MOTHER KNOWS BEST

 

Dear Mom,

   We are moving. The kids are gone, we are moving into a wonderful new condo and only will have a balcony now for a dog that is used to a nice big yard. Any tips on how we can make this transition easier for all of us?

Thanks, Now a City Dog

 

Dear Once a Country Girl,

   Mom used to live in New York with a Wheaten and believe me it is not difficult. You will learn to love your walks and meeting all your neighbors and nearby parks. Dogs are very schedule oriented and will soon learn that when we get up in the morning, we go around the block, and after we eat, ditto.

    Another good thing to remember is dogs have not got the same degree of depth perception that we do and be sure that balcony is safe for them to be out on. The last thing you want is to discover that your dog thought he could leap out and get that bird that is perched on the railing only to find himself hurtling through space.

   Dogs can also be very handy at using a tread mill for walking on if you think they need more exercise than you can give them. Put a leash on them and start out slowly and you may find your dog loves to go a few minutes on the old tread mill that you use to hang clothes on. Just be sure not to leave then unattended on the equipment.

   Dogs can also use a litter box. You can make a box to fit your outside area (or buy a child’s plastic wading pool), line it with weed barrier cloth and fill with gravel or grass even and you will find your dog will be happy to use this new area. A nice potted plant in the corner may be all your boy needs too. Dogs seem to like the feel of gravel underfoot and its easy to keep clean and tidy. If you have a dog that is shy and likes his rump in foliage for some privacy a little row of plants in the corner can suffice too. There are wee-wee pads that can be used in place of the once loved newspaper in the corner for some dogs too. But this is generally a trait best used when young. We don’t have the white stuff that falls from the sky that can be really cold like they do in some parts of the county in Southern Cal and there were some nights I wished my dogs knew what that was, but around here a nice walk in the evening seldom is difficult.

   You may find a Wheaten on the end of a leash is the best way to meet your new neighbors too.

   Remember be a good neighbor and always pick up after your dog too and make Mom proud.