It is simply amazing how technology has allowed us to control and manage nearly ever facet of our lives for our convenience. We multi-task at work and at home, programming the TiVo, the Roomba robotic vacuum, even our preferred ring tones, etc. In our world, where everything is prerecorded, edited, and set to our specifications, I'm seeing more new pet parents whose lives are strict routines in which their time is critical.
Not surprisingly, a new puppy or dog coming into their lives can present major inconveniences in their compartmentalized lives. They discover that the wants and needs of their new pup cannot be programmed or scheduled as easily as the TiVo. The dog's needs happen at all hours, even at 4:30am to use the potty. This was not on the agenda!
Dogs and puppies certainly don't live by the technology based culture that drives many of us. They have no idea that 4:30am is not an ideal time to go potty. Dogs cannot be set to only need us when we can fit them in. For them to be successful, we need to adjust our lives to provide them with time and availability.
Right off the bat, I try to get puppy parents to realize the things they can control and manage (mealtimes, routines, exercise, play sessions, and training of course). They can keep the structure to their lives once they come to terms with the idea that a dog is not a device that can be turned on and off at their convenience.
Fulfilling a pup's daily needs gives us an opportunity to experience a completely non-technical aspect of ourselves. We can play fetch or go for a walk with our companion outdoors in the sunshine, and most importantly connect with another being in a way that we simply cannot through even the most advanced technology. In the end, the companionship we receive is far more valuable than time.
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Very true!
Great article, I definitely agree.
Jordan Rothman, CTC
www.keencanines.net
jordan@keencanines.net
Absolutely
I agree wholeheartedly as well. I think that we all get so wrapped up in our technology that we forget the simple pleasures of life. Who better than our dogs to remind us to slow down and smell the whatever, use our senses, just walk? I don't even take music on our walks, so I can just focus on my dog and try to see his world a bit. He is always very excited to show me the things he finds, like other droppings, particular smells, the joy of a quick dip in the nearest watering hole. He still lives a very rich and interesting life, in spite of not being able to play Guitar Hero. He does enjoy singing along every once in a while, though.
Pause the TiVo
I was free and single before getting my dog. And it is definitely something to get used to. But it has helped me develop patience, and a schedule, and I keep my apartment cleaner. It's mostly good stuff.
For a while I had to just basically give up on counting on a hot meal. It seemed his bathroom needs coincided with me sitting down to eat. And when they're a puppy if they even suggest the idea of going out, you have to comply or pay the price. I didn't get hot meals, but my Dachshund was potty trained in record time. I still get people asking me if I have potty training problems, and it feels good to honestly say, "not at all." But it came at a price.
And occasionally when he's on my lap while I'm watching TV playing with a squeaky toy, I have to just pause the TiVo until he's done squeaking. And in that break, I'm happy because that squeaking is why I got a dog in the first place, and I have no problem pausing the TiVo.