Franklin was a sad pup for ten months when he wasn’t allowed to go to work with owner Matt Schwendiman. Schwendiman owns and operates Matt’s Barber Shop in Canal Fulton, Ohio, where Franklin was a much loved fixture.
An inspector gave Franklin — a four year old Bassett hound — the boot almost a year ago, saying that dogs were not allowed in barber shops according to the Ohio State Barber Board. Thanks to an article in the local paper and a lot of community support for Franklin, the Ohio State Barber Board decided to change the rules. Now the state allows one animal per barber shop, as long as the animal belongs to the shop owner. Barber shop dogs must have good health certified by their veterinarian and the owner must have liability insurance.
All in all, not a bad compromise. Now Franklin is happy to be back at work, snoozing the day away in a 1950s era barber’s chair. The customers are glad to have him back at his post, too; Franklin is happy to see each and every one. Schwendiman feels that Franklin is a relaxing presence around the barber shop.
Schwendiman says that while Franklin was in his enforced retirement, he was most definitely an unhappy pup. For ten months, Franklin gazed sadly out the window, watching his master go off to work alone. He also took out his frustrations by scratching at the window frames.
Destructive behavior is one sign of a bored dog! A dog with nothing to do all day may bark, howl, chew, dig, and find other things to occupy his time. A dog who is experiencing separation anxiety may claw or chew at the windows and doors in an attempt to follow his departing family. You can change these behaviors with some time and patience — read more about destructive behavior and separation anxiety here.