Honey Of A Dog
We can all agree that a dog should not be brought into a home with
children unless the children know in advance what will be expected of
them and how
to behave toward their new family member. And we can probably all agree
that, whether proudly or ruefully, that dachshunds are not like other
dogs.
Therefore, the book Honey Of A Dog is, possibly unintentionally, perfect for kids who are about to have a new long and low furbrother or fursister.
Told in short and easy-to-absorb chapters – many of them ending with the coda "Honey was becoming a real Dachshund – it tells the story of how Honey comes home from a shop in the mall – we wish she had come from a reputable breeder or a rescue organization instead, but you don't get everything you want in this life – and begins to integrate herself into the life of her new family. As the book progresses, she shows typical dachshund stubbornness in being house trained, in demonstrating separation anxiety, in begging food from the table, in fighting the vet. And her family shows typical owner surrender in letting her get away with it all. To quote the text: "Honey ate what she wanted, when she wanted. Honey slept when she wanted, wherever she wanted. Honey got whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it. She became a very spoiled little dog."
Let those among us who have never surrendered alpha status in the family pack to a dachshund pick up those stones and start throwing. But the book – again, probably unintentionally – provides a number of teachable moments for youngsters. Before you bring the dachshund into your house, talk about the book with your kids and discuss what Honey's family might have done differently.
The book is enlivened by charming illustrations throughout, and you will recognize most of the situations they depict. You should include it with the rest of the training manuals you pick up before the war of wills between you and the wiener commences.
To order a copy from Amazon, click here.