February 8, 1998 Sunday
Westchester Weekly Desk
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PETS; Helping Beggars To Be Choosers
By SARAH HODGSON
With the holidays behind us and the cold winds forcing the doors shut
we
return to the quieter pleasure of dining in at home alone. And who could
be happier but our pets. Though some people may brag that their pets
steer clear as the potatoes are being past, it is more usual to find a
nose or paw pressing its way to the tabletop.
Historically, it is what brought our species together in the first
place. The scene has modified from campsite to dining table and the
preparation of the food has evolved, but the same symbiotic forces have
endured. Attention and food, combined without intervention, will
guarantee paws around any periphery.
For some, this system works. For others it is an embarrassment only
when company arrives. Others are forced to isolate their pets for fear of
losing an entire plate when backs are turned. Is there another option?
A happy medium where co-habitation can occur without concern and
forethought? Read on, read on.
Dogs
With the invention of garbage disposals and composting the dog's roll
at
food gatherings is another skill no longer necessary for our survival.
However, no one has found a way to explain this to the dog. Their
curiosity encourages them to participate in all our activities.
A common method to keep dogs from human food is isolation. Although
effective, it teaches the dog nothing. Manners never improve, and there
is constant concern whenever food is out. Better to invest some thought
into a more creative approach.
Sometimes the easiest way to drive a dog from the table is to
completely
ignore him. If the dog saunters over, pawing or whining for attention and
scraps, and gets nothing, it will often retreat to its own space until the
meal is over. That is if no one slides him scraps under the table. In
this case a dog will lodge itself next to the givers chair and test each
new guest to see what category they'll fall into: giver or non-giver.
Consistency rules once again.
Of course there is the tenacious group who have perfected the art of
stealing when backs are turned. In the past these dogs have been
confronted while having something in their mouth and the take home message
has been Prize Envy: "Whatever's on that table has value and if I want it
I better make sure no one is looking and gobble it fast." What's wrong
with this picture? The timing is off. A dog cannot be corrected once it
has something. A correction is only effective if it catches the thought
process.
Cats
Counter cats generally fall into two categories. Those with no ties
to
human frustration and those with full blown eating disorders. The first
group is clear minded. They're out to get what they want in life.
Yelling and schussing may work in the short term, but they'll be back with
the same forethought and tenacity. Relaxation and detachment are
necessary to rehabilitate these. Corrections must be delivered in a cause
and effect manner. When the cat jumps onto the counter a can with ten
pennies in it may be rattled behind them or a spray bottle may be used to
dampen their appetite. These corrections must be delivered indiscreetly.
The second group is a jolly crowd who's happiest when they're eating.
The sound of a cereal box opening will bring them running and before
you've had a chance to pour they'll be tail deep in frosted flakes heaven.
Humorous companions, they'd walk through a rain forest or a shower of
pennies to reach their desire. Isolation and age seem to be the only cure
for this persistent problem.
It's funny perhaps, but time and evolution have changed little in our
relations to our pets. It was only after the Second World War that name
brand pet foods were sold throughout this country. But fancy food and
designer dishes have influenced them little. Their favorite place is
still around our table.
