"Lassie." "Rin-Tin-Tin" "Benji." "Bullet." "Aster." We've all grown up with these superstars of the canine world. The media has taught us that dogs are the perfect companion -- always obedient and loyal, living only to please us. They guard us, with their own lives, if necessary. They can track and find lost people and animals. They can carry messages for us. They can warn us of danger.
Are dogs capable of such actions?
Yes, of course! History is full of real life doggie heroics. The point here is that the media does not show the down side of dog ownership. For example, did Lassie every blow coat so badly that Timmy had to inspect every mouthful of food before he ate it? Did Rinty ever chew up Corporal Rusty's socks -- or his bed? Did Bullet ever ignore Roy Roger's order to "come", and instead, trot off into the sunset?
Not.
TV has taught us that dogs have few needs of their own and live only to serve mankind. Maybe that's one of the reasons so many of us are disillusioned and disappointed when faced with the reality of life with a dog.
Somehow, the media has convinced many of us that the puppy we adopt or buy is automatically going to grow up to be another superstar. But the fact is, Lassie, Bullet, Rinty and the rest were created by trainers who knew and understood a dog's needs, and how to shape those needs into the behaviors wanted by the TV show or movie. With some knowledge, you, the average citizen, can also shape your dog into the companion you dreamed of -- or at least modify the problems that are driving you crazy!
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