Don't Just Stand By and Watch Your Dog's Mischief

[FAM Times reporter Jennylyn Gianan] Turning a blind eye to their dogs' mischief is a so-called “guilty pleasure” for dog owners. Even when their pets cause trouble, owners find it cute and do not discipline them.

This behavior may have become even more common because of Marley, the dog made famous by the book and film. Just as Marley's mischief was excused because he was cute, the same happens with other dogs. But if dogs' bad behavior is not controlled, they will not realize what they have done wrong.

Dog owners often see their dogs' bad behavior as nothing more than amusing mischief. Just as an adorable dog like Marley seems lovable no matter what it does, most owners say their own dogs are cute even when they misbehave. But this is not a good approach. If this tendency continues, the dog's behavior will become increasingly difficult to control.

For example, if your dog has ruined the sofa, you should discipline it as its owner and guardian. If you simply overlook the incident, the dog will repeat the behavior.

A dog that has ruined the sofa once will ruin it again. At that point, it is no longer cute behavior but something that requires attention.

Of course, it is normal for dogs to cause trouble and make messes. Not every dog owner is a trainer, so people may react differently. But it is not difficult to let your dog know what it has done wrong.

Another mistake many dog owners make is pretending to be indifferent. Many think that ignoring a dog will make it realize its mistake on its own. That is not the case at all. Marley also received thorough training.

Many people misunderstood the message about destructive animal behavior conveyed by the book and film “Marley & Me.” In the book and film, the people simply accepted and overlooked Marley's wrongdoing. That should never be allowed in real life.

Rather than waiting for their dogs to keep growing into badly behaved animals, people should pay closer attention to disciplining them. Realistically, it is better for your dog to grow into a well-behaved, exemplary dog than to grow up like Marley.

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr