DOGS DON'T GET MUCH TIME OFF

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, and his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." -- Unknown

Yikes, didn't the kids just get out of school? Doesn't time fly when you hit the snooze button? Nonetheless, it's time to start thinking about "school daze." Preparing for back to school is just around the corner. There will be chaotic morning scenes happening in homes across the country. I suppose some will be excited while others will be somewhat apprehensive. Albeit, some parents will say ... finally, it's about time! Wonder if my Mother said that? I asked her...she admitted she did.

Our canine companions don't take much time off from school. We do take the time to have fun. After an early two-hour tracking session, my companion Heidi and I just couldn't resist her favorite, "Recess"! This particular day, Heidi was training for her VST, variable surface tracking. She spotted the playground slide. Both of us looking that way...race ya to the slide! Yes, we had one of those let your hair down, comical, fun moments in time. I reckon no matter what I have done, I have never had too much fun!

Training can be enjoyable. You too can create a bond with your dog as Heidi and I have; a remarkable fulfillment with your companion. It's all paws-able! All you need is a dog. If you don't have a dog, but want to have this just-what-the-doctor-ordered relationship, here are my suggestions for getting a new puppy. Remember, these are just my recommendations:

So, what breed are you?

One of the most commonly asked questions: Which dog makes a better pet, the mixed breed or the purebred?

My opinion is that any puppy or dog can make a great pet if the owners take the time to properly socialize and train it. I am blessed with both.

One interesting fact is fewer than 35 percent of all dogs live out their lives with their original owners.

This seems like a very low figure! What do you think? If you are thinking of adding a loving and loyal canine companion to your family, you will want to consider many factors in selecting the dog that suits your lifestyle. The time and effort you invest in making this important decision is well worth it. Your new family member will be a part of your life for up to the next 10 to 12 years, or more.

Once you and your family have agreed you are ready to make this commitment, you will need to decide what kind of dog is right for you.

Your local animal shelter is a good place to start. It usually has a wide variety of puppies and older dogs. You may also wish to talk to an obedience-training club, and obtain advice from your veterinarian. Interested in an AKC purebred? You might want to show your dog. Reputable breeders are a good way to go for breed information. Canine Companion Training Club (CCTC) will try to provide a list of breeders to assist you. Pet stores? Just say no! Many pet stores sell dogs from puppy mills.

Training your dog.

I assume you want a dog because you desire the companionship of an animal, not just because you want a new toy. But, getting the dog is only part of the equation. To create a wonderful companion and a happy, healthy dog, you have to put some time into obedience training. Teaching commands like "sit" and "stay" will make your life a lot easier. And if you go on to advanced obedience training, you, too, can have one of those superstar dogs that catch Frisbees and run obstacle courses when it's not busy signing autographs.

Fixing.

Fix my dog? I didn't even know it was broken! Unless you're prepared to take care of 13 more puppies, you really should spay or neuter your dog immediately. Millions of dogs die each year in shelters and on the streets, and much of it could be prevented if people had their pets fixed. This will be a requirement from animal shelters.

Caring for a dog is one of the biggest commitments you'll ever make.

This commitment is as important as well as getting married, having kids, buying a house or being president. Why? Because a dog is a living thing. Dogs feel pain, fear, loneliness, joy, love and loyalty. They also occasionally feel the need to shred Gucci loafers. It's all part of the dog owning experience. Do your homework. Research the requirements for the breed you want.

You're really thinking now, are you not?

That is fantastic! You have done your homework and you're ready. If I can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give me a call.

Larry Stone, columnist for Canine Companion Training Club. Classes begin Aug. 29, 30 and 31. For more information call 243-7187 or e-mail: akctracker@onemain.com