Wolves in Dog's Clothing?

Image Gallery Maggie, of Greene County, NY, Satisfying her canine urge for animal hide. PHOTOGRAPH ? HOLLY FARMS. STYLING EUNICE CARTWRIGHT

Calming thunderstruck canines, tattooing Toto, getting a new pup, and other useful tips

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO READ MY BIO IN ISSUE # 127, you might remember that I'd been searching for the dog of my dreams. This issue, I'm happy to report that I've found him: He's Spencer; an 8-month-old, red Merle Australian Shepherd.

While some dogs just walk into our lives (literally), acquiring Spencer was a long and difficult process. But the experience of choosing a pet allows me to give those of you considering a new dog some advice.

No one would dispute the fact that almost all of us are very busy. It's great to think of giving your love to a new pet but you must also be responsible in your thinking. Constantly making sure that it is taken care of can be a difficult and worrisome endeavor. It may mean taking your new pet with you, especially if it is very young, every time you are away from home for an appreciable period of time.

For people like me, the best idea might be getting a puppy older than five months and having some preliminary training. As cute as puppies are, you might simply be too busy to give a very young dog the kind of immense patience and time it needs. In adopting a dog that was already housebroken and leash trained, I knew that two important problems were solved.

It took a few years for me to find the right time and the right dog, but I am so glad I knew when the time was right. Now, down to business!

Q: When my dog hears loud noises, like thunder or firecrackers, he just cowers on the ground and shivers. What can I do to help him put up with these noises a little better"

A: Lots of people get into what is called the "lt's OK" syndrome with their dogs when the animals are frightened. They see that their pet is scared or acting aggressively, and they bend down, pet the dog, and whisper, "It's OK, it's OK," or scoop the dog up in their arms to comfort him.

Petting a dog and speaking to it in a comforting tone is a way of rewarding it for its behavior. When people see their dog reacting to a situation with fear or aggression and then stroke it, they are telling it that this is the right reaction to have. The dog, who is not dumb, will repeat its reaction to get more praise. The owner then comforts the animal, who becomes increasingly nervous or aggressive.