Tips & Tricks

Aggressive Dogs

The media is full of horror stories about dogs who attack, and hospital workers can tell you all kinds of tales about stitching up serious and even not-too-serious dog bites. In almost every single incident, behind the dog that bit is an irresponsible owner. Or perhaps, an owner's moment of irresponsibility. Don't let it happen to you, your dog, or the people around you. Make sure you're never the irresponsible owner behind a biting dog

Keep your dog well-socialized.
A properly socialized dog will not be frightened of new situations or approaching strangers.

Accidents happen very quickly, and a moment's carelessness on your part could be the moment Junior grabs Poochie's ear and twists, or Junior's friend tips over a sleeping hound, startling him into a biting reaction.

Do not allow your dog to think he is higher in the pack than other humans.
Your dog should be ranked low enough in the pack order that he doesn't have any desire to move up, and if he does, remind him that it's not going to happen.

Don't wrestle with your dog.
These games, while fun for a full-grown human and a puppy, quickly lose their charm when the dog reaches adulthood and has already learned that it's an acceptable form of play. It's not.

Put a stop to play-biting and nipping while your dog is still a puppy.

Enroll your dog in obedience classes.
These classes don't just train your dog; they train you how to handle your dog, and are a great way to socialize.

Never Run Away From A Dog
Running will only trigger a "prey" response, and a dog that may have been content to sit and watch will suddenly chase. Even a dog whose only intent is to "play" may cause devastating results when the "prey" is caught.

Dog Owners, if your dog is food protective, please take the time to train him out of it.

Children & Dogs

All children should be taught to respect other living beings, be they animal or human. From birth, children need to learn that some things are just not allowed, and "be gentle" should be a common household command. Even if your household does not contain animals, your children should still be taught the basics. One day they will encounter an animal, whether it is somebody else's pet in a controlled environment, or a meeting on the street with a strange dog.

Never Approach a Dog When He is Eating
Parents, this should be common sense, every child should know this, whether you have pets in the home or not.

Parents! Never Leave Your Child With a Dog Unattended!
Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and even the gentlest family dog will bite if he is in pain, or if he has just "had enough".

Parents, please don't hesitate to call animal control if a loose dog ever threatens you or your child. Loose dogs are a menace, and irresponsible owners should be held accountable. Dog owners that do not care where their dog goes and what he does should not be dog owners, period.

Supervise carefully, all interaction between children and your dog.
Even if it's your child's dog.

Parents! Never Leave Your Child With a Dog Unattended!
Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and even the gentlest family dog will bite if he is in pain, or if he has just "had enough".

The Basics in Dog Safety

Be Gentle
This is so important, but so many parents don't notice how rough their children are. A gentle hand will carry them through so many different situations in life, not just meeting animals. When your child approaches a dog, show them how to pet "gently". Don't let them pull on ears or fur, but a gentle rubbing of the fur, or feeling of the ears is okay. Don't let them squeeze handfuls of fur, and make sure they know that a tail is not handhold. If your child has a normally heavy hand, don't use a real dog for the first time, use a stuffed animal. A dog might not be as patient with grabbing hands as you would think.

The Right Approach
This is very important! From the time they first understand, you must teach your children how to approach a dog properly! What is the right way to approach a dog? Approach his owner first and ask permission!

Saying "Hello" After Permission is Given
Approach slowly, do not run up to a dog, ever. Hold your hand out, palm down, and let the dog sniff you. Let him decide how close he wants to get. Many dogs love attention, but the first few moments of every new meeting is critical. A correct approach will likely have the new dog sidling in closer for hugs and kisses.

Fear Factor
Please don't bring your children up to fear all dogs, even if you do. A child who was taught fear will react to a strange dog in a way that may make the situation even worse. Teach them to respect dogs and all other animals instead. Respect their boundaries, not run from them.

Visitors
Most dogs are happy to see new people, but even the most outgoing pooch can be overwhelmed by a large company of visitors. A stressed out dog can be a danger to your guests, especially rambunctious and curious children. If you're having a large bunch of people over for company, especially if that bunch includes children, it may be better to contain your dog.

Neuter or spay your dog.
Unaltered dogs are more likely to display aggression of all types. This will also curb your dog's desire for wandering about.

Designate a room as your dog's "safe" spot, or keep his crate handy. If he shows signs of becoming stressed out, put him in his crate, in a quiet room, or just in a quiet, darkened room by himself. By removing him from the activity, you'll be giving him a chance to calm down, and will prevent any accidental, or deliberate injuries, to your dog and your company.

Crate your dog if you have loud and boisterous company.
Many dogs find a lot of company overwhelming, especially if that company includes loud and rambunctious children, who may or may not know how to behave indoors and around animals.

Keep your dog on a leash, or otherwise properly restrained when out in public.

Don't allow other people/pets to abuse your dog.
Some dogs will put up with a lot of annoyances, but it is a poor owner who allows his dog to be harassed, even if it wouldn't escalate to a point of retaliation on the dog's part.
 

Meeting A Strange Dog With No Owners Present

It is very important to keep a cool head during these moments. Do not do what your instincts may tell you to do. The first instinct is often "scream and run", please do not do this. Instead, using a loud, firm voice, tell the dog to "go home". If he doesn't leave, don't panic.

What is he doing? Is he just watching you, curiousity in his posture (ears perked, tail wagging, relaxed stance)? If this is how he looks, just walk away calmly. Again, do not run.

Is he standing in a threatening manner? Ears laid back along his head, his body tense, his tail up (may or may not be wagging slowly, don't be fooled): this a threatening posture. Tell him to "Go lay down" in a firm voice, do not yell, do not scream. Any sudden move on your part may trigger an attack. Start to walk away slowly. Do not make any sudden moves. If he starts to advance on you, and lunges, drop into a "turtle" position, and yell for help. Parents, if you come across your child in this position, do whatever you have to do to get the dog away.