Animal behaving badly
     I’m watching a friend’s dog this week and while I’ve always been a strong advocate for animals, I’m sure I’ll think twice before agreeing to do this again.
     The reason is because he hasn’t taken the time to properly train his dog, Abby. While she is still considered young, I know what his puppy rearing skills are like and his attitude is to let her continue with her less than favorable behavior.
     Abby reminds me of a jack-in-the-box, constantly jumping and never seeming to calm down. I sit down, and she jumps on my back. I stand up, and she jumps at my waist.
     The peeing everywhere is another thing that needs to stop. Her kennel is literally four inches from the door and she manages to go on the floor every time I put the leash on her. The leash might as well be a trigger.
     It’s how the routine has gone and even after being outside for a while she comes in and goes on the rug.
      I will add that in the past, items in my purse have become victim to Abby’s sharp teeth.
     It’s maddening.
     When Abby was given to him he learned that she came from a shelter and was possibly abused by her former owners.
      He said he didn’t want to overwhelm her and decided he would pretty much let her do what she wanted.
     A person who doesn’t teach their dog proper behavior isn’t doing the dog any favors.
     If the dog acts chaotically it’s not only stressful for the owner or whomever is taking care of them, it’s also stressful for the dog.
     Ask any animal shelter employee and they will tell you that too many dogs are adopted, and then returned to the shelter because the owner never took the time to train their animal.
     It’s a situation that could be avoided completely if the adopter of an animal takes any sort of responsibility.
     Obedience classes don’t have to be expensive. While I’m not too familiar with the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook, I do know the Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk offers classes at an affordable cost. They also offer a hotline for frustrated pet owners.
     I don’t know that it would be good for me to try and “refine,” Abby while she’s with me for a week. It might be too confusing for her when her owner comes back.
     I’ll do my best and just have to arm myself with enough paper towels to last a week.