The first thing you notice – if you are a dog person, of course – if you travel to any European city, is the exceedingly polite behavior of the resident dogs.
By polite, I mean, they don’t jump on people, bark at strangers, chase bicycles, or beg for attention or food. Basically, they fall into that prized category of animals and children that are “seen but not heard.”
How does this happen?
Do Europeans breed dogs to be genetically gentlemanly? Are the dogs on Xanax? Wearing shock-level persuasion? And – most importantly – why or why can’t American dogs take a lesson from European canines?
Here’s how we can help our beloved crazed, jumpy, barky, wild things, sorry, dogs, be a bit more like their counterparts across the Atlantic.
Please understand that impeccable doggie manners don’t just happen. There is work involved. Yes, training. Most dogs cannot intuit what you have in mind for them. They need guidance and consistency. So enroll your dog – no, he’s not too old – in a positive reinforcement/fear free training class or get a professional dog trainer to come to your home. Click HERE for a directory of Certified Professional Dog Trainers.
In addition to training, its time we changed our perception of how dogs are supposed to act in public. The thing with dogs in Paris and London and other cities abroad is that dogs are expected to behave. No excuses. No one says “he’s just a puppy” or “what do you expect from a Jack Russell?” or “we don’t mind his paws on the table.”
If you need any more convincing, here are the musings of an American dog – Luke, a Golden Retriever – and a British dog – Sylvie, an English Bulldog…
Luke: Wow! A ride in the car! Where are we going?! What a rare and unexpected event! I’m going to pull on the leash to get to all those good smells, eat anything that dropped on the ground, and bark at the squirrels. What fun!
Sylvie: I’ve been going to places with my humans since I was just a pup, so this is just a typical day in my life. I’ll just lie down next to my family and chill in the shade. We have a routine so I know they will take me to the fenced dog park in a little while.
Luke: A restaurant! Hey! I get to jump on the table and drool on everyone’s sleeves while I beg for food, just like at home. When people pass by, I’ll try and get to them to say hi. When I see another dog, I’ll bark and yelp to get their attention. My family won’t stop me because I’m their furbaby.
Sylvie: I learned in school that if I am calm and listen to instructions, I will get treats in my bowl. If I am obnoxious, I don’t get any goodies and usually we go home. I’d much rather be a good dog so I can keep having fun.
For more insights on exemplary dog behavior in foreign countries, and how your dog can measure up, click HERE to read “Why are European dogs so well behaved? from The Bark.