A stormy day almost exactly one year ago, Mac “shut down” on both courses so badly, it would have been futile to try and keep him moving. The wind was lashing ropes against flag poles and the trains were noisy going past the competing grounds. I was asked by a well-meaning handler if Mac would ever be "a normal dog”.
What exactly is 'a normal’ dog?
· normal dogs bite
· normal dogs have no standards as to appropriate elimination sites with the exception of “where I sleep is out of bounds”
· normal dogs do not come when called if something more interesting is going on
· normal dogs default to responding to new stimuli in their environment fearfully.
Fear is a survival adaptation and keeps a dog safe.
· normal dogs chew, dissect, and destroy things
· normal dogs resource guard
· normal dogs bark and growl
· normal dogs dig holes
· normal dogs hump legs
· normal dogs vocalize when left alone
· normal dogs chase squirrels, deer, and cats
· normal dogs kill small animals
· normal dogs pull on the leash
· normal dogs often like to run around as fast as they can, even if they knock over small children or grandma in the process
· normal dogs lift their legs and pee on trees, even when we bring those trees into our houses and put lights and ornaments all over them
· normal dogs like to sniff EVERYTHING – crotches (human and canine), fire hydrants, trees, bushes, gopher holes
· normal dogs eat poop
· normal dogs tear up the garbage, counter surf, and eat expensive panties or heels
· normal dogs roll in poop and dead things
· normal dogs do not like every dog they meet
- normal dogs do not want to be hugged, kissed, touched, or stared at by every person they meet in every situation
- normal dogs don’t like having their nails trimmed, mats removed from their coat, or grooming
- normal dogs don’t naturally love being crated
I’m mad about Mac, my "not so normal" dog!
Mac and Me
C’est la vie
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