Thinking about springing a visit on friends or family this summer, with your dog in tow? Here’s a quiz for you to take on your dog’s behalf to see if he or she is ready to be the Perfect Guest.
1. On extended car rides, your dog:
a. Runs from car window to car window. Barks. Digs his nails frantically into human passengers.
b. Trembles for the first 10 minutes. Drools for 10 minutes more. Vomits on human passenger.
c. Curls up in the back seat. Naps for the duration.
2. At rest stops, your dog:
a. Leaps out of the car. Slips the leash. Dashes frantically through the parking lot. Refuses to come when called. Pauses to sniff goose poop. Is snared by a passerby.
b. Cries to get out of the car. Won’t get out. Once out, won’t go back in. Must be hefted, with help from a passerby, into the car.
c. Gets out. Does his business. Returns to the car. Sighs. Goes back to sleep.
3. Destination reached. Your dog:
a. Ducks his head. Strains to go back to the car. Submissive pees if someone tries to acknowledge him.
b. Bolts into the house. Races through dragging his leash. Jumps on the furniture. Jumps on the host.
c. Sits politely to be greeted. Explores the host’s house on leash. Settles on his blanket with a stuffed Kong.
4. Away from home, during the night, your dog:
a. Goes outside. Comes in. Paces. Cries. Dozes fitfully. Startles at every noise. Wakes hourly to go outside.
b. Demands to sleep on owner’s bed. Pees on the bed.
c. Goes outside. Does his business. Curls up on his blanket. Sleeps through the night.
5. Away from home, at mealtime, your dog:
a. Refuses to eat. Spends outside time eating grass. Drinks water excessively. Vomits on the carpet.
b. Snarfs his food voraciously. Nabs a turkey sandwich off the counter. Upends a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. Grabs a cookie from the hand of the resident toddler.
c. Sits for his meals. Eats eagerly. Takes the occasional treat gratefully.
You may have guessed that if you answered a or b to any of the questions above, trust me, you will suffer shame, humiliation, and dry cleaning bills should you insist on bringing the dog with you. And, you will NOT be asked back – with or without your dog.
Instead of inflicting your beloved pet on anyone who has generously opened their home to you, consider a pet-friendly hotel, hiring a pet sitter or kenneling your dog. In the meantime, get help training your dog to become the Perfect Guest.
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