Home Sweet Second Home

Some of my clients have second homes.

Such a lovely concept. You live here. You live there, too.

No need to call in advance, or check in or out. The beds in both places are just right.

Most of these people have family-type camps in the Adirondacks. A few are snowbirds, with a condo or apartment in Florida or Arizona. Naturally, the owners bring their dogs to these vacation residences. And for the dogs with “issues,” its no surprise that unwanted behaviors accompany them as well.

Or sometimes, the dog is perfectly well-behaved at House #1 but becomes Psycho Dog at House #2.

An example of this is Great Pyrene

es McKinley, a tail-thumping charmer whose only vice is blocking the front door with his enormous body as he lies in House #1’s foyer. He prefers a prolonged snooze on the cool floor to a walk and usually must be convinced periodically that it might be worth his while to step outside for a bit of fresh air and exercise.

Upon arrival at House #2 outside Indian Lake, however, McKinley explodes out of the SUV, knocking over suitcases and small children in the process.

Snow! Trees! Smells! Freedom!

McKinley is gone in 2 seconds, his family chasing after him, pleading with him to reconsider.

This makes perfect sense to McKinley, of course.

Before they even embark on the journey, McKinley knows where they are going. There is a certain festive and happy vibe among his owners, the ski boots come out, and multiple trips to the garage to pack up the SUV ensue. McKinley is underfoot the whole time, absorbing the excitement.

Just as his family gets into vacation mode, so does McKinley.

Are there rules on vacation? Expectations? Good behavior? Umm, no. No way.

So McKinley, like his family cuts loose. Literally.

Its up to his family to go back to the basics with McKinley, where ever they are with him. The safety and well-being of their dog is at stake, and they are responsible for him.

The second house has doors, meal times, and outdoor boundaries, just like House #1. McKinley must be taught that it is not his job to answer the door at House #2, either. Meal times on vacation do not warrant counter cruising or table begging.

And as vast as the yard is in the mountains, dogs are not permitted to roam at will.

A well-behaved McKinley will still have fun on vacation at his second home. Especially if his owners can relax.

#DogsandSecondHomes #GreatPyrenees