Making the Social ''A'' List

Its grand to make the A list and rub shoulders with
the distinguished and the beautiful, but how to join
the ranks of Paris Hilton and have the invites include
your doggie?
 
A well mannered dog, just like a well mannered human,
is a pleasure to be with and receives more treats and
invitations to fun places than its ill mannered
cousins. What that means to you is that friends are
more likely to accept your invitations, often bearing
gifts not only for you, but a treat or two for your pet
baby too. Same friends are likely to invite you to
their home and casually drop “oh, and bring Cujo with
you…” Now your sweetie will not be left alone, sulking
in silence on his futon while you go off to enjoy
yourself. A well mannered dog is also easier to live
with.

But how to ensure that your dog is well mannered? Your
new pup is full of energy, bounding here and there,
jumping up on you, tugging at its leash, lunging at
other dogs, and the most unpardonable of all, not
letting you know that hmmm … it needs a nature break.

Ok, most of us do a good job of housetraining. Horror
of horrors however, I have witnessed guest dogs leaving
unwelcome deposits in hallways and foyers! But what
about the social graces of a pooch? While we may think
it’s cute that Cujo shows his excitement at the arrival
of our guests by jumping up on them, I can assure you
your guests are less enthused about this form of
greeting than you are. Aside from torn stockings,
snagged pants or skirt, a bigger dog’s weight can
topple a youngster or an elderly person. This most
common doggie faux pas can easily be corrected. When
your pooch next jumps up to greet you, gently bend your
leg and push him away with your knee.

When out on walkies a well mannered dog will stay by
your side, not pulling or tugging every which way. When
let off the leash, a well mannered dog will return when
called, the first time, every time. Dining out? Of
course – al fresco, nicely tucked away beside you and
the table. Super friendly to dogs? Yes! I have seen an
elderly gentleman enjoying his daily morning latte,
with his furry friend seated at the table, enjoying a
croissant or two. It is so neat to see! Warning – be
sure that you never give your dog anything with
chocolate, definitely not on their diet list and can be
lethal.

So how do you ensure that Cujo and you are the epitome
of good manners? The obvious is to go to training
classes – both of you will learn and your dog will
learn to socialize not only with other humans but also
with other dogs. The Yellow Pages will have listings in
your area. Interview the training centers and don’t be
afraid to ask for referrals. Another option is to
purchase good online training material. I like
SitStayFetch
http://goldenkoi.sitstay.hop.clickbank.net/?type=nohop
a comprehensive, quick study dog training course by
renowned trainer Daniel Stevens. No need to wait for
delivery – this course is instantly downloadable as an
e.book and within minutes you and your luvvy puppy are
on your way to being on everyone’s “A” list. Ah yes ...
Paris? Who?