Our Dogs

Throughout the Years

Growing up within a 'doggy family' as I did, gave myself ,and later Brian, a terrific foundation for the manner in which we approached the dogs who entered our lives. Back then we took our dogs everywhere; to the local street markets, the weekly shopping trips, the 'local' (pub) for socialising, and more often than not this was done via the old double decker buses, regular train service and of course, the underground system.

Dogs were usually raised by 'Mum', who was home all day, and included in family activities on a regular basis, as opposed to being left alone most of the day as happens all too often now. The socialisation and exposure received from the day we got them meant they accepted just about any and every situation they encountered. Try imagining large gatherings of dogs (normally for us, Rottweilers) simply laying at the feet of their caregivers during a general get together. No grumbles, growls or threats - this was simply a normal encounter.

When it came to shopping with the old style English baby carriage or pram, we had no hesitation leaving this, complete with baby, outside any store knowing that all would be well as we had a dog or two alongside. Of course when those dogs included or were Rottweilers we knew the child was safe. Life was very different then. Exercising dogs was acceptable on public beaches, the parks and even, with permission, farmer's fields,which usually contained livestock.

Growing up I do not recall any conscious effort to 'train' our dogs. Despite this the dogs were well behaved due to the manner in which they were raised.

We did not, at that time, have canine vaccines available and I recall several instances where the local veterinarian passed judgement on a puppy or adult dog and then left it to my father to cope with the ailing family pet. My father's brews and concoctions obviously did well as we did not lose our pets when others did.

We respected people and places and they respected our rights as responsible dog owners. If, for any reason, anyone was uncomfortable when our dogs were around, we removed ourselves and the dogs from that environment. We frequently comment on an occasion when I travelled up to the City of London via public transport for a farewell party being held at one of the many public houses in Fleet Street, then popular as the newspaper publishing district of the city. Someone in the pub was asking to whom 'this' dog belonged? Our Rottweiler had decided to leave our group and venture forth to check out the other patrons of the establishment - was anyone upset or angry, no ! He came back after adding to his list of admirers. This type of occurrence was the norm for dogs - accepted by people as normal too!

In this day and age, many families add a canine to the household but fail to include it as a member of the family. We accept that to become a well behaved companion each dog requires that time and effort be put forth by everyone in that household. I remember all too well, as a young child when we had a Wire Fox Terrier who had whelped her first litter. I was told in no uncertain terms not to upset her. Being nosy I tried to peek in and see her babies. Her reaction was to warn me off in the only way she knew how by growling and snapping - my father heard the noise and his reaction was to leave me with a sore rear end! This taught me that dogs deserve respect as do parents, something often missing in today's society!

We never take any dog for granted. Each one is an individual and needs to be treated as such. Just because we have had many dogs of the same breed does not mean to say that we expect the same from each of them. Breed characteristics do play a major role but each has its own personality and needs treating accordingly - as do children.
We are sometimes asked why we have not stayed with one particular breed and my response remains the same. I was extremely lucky to be exposed to many different types from a very early age, as such I realised that their differing characteristics appealed to me and I wanted to experience as many of those as I could.

Not all breeds appeal to everyone; when Brian announced that he was thinking of working a Standard Poodle I admit my reaction was extremely negative. "A poodle, in my house - no way!" Jude changed my mind set in very short order and was a joy to be with. A Yorkie was the choice of our eldest daughter and brought forth many comments when out with our then first Rott - Six pounds alongside one hundred and twenty was indeed a sight to behold. Our youngest daughter felt a Pug would suit her - Gonzo was a clown of the first order. Our Cairns were typical terriers - if it moved it was to be examined. Working breeds did get worked - tracking with a ten and half week old Rott puppy was great, doing the same with someone else's seven year old dog, also for his first time, was another challenge - but we did it.

I am sure our neighbours have found our involvement with dogs somewhat strange but it has given us a very broad base of enjoyment which we, as a family have enjoyed.

Of late we have had the opportunity to attended the conferences put on by the ABMA (Animal Behavior Management Alliance); an organisation mainly of Zoo personnel and a few doggy enthusiasts. This has truly opened our minds to what can be done with any animal. Too many instances to go into here but as the age old saying goes "Seeing is believing".

Having been lucky enough to experience many different breeds, as well as a few mixes, up to this point in our lives, we hope to experience many more - to widen our knowledge of life with dogs.

Where would we be without them?