Eight commandments for well-heeled dogs

By Aaron Wright

Published: June 5, 2008

When it comes to practicing proper pooch petiquette, Charlotte Reed, author of Miss Fido Manners and Sharon Suggs, owner of Paws Around Town, offer eight commandments to raising socially acceptable, well-heeled dogs.

1st Commandment

Thou shalt give thy pet healthy treats.

Table scraps may be tasty, but most veterinarians agree that “people” food is a pet no-no. Most pet boutiques will carry treats that are yummy and good for our four-legged friends. Suggs said Paws Around Town even carries treats that are meant for dogs, but are edible for humans. “Owners will come in and order two bon bons for their dogs and three for themselves,” she said.

2nd Commandment

Thou shalt keep thy dog in shape.

“Keeping up your dog’s appearance also involves being mindful of her diet,” Reed advises. She suggests feeding your pet nutritious food twice a day and keeping his or her water bowl clean. Oh, and don’t forget exercise. Running, vigorous playing and swimming are good for pet and owner.

3rd Commandment

Thou shalt travel safely.

As for traveling etiquette, both Suggs and Reed agree that safety is a key concern, especially in cars. While many owners allow their pets to roam freely in the car, if an accident were to occur, both the pooch and her travel companions could be seriously injured. There are car seats for every size dog. When hitting the skies, Suggs recommends a wheel away. This travel accessory can be used as a backpack, car seat, or tote. Wheels come in handy to keep owners from getting bogged down by the weight of their pets, Reed said.

4th Commandment

Thou shalt keep a sweet-smelling pooch.

Nothing is worse than a stinky dog. Reed suggests bathing your dog once a month, or as needed. She lets pet owners in on this tip: Use cotton balls to plug doggie’s ears to keep water out and bath time more enjoyable. And for that extra “je ne sais quoi,” how about a little cologne. Paws Around Town offers their customers the luxurious scents of Arfmani, Aramutts, Miss Claybone and Bonique Waggey.

5th Commandment

Thou shalt be kind to the environment.

Just like the rest of the world, pet products are going green. Suggs said that when she attends the next market in Chicago, there will be an entire section devoted to environmentally friendly products from beds to food to biodegradable dog baggies.

6th Commandment

Thou shalt not let thy dog ruin a meal.

“Just like children, our dogs should be taught good manners and proper behavior at mealtimes,” Reed writes. Whether whining, drooling or stealing food off the table or from a guests, this naughty dog behavior is not welcome at dinnertime. The best advice to deter begging, she said, is to never feed a dog from the table. This has to be practiced from Day One.

7th Commandment

Thou shalt plan pet play dates and parties.

Appropriate social interaction should start early. Planning a party for pooches and their owners is a real joy. In her book, Reed suggests theme ideas including Halloween parties, “bow vows” where two pooches can get hitched, bow-wow luaus, pajama parties, Mad Hatters parties or a Wild West Woof Down.

8th Commandment

Thou shalt make thy big dogs beautiful, too.

Pretty is as pretty does – and that applies to more than Chihuahuas and Yorkies. Big dogs need to feel attractive, too. Large sizes are made just for that dainty Dane or sumptuous St. Bernard are becoming available and are a trend that is long overdue. And when it comes to coordinating your attire with your dog’s, more is definitely more. With a little planning, your pet panache can grow from a single precious pooch to a pretty pair – evening perfect pack of canine-human family unity.

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