Holiday Hazards (Part 1 of 2)

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is very easy to overlook some of the hidden dangers to our pets.  For the next four weeks we will review some of the most common hazards that can potentially spoil the most wonderful time of the year.

1)  TINSEL

While not toxic, tinsel is very appealing to pets, especially cats.  If swallowed, it can wrap around the intestines, causing a life threatening injury.  The same is true of decorative ribbons and bows.  If you see your pet trying to pass tinsel or ribbon during the course of a “nature break”,  DO NOT pull it out, as this can cause further complications.  Seek veterinary care immediately.

2) Lights and Candles

Shiny, dangly lights are lots of fun for our pets, but carry risks of choking, burns, and electrocution.  Teach pets that the Christmas tree and lights are off limits, and spray cords with a foul tasting product such as Bitter Yuck to reinforce the message.  Place burning candles where pets cannot be burned by them or knock them over.

Which dog is right for us? (Part 2 of 2)

Dear Edel,
We would really like to surprise our kids with a dog for Christmas, but we prefer to adopt from the shelter.  Do you have any tips on how to assess a dog's personality in a shelter type setting?  I want to make sure we pick a dog that is right for our family.  Thanks!

5 tips to test a dog's temperament and "doginality" (personality):

1 - Check for physical factors that may affect the dog's mood and disposition: look for ear infections, skin irritations, eye / nose discharge, any limping or weakness as the dog stands as these may all be factors that affect how that dog greets you and may be an indication of why a perfectly good dog may act more reserved or shy at first.

2 - Check for motivators: See if the dog is motivated by treats, balls, squeaky toys, or a rag or bite tug.  A more motivated dog is easier to train.

3 - Check for fear:  See if the dog is afraid of certain actions or noises.  If you go to pet the dog over the head and it drops its head or pins the ears back and squints, it may have been beaten before (not a reason to not adopt) and may need some additional positive reinforcement to not be afraid of hands petting the dog.  

Abrupt sounds will help test a dog of fear of certain noises.  For example, clapping 2 wooden pieces together making a sharp sound without the dog seeing you do so will help you test the dog for fears of certain sounds.  Dogs that are afraid of those sounds may often have problems with thunder or confidence issues around abrupt sounds (again, not a reason to not adopt as all this may be reconditioned in the dog with proper behavior modification).

4 - Check for the dog's reception to other people and dogs: First see how the dog reacts to people approaching its cage and then see how the dog reacts to other people approaching the dog while on a leash.  The best reaction is one where the dog doesn't even care if there are other people or dogs in front of them.  Shy or reserved dogs may need some additional socialization work.  Extremely hyper-friendly dogs may need some impulse control work.

5 - When possible, have the dog professionally evaluated by your veterinarian and / or local behaviorist for more detailed assessment of the dog's psychological make-up and training potential.

Thanks,

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com