Bonding with pet requires lots of time, attention

Dear Uncle Matty: I would like to get a dog, but during the week, I am gone all day and get home late. On the weekends, I have to play catch-up on shopping and chores. How much time does a dog require? -- Helen R., Cincinnati

Dear Helen: Have you ever noticed how some dogs and their owners have a wonderful bond? How they respond to each other and how the dogs seem to know exactly what the owners' next moves will be? They are like two peas in a pod and doing the same dance step?

And then, there are dogs that spend most of their time fending for themselves, have no people skills and seem to have no intuition. They don't know what's expected of them, and when the owners are around, it is more chaos than comfort. When dogs are considered an accessory rather than a pet that needs care and attention, you wind up with a dog that is not compatible with you or your family.

The same thing goes for cats. A cat owner who pays attention to his cat from the beginning, talks to kitty and provides love, praise, affection and some training is going to wind up with a cat that is sensitive to his habits and moods -- a kitty who likes being around its owner more and is more often than not responsive and less aloof.

So you would like to get a dog? Then you have to count on spending time, and if you can't, you will not be able to bond and develop a healthy relationship. Getting a dog also means added responsibilities. What are they? There are financial requirements -- for health care and a veterinarian, education and training, proper diet, accessories and toys. Then, there are the emotional responsibilities -- sharing time that includes training, socialization, exercise and play.

You don't have to glue yourself to your dog. Dogs can spend time by themselves, but there needs to be a balance. If you get a puppy, you have to remember that dogs are puppies until they reach the age of 2 years. It's like bringing up a child. If you get an older dog, there must be time for adjustment and training and love, praise and affection.

Helen, if you truly want a dog, then do your homework. Take a look at your schedule. See if you can find the time by reorganizing what you do. If you have vacation time coming, perhaps that's the time to get a dog so you have a week or so for the adjustment and housebreaking. Then, find time for sharing on an ongoing basis -- early morning walks, and evening walks and playtime. On weekends when you are doing your errands, perhaps you can take your dog along while you drop off clothes at the cleaners, have your car washed and look for plants at the nursery.

If there is no time, perhaps you should wait until your situation changes and then bring a dog into your life. The rewards are endless if you do it right. They can be devastating for you and the dog if you don't plan properly.

Note for dog owners: If you think there is a resemblance between you and your dog, enter my Look-Alike Contest for the fun of it. It's another way to share your canine experience and celebrate being a dog owner. Plus, there will be 12 lucky winners. For contest rules and prize information, visit www.unclematty.com ? Creators Syndicate

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