all ages - especially seniors. Just be sure to take the time to make an informed decision about the age and type of dog you choose as your furry friend.

What Makes a Dog a Dog?

Regardless of a dog's breed, temperament or size, all dogs are derived from the wolf. Thus, understanding the wolf's behavior, motivators and communication system have helped us to understand dogs.

As with their wolf ancestors, dogs need order and leadership. They are pack animals, so you must be the "pack leader." Your pet needs to know from the start that you are boss, which helps him to understand what you expect of him.

Here are a few fundamentals to help you understand a dog's nature, and so assist in training:

• A dog is a dog. They do not communicate the way people do.
• All dogs think in terms of the pack. They instinctively know that living with others, under the leadership of a dominant pack member, enhances their chances for survival. When you exhibit a leader's strong and consistent characteristics, your dog accepts you as the pack leader and thus respects and obeys you.
• Dogs don't understand English (or any other human language). In addition to barking and growling, dogs rely heavily on body language. Learning to read your dog's body language is key to communicating effectively with him.
• Dogs are neither spiteful nor deliberately naughty. A dog misbehaves or disobeys because: 1) He does not understand what you want, 2) He does not consider you his leader, or 3) He is suffering from some kind of stress or fear.
• Aggression is instinctual in every breed. Whether Chihuahua or German shepherd, a dog's breed has nothing to do with aggression. Aggression is instinctual and caused most often by fear of something he cannot understand or does not recognize as normal. A frightened dog will either take flight or fight.
• Correct your dog on the spot. Because dogs learn from association, a correction is effective only if it is issued at the precise moment the dog is either contemplating or actually doing something wrong.

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