Posted on May 22, 2011 by Administrator
By Lynn Lott, Jane Nelsen and Therry Jay
Published by Rodale
March 2006;$14.95US/$19.95CAN; 1-59486-081-5
Many dog owners feel their dogs aren’t just pets but beloved family members. For this reason, internationally renowned parenting experts Lynn Lott and Jane Nelsen, who have more than 2 million copies of their Positive Discipline books in print, have teamed up with acclaimed animal behaviorist Therry Jay to create a unique approach to “parenting” this important member of the family.
The result is Pup Parenting , the first parenting book for dogs that takes dog training to the next — and ultimate — level. This one-of-a-kind, comprehensive guide modifies effective child-rearing methods to work with the canine set. These methods represent an exciting breakthrough in dog discipline that can help make your dog a loving, responsive, and responsible family member.
Introducing their Five-Step Pup Parenting Plan, the authors offer new and fun solutions to age-old problems while presenting a more pup-friendly approach to living with and loving your dog. They’ll also advise you on how to:
Choose a breed that fits with your family and lifestyle
Assess your dog’s personality
Bring straying behavior problems smartly to heel
With a kind and firm approach that rejects both the alpha discipline method and the overindulgent reward-based system, Pup Parenting is the companion you can refer to for any dog, at any age, throughout his or her life. And it’s not too late — the authors know that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Excerpt
The following is an excerpt from the book Pup Parenting
Punishment Is Not the Answer
Some people mistakenly think that kind and firm solutions reward their dogs for bad behavior and that the only way a dog can learn is to suffer. More often than not, the “solution” for the dog’s misbehavior is really misplaced anger or a desire to hurt the dog for hurting you. That’s what happened with Francie, who left her new puppy Cody, an American Eskimo dog (a very attached breed who needs attention), home alone for long hours while she went to work. Her little dog was bored and teething, so he entertained himself by chewing on Francie’s shoes. Little did he know that his entertainment would make his mom so angry. When Francie walked in and saw one of her $200 shoes in Cody’s mouth, she saw red. She pulled the shoe away from him and hit him with it over and over, yelling, “No, no, no! Bad dog, bad dog!” Cody slunk away with his tail between his legs and hid under a chair. Francie grabbed him and threw him outside saying, “You think about what a bad boy you’ve been.” Right!
If Francie thought her methods would stop Cody from chewing on her shoes because she “taught him a lesson,” she was soon disabused of the notion when, the next day, he chewed another pair of her best shoes. No amount of yelling and hitting seemed to get through to the little pup.
The Pup Parenting Plan was very simple for Francie.
1 . The behavior that bothers me: Chewed up shoes.
2. Why change is needed: Shoes are expensive and I can’t afford to keep replacing them.
3. The mistake I am making: Every one of them. I am reactive, disrespectful, punitive, and I talk too much. When she stepped back and looked at the problem objectively, she knew that chewing a shoe is not bad behavior. It is normal dog behavior. The faulty behavior is leaving the shoe in the dog’s reach in the first place. Francie could see that it does not make sense to punish a dog for normal dog behavior, nor does it make sense to assume a dog will learn from punishment. Have you noticed that most pooch parents initially respond just the way Francie did? They punish their dogs for chewing the shoe instead of simply removing their shoes from the dog’s path.
4. A list of possible solutions: I don’t have to brainstorm for a list of solutions. It’s obvious that I must keep my shoes out of sight and provide appropriate chew toys. Instead of brainstorming, she acted:
She went to the store and found a shoe rack that hung on the back of her closet door and put all of her shoes in the rack.
She also bought a lot of soft stuffed animals at the secondhand store and set them out for Cody to chew. Each animal cost 50 cents — a bargain compared to her shoes. Francie tried rawhide strips, but Cody never liked chewing on them. He preferred something soft, like the shoes, so the stuffed animals were a great substitute and a much better solution than releasing all one’s anger at a dog.
5. Choose a solution and follow through: Having a well-thought-out plan made it easy for Francie to follow through. She kept her shoes out of Cody’s sight, and she never lost another shoe.
Try to imagine what your dog is thinking while being swatted with the shoe. Do you think he is thinking, “Thank you for caring about me so much that you want to hurt me to teach me right from wrong”? It is more likely that your dog is hurt and totally confused — but amazingly, still loves you.
Francie didn’t feel good about hitting Cody and yelling at him. She shook her head at how much she and Cody had suffered because she didn’t take the time to think the problem through. She liked herself a lot better when she was less angry and had a respectful plan. Kind and firm proactive pooch parenting was much more her style.
If Cody could talk, what would he say? “I loved the game that Francie used to play with me. I would chew her shoe, she would give me lots of attention, I got to go outside and play in the yard, and when I came back in, she had already left another shoe for me to chew. Oh well, now I have my own special toys to play with.”
Reprinted from: Pup Parenting: A Guide to Raising a Happy, Well-Trained Dog by Lynn Lott, Jane Nelsen, and Therry Jay (c) 2006 Rodale Inc. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Available wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher by calling (800) 848-4735 or visit their website at: www.rodalestore.com
Please visit http://www.positivediscipline.com/pupparenting/ for more information.
Posted on May 22, 2011 by Administrator
Barking is a dog’s form of communication. Dog barking can be quite annoying but on the other hand, your dog’s bark can also save your life. Your dog’s bark should not always be acknowledged as a problem. If a dog barks incessantly, then this would require the help of a professional trainer. The average dog will bark for a specific reason. Some of these reasons could be:
“I need to relieve myself please.”
If this is the case, do not allow your dog’s barking to be his way of alerting you. You can try using a clicker to teach him a “Hush” command and then teach him an alternate alert signal such as pawing at the door. Every time he barks to go out, hush him, ask him if he has to “Go Potty” and then paw at the door with your hand. Repeat this process every time he barks to go out. Praise and treat every time he follows your lead.
“There’s a stranger near the house.”
This is a situation where dog barking can be a good thing. First off, teach him a “Heal” command then reward him for being alert. Show the stranger that you are investigating the situation by turning on a porch light if it is dark out. If someone hears your dog barking, it can keep a stranger from coming back.
“Can I go out and play.”
Do not allow dog barking to be a signal to you that he wants to go out and play. You can try using a clicker to teach him a “Hush” command and then teach him an alternate alert signal such as pawing at the door or bringing the ball to you. Every time your dog barks to go out to play, hush him, then once he’s quiet, paw at the door with your hand or grab the ball and ask if he wants to go out and play. Repeat this process every time your dog barks to go out. Praise and treat every time he follows procedure.
“I think I hear my friend, Fido, calling me.”
Sometimes you’ll find dogs barking to each other. This doesn’t happen very often unless you have a dog next door that won’t shut up. You can try to distract him by playing with him or starting a game of fetch but this won’t solve the problem. Teaching him the “hush” command is the best way to eliminate this behavior.
“I heard a loud noise and I don’t know what it is.”
If you know that the noise does not pose a threat, stop the dog barking by playing with him or starting a game of fetch.
“I’m afraid.”
Distract him by playing with him or starting a game of fetch.
“Who is this person that just entered my home.”
Teach him the “Heal” command and slowly have him get used to the visitor by first smelling the visitor’s jacket. If your visitor is not afraid, have him call the dog over while he is bent down at his level. Be careful if it is a large dog. This will reduce your dog’s anxiety. There are some people that your dog will warm up to quickly and others that will take some time. Of course, there will also be one or two visitors that your dog will never warm up to.
“Don’t leave me (again).”
If your dog barks from the minute you leave the house to the minute you come home, he may be letting the whole world know that he is lonely and he misses you. If this is the case, take an old shirt and put it in the hamper for an hour or two. This will make the shirt absorb the scents of everyone in the house. Then place the shirt next to your dog or have him lie down on it and this will keep him happy all day long. This will work 99% of the time. You can also try putting the radio on low and tune it in to easy listening. Music soothes the savage beast (so to speak).
“I’m thristy.”
Try teaching him the “Hush” command by using a clicker, then when he has quieted down, fill his bowl with water. You can teach him to paw at his bowl by tapping on his bowl when he’s alerting you to fill his bowl. He will pick up on this after a while.
“Don’t you dare come near my food while I’m eating.”
Do not allow him to respond this way whenever someone walks by him while he’s eating. Next time its time to feed, place the bowl on your lap and feed him one morsel at a time. Do not allow him to reach the bowl. Show him that you are in control of his food. Do this until he get accustomed to having someone touch his food. Have different members of the household try it as well. This will help desensitize him and show him he can trust you. If you have an overly-aggressive dog, then I would not recommend this.
Dog barking can occur for any number of reasons. Don’t be quick to assume that your dog’s bark is a problem because many people have had their dogs to thank for warding off intruders. If your dog barks, rule out any potential threat to your family, then investigate the reason for his bark. Most of the time it is something trivial but if you don’t find the problem and eliminate it, you will have a difficult time getting him to stop. If it is something that cannot be eliminated, then it would be best to desensitize your dog to the contributing factor by having him learn to deal with it. For example, if he barks every time the phone rings, have someone call the house all day long and teach him a “hush” command. When you are able to get him to obey the command, praise and treat. Repeat this procedure for as often as it takes to get him fully trained.
Make sure you spend enough time with your dog when you are at home in order to avoid having him feel neglected when you’re gone.
Once again, it’s important to always try to find out why your dog’s barking so you can address the problem and establish tranquility in the household.
Article written by Nancy Settecasi
Happy K-9 Dog Care
Posted on May 21, 2011 by Administrator
Although Pit Bulls have gained a bad reputation for their seemingly aggressive behavior, this breed can be the ideal pet for the right owner. Pit Bulls crave attention and are very loyal and loving toward people. Other dogs, on the other hand, tend to bring out the aggressive behavior of the Pit Bull. Originally bred to fight other dogs, Pit Bulls generally will not tolerate other dogs, especially those of the same sex. But with an owner who is knowledgeable about Pit Bulls and their personality traits, this breed will flourish and bring a great deal of enjoyment to their human companions. Pit Bulls tend to be very confident, loving and bright, but also very dependent on humans. If left on their own for too long, they will often develop destructive habits such as chewing out of frustration and loneliness. A good owner for this pet would be someone who is very responsible and committed to the specific care required by a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls need a great deal of training, exercise and one on one attention with their owners to keep from becoming frustrated. They should also not be left alone with other dogs. Therefore, a household with no other pets is an ideal home for a Pit bull. Contrary to the image that they have in the media, Pit Bulls can be great with children. In general, Pit Bulls love people, especially children. The most common problem associated with Pit Bulls and children is that Pit Bulls are extremely energetic and they have a tendency, in their excitement, to knock young children over, puppies especially have a tendency for this. They are also very easy to train due to their high level of intelligence and desire to please their owner. For this reason, positive methods of training work best for a Pit Bull. Demoralizing punishments usually are very counterproductive in Pit Bulls because of their personality traits and should be avoided. Pit Bulls live for an average of 12 to 14 years and usually experience good health for their entire lifetimes. Some common health problems experienced by the breed include Parvo, hip displaysia, hereditary cataracts and allergies. In General, this breed is very easy to socialize with humans and is typically a great deal of fun to have around. Many Pit Bulls exhibit superior performance when it comes to obedience training and physical activities such as Frisbee and playing ball. For these reasons, Pit Bulls should not be overlooked when selecting a pet if you have what it takes to care for this special breed.
Posted on May 20, 2011 by Administrator
by Sherry Morse
In early December a five-year-old female shepherd-lab mix was discovered – still alive – in the midst of the garbage in a garbage truck as it was being emptied into the Edgeboro landfill in East Brunswick.
Ron Barbati of the Perth Amboy Department of Public Works said the truck had just been emptied of most of the 29,440 pounds of garbage it carried, when he walked to the back of the truck to move the dozen or so garbage bags that had not fallen out.
As he reached for a piece of cardboard, a dog raised her head from among the garbage.
Shocked, Barbati yelled, “There’s a dog in my truck!”
It turned out that the dog had been brought to the Perth Amboy animal shelter by a city resident on the previous day. Animal control officer William Paul had told her the dog would be euthanized because there was no room in the shelter.
Paul carried out the euthanization procedure on the dog, and threw her body into a dumpster.
That night, the dumpster was emptied and its contents taken to a waste transfer station where the garbage was packed into trailers to be transferred to the landfill.
After the dog was discovered alive at the landfill, East Brunswick police and animal control officer David Blumig were called, and Blumig lassoed the dog to get her out of the truck.
“She was kind of wagging her tail between her legs.” Barbati said.
After checking her for injuries, Blumig took the dog to a kennel run by his sister Linda.
In the days since the incident, Linda Blumig said nearly 60 people have already called her from New Jersey and surrounding states, offering to adopt the dog.
Several of those people had called thinking the dog was theirs, she said.
“If people would put a name tag on their pet, 95 percent of the time they would get the pet back,” Ms. Blumig commented.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Perth Amboy police are investigating the incident to determine if any criminal or disciplinary charges should be filed. The dog will not be adopted out until the investigation into the incident is complete.
“Obviously it’s a miracle,” said SPCA officer Michael Iovine. “The dog was euthanized with drugs, presumed dead, put into a plastic bag and then a trash compactor and compressed, and survived that.”
“It’s just amazing it lived through that whole mess,” he remarked.
State officials also plan to investigate Paul’s actions.
“This horrible incident is unfortunate and the Department of Health and Senior Services will do everything within its authority to investigate, identify what occurred and put into place measures to prevent another incident of this type,” Department of Health and Senior Services spokesperson Donna Leusner said.
Paul said in an interview with the SPCA that he followed proper procedure, giving the dog one shot to sedate her and another to stop her heart before listening with a stethoscope for a heartbeat.
Under New Jersey state law, throwing a euthanized dog in the trash is legal.
(c) 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Administrator
Perro artritis se produce comúnmente a perros de razas grandes y altos perros. Es una enfermedad canina se caracteriza por un dolor en las articulaciones. Si su perro tiene artritis, usted observará un cambio drástico en sus actividades físicas. Él será letárgico y reacios a moverse, saltar o jugar y va a la zaga en los paseos. Su perro también Yap en el dolor cuando explotado. Si su perro sufre de artritis o displasia de cadera, hay numerosas opciones de tratamiento que usted puede hacer para resolver el problema, que van desde los suplementos dietéticos para el alivio del dolor medicamentos. Pero sea cual sea el método que usted elija, asegúrese de consultar primero a su veterinario para determinar cuál es el mejor tratamiento adecuado para su perro. Perros con artritis severa que la experiencia del dolor por lo general necesitan medicamentos antiinflamatorios como la aspirina y carprofen para abordar el dolor. Estos fármacos son eficaces en reducir el dolor y la inflamación y se utilizan durante los primeros días de comenzar un régimen de la glucosamina. Aunque estos medicamentos no tienen la capacidad de remodelar el conjunto, pueden reducir la inflamación en las terminaciones nerviosas de modo que el perro sigue siendo cómoda. Ciertos medicamentos como los esteroides prednisona, dexametasona, y los fármacos antiinflamatorios se recetan para reducir al mínimo la hinchazón de las articulaciones. También hay suplementos nutricionales que usted puede dar a su K9 para impulsar su sistema inmunológico contra las complicaciones relacionadas con la artritis. Además del tratamiento médico, los perros con la artritis también debe estar bajo cuidado intensivo y atención veterinaria, así como la ingesta de alimentos adecuada. Cambiar su perro de la dieta también es importante en el tratamiento de la artritis perro. Es muy esencial que su perro mantiene el peso correcto para su edad y siempre come dieta bien balanceada con los nutrientes necesarios. Usted debe controlar el peso de su perro por la limitación de aperitivos y alimentos que pueden empeorar la inflamación de las articulaciones. Tu perro se debe también el ejercicio regular para mejorar su fuerza y el metabolismo. Ten en cuenta que el exceso de peso o de grasa en su perro causa más estrés sobre las articulaciones y de perro vigente agrava la artritis dolor. Entre las razas de perros grandes, los períodos de rápido crecimiento puede dar lugar a la formación de displasias si la causal genética está presente. En este caso, se debe a un prestando atención a su perro de la dieta para evitar el rápido aumento de peso.
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Administrator
Artrite ocorre comumente cão grande cão para raças de cães e sênior. É uma doença caracterizada por um canino dor nas articulações. Se o seu cachorro tem artrite, você vai observar uma mudança drástica em suas atividades físicas. Ele será mostrado relutantes e letárgica para mover, saltar ou brincar e está a ficar para trás em caminhadas. Seu cão latir também na dor, quando aproveitado. Se o seu cão está a sofrer de artrite ou displasia da anca, existem inúmeras opções de tratamento que você pode fazer para resolver o problema, variando de suplementos dietéticos para alívio da dor medicações. Mas qualquer método que você escolher, certifique-se de consultar primeiro o seu veterinário para saber qual é o melhor tratamento adequado para o seu cão. Cães com artrite dor intensa experiência que geralmente precisam medicamentos anti-inflamatórios, como a aspirina e carprofeno para tratar a dor. Essas drogas são eficazes na redução da dor e da inflamação e são utilizadas durante os primeiros dias do começo um regime de glucosamina. Embora estes medicamentos não têm a capacidade de remodelar o conjunto, elas podem diminuir a inflamação nas terminações nervosas, para que o cão continua confortável. Certos medicamentos, como corticóides prednisona, dexametasona, e antiinflamatórios são receitados para minimizar o inchaço das articulações. Existem também os suplementos nutricionais que se pode dar ao seu k9 para impulsionar o seu sistema imunitário contra as complicações relacionadas à artrite. Além do tratamento médico, cães com artrite também deve estar sob cuidado intensivo e cuidados veterinários, bem como a correcta comida ingerida. Alterando o seu cão da dieta também é importante também no cão artrite tratamento. É muito importante que o seu cão mantém o peso correto para sua idade e semper come bem-dieta equilibrada com os nutrientes necessários. Você deve controlar o peso do seu cão, limitando lanches e alimentos que podem piorar a inflamação das articulações. Seu cão também deve ficar exercícios físicos regulares para aumentar a sua força e do metabolismo. Tenha em mente que o excesso de peso ou de gordura em seu cachorro causa mais stress e sobre agudiza as articulações existentes cão artrite dor. Entre as raças de cachorro grande, os períodos de rápido crescimento pode provocar a formação de displasias se a maquiagem causal genético está presente. Neste caso, é um imperativo para dar atenção a seu cão da dieta para evitar rápido ganho de peso.
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Administrator
Rabies is an infectious viral disease, which spreads through saliva of an infected (i.e. rabid) animal to other animals or humans. The possible means of transmission of rabies are animal bites or exposure of an open cut to the medium that contains virus of rabies. In case of infection, it is highly important to treat the infected person, and negligence in such case causes a painful death.
As discussed above, animal bite is single most prominent reason of spread of rabies in humans (via their pets or wild carnivores). Rabid cats, dogs, raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, weasels, groundhogs, cattle etc. are among those animals which provides greatest risk of spreading rabies to humans. There are also some other wild carnivores, which work as a medium in transmission of rabies from one animal to other (for example: mongoose, squirrels, rabbits etc.). As awareness of the disease has spread all over the world, it is evident that the cases of spread of the disease through pets have become almost rare as compared to the spread of the disease through wild animal bites.
What Rabies Can Cause?
Virus of rabies attacks the central nervous system in the infected animal or humans and causes a condition called encephalopathy. Some of early symptoms of the disease include problems related to the nervous systems, fever, general malaise and sometimes the patient experiences strong headache. As the disease progresses, problems related to nervous system goes on increasing and also become more and more visible, the patient experiences anxiety, excitation, insomnia as a side effect of the disease, agitation, conditions like confusion and hallucinations, difficult in swallowing, salivation, muscle pain, irritations, vomiting, the patient also sometimes develops phobias (hydrophobia being most common), partial or full paralysis etc. This situation ultimately leads to death within few days after the symptoms become more prominent.
In Case If You Are Bitten By Possibly Infected Animal?
If in case you are bitten by an animal (that you do not know is infected from rabies or not), all you need to do is to speak to your doctor as soon as possible and take help from local health department to find out information about the animal and possibility of your getting infected by rabies. You should also ask for preventive measures from your doctor. Cleanse the wound with water and apply disinfectant and get medical aid from your doctor.
How Rabies Can Be Prevented?
Rabies can be cured by treatment after getting infected but it can cost much more in treatment of rabies than what it costs in preventing it. You can prevent spread of rabies in your pets by vaccinating your pets against rabies (which you can easily get done from any public/private clinic or local health department). If you find that your pet is carrying scratches, bites or scars, the possible source of which you do not know, then you probably need to be more careful and take your pet to a local health department to get checked for rabies. Take care of health of your pets and also check out for all possible symptoms of rabies. If in case your pet bites any person, you need to take necessary steps such as proper vaccination for the person who is been bitten by your pet.
Besides this, stray animals also need to be taken care of from the possible infection of rabies (as your pets can come in contact with stray animals). If there are stray animals in your area, you just need to inform your local health department regarding this. Take care not to handle aggressive wild animals or those, which look sick.
Vaccines for humans are also available to prevent possible infection of rabies. In case if you are one who is at greater risk of getting bite from an infected animal, its better for you to get vaccinated first.
Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Administrator
While none of the following problems are by any means exclusive to small dogs, they do present extra challenges for small dogs and their owners.
Teeth and Gum Problems
Many small dogs have a tendency to develop teeth and gum problems which lead to tooth loss, because they are often fed canned food as an alternative to larger kibble. Although tooth loss in itself is vexing, oral disease can lead to even more serious heart disease, compromised immune systems and other complications.
Bi-weekly tooth brushing will help prevent this typical small dog health problem. An attractive supply of crunchy treats and chews (high-quality natural ingredients and not too large, please) will also help your pup keep his sparkling smile.
“Small Dog Syndrome”
Even the smallest toy dogs are infamous for their willingness to take on dogs the size of a full-grown man. Your dog may be that brave, but he’s almost sure not to be that lucky. Protect your small dog from his oversized ambitions by picking him up when a larger dog approaches.
Injuries
Injuries make up more than their share of small dog health problems. Their tiny bones are more easily broken
Posted on May 19, 2011 by Administrator
Electric cão cercas de contenção é um dispositivo que consiste de uma fronteira fio, um transmissor e um receptor que está ligada a uma coleira canina. O fio é enterrado para marcar o desejado território onde o seu cão é permitida a entrada e vaguear por aí. Um transmissor transmite um sinal ao longo do fio, que é então recebida pelo receptor colarinho. Esta coleira cria diferentes níveis de sensibilidade quando o cão entra um limite para fora do local. A instalação de uma vedação eléctrica cachorro não é uma tarefa intrincada. Tradicionalmente, ela envolve a criação de um canal estreito, ao longo do estaleiro onde o fio escondido será enterrado. Na maioria dos casos, você vai fazer alguma escavação para anexar a vedação eléctrica com as cercas de madeira existentes. Aqui estão algumas dicas úteis para o seu guia corretamente instalando em uma vedação eléctrica: Antes de escavar o solo, é muito importante para localizar as linhas eléctricas e outras canalizações subterrâneas para evitar danificando-os. Marcar o seu imóvel ou procurar a ajuda de um profissional instalador para configurar corretamente as escondidas vedação eléctrica. Após a marcação no local desejado, o resto do processo de instalação de uma vedação eléctrica cão vai ser um pedaço de bolo. A fronteira fio é normalmente colocada na parte inferior e superior do muro existente. A unidade de controlo é, então, montado perto de uma potência recipiente. Posteriormente, um pequeno furo é perfurado através da parede do muro, para que as duas extremidades do fio pode ser puxado através de e conectado a unidade de controlo. O comando deve ser alimentado e configurado. Preste atenção ao material fronteira fio que você está usando. Certifique-se de que é aprovado enterro, durável o suficiente e impermeável feito de poliuretano e sólidos de cobre. Desta forma, você pode ter certeza de que o fio não irá corroer facilmente, resultando em mau contato e poder.
Posted on May 11, 2011 by Administrator
Dog bites are very common injuries for both adults and children. They can cause serious consequences from permanent disfigurement to psychological trauma. Worse, they could also result to death. No one is protected from sudden attacks of dogs. In protecting oneself, always remember that there's no such thing as a dog that doesn't bite. In fact, statistics show that most cases of dog bite injuries are from those that are considered as pets. So to protect yourself and your family from getting bitten, here is some information you need to know that may be helpful: Basic Steps to Safety • DO NOT approach a dog, especially when you are not familiar with the animal. Even when you know the dog, ask the owner's permission before you try to touch or pet it. When you have the owner's permission, extend the back of your hand and allow the dog to sniff you before you try to touch or pet it. Rule of thumb: EXTEND THE BACK OF YOUR HAND. NOT YOUR FINGERS. • DO NOT try to touch the dog when it's eating. • DO NOT touch or pet a resting or sleeping dog. Always remember that dogs should always be aware of your approach. • DO NOT approach a mother dog that has puppies, particularly if the mother is nursing. • DO NOT stare a dog in the eyes, especially if the dog is strange or seem threatening. If you have information or you suspect that the dog is abused or neglected, take extra care in approaching it. Consider that the dog may be dangerous. • DO NOT get the dog very excited or engage it in excessive rough play. The dog's instincts may overpower its self-control. • DO NOT let a dog feel cornered. Exercise extra care in small or enclosed areas. Dogs feel trapped when in a place too small for them to find an exit. • DO NOT leave your baby or toddler with a dog. It doesn't matter that the dog is a pet. Some experts say that no child under the age of ten should be left alone with a dog. You never know when or what might trigger the dog's reaction to your child. • DO NOT back away from a strange dog. It may think that you're playing with it. Children Should Always be Protected Aside from not leaving your children with dogs, it is important to teach them on how to behave when in the company of dogs. Parents and guardians should also provide appropriate supervision for young children when dogs are present. Experts contend that children under the age of ten should not be left alone with a dog for they may not be able to behave appropriately around it. Also, experts say that the children are too small to defend themselves when attacked even by a small dog. In addition, dogs may confuse children's movements and behavior and mistake them for prey. It is better to take the precautionary measures now than be sorry later on. Below are a few instructions that parents should teach their children: • Not every dog that wags its tail is friendly. • Do not approach or play with a dog unless an adult is present. • Do not approach a stray dog, or a dog you do not know. • Get permission first from the dog's owner before approaching it. When you approach a dog, be sure that the owner is present. • Remain calm and still when a dog approaches you. • Do not tease dogs, or make loud noises around a dog. • Avoid staring into a dog's eyes. • Do not try to help an injured dog. Get a grown-up to help you. • Don't put your hand between two dogs. If the dog is behind a fence, do not reach through the fence. • Keep your face away from dogs. • If you got scared by a dog, do not run away, scream or shout. • If a dog knocks you over, stay on the ground. Stay completely still. Protect your head, face, neck and arms. Tell a grown-up right away. • If a dog bites, try to give something else for the dog to bite or chew. Give your backpack or jacket. Protect your head and face. As always, tell a grown-up right away. Special Circumstances Have you noticed that the paperboy riding a bike is always attacked by dogs in your neighborhood? There are special cases when dogs readily attack people. Rapid movement attracts a dog's attention that's why it is best to take caution when engaged in certain activities. Riding a bicycle, jogging, running and rollerblading are some of the activities that regularly get the dogs excited. People who engage in these activities are at risk of being bitten. You should always try to keep a safe distance from dogs, including those that are on leashes. When in a bicycle, not only do you have the risk of getting bitten, you also may be injured if you hit a dog as it runs in front of you. So if you know that you're approaching a place where there are dogs around, it is best to steer away or keep a good distance between yourself and any dogs. If you are approached by an unrestrained dog when you're jogging, running or rollerblading, do not try to outrun it— it is probably faster than you. Just stay still until it losses interest in you.
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