The Dog Days - And Dog Bites - Of Summer

Every year, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. More than half the victims are children between the ages of five and nine, and most bites occur during the months of July and August. While the expression "dog days of summer" has its roots in astrology, it's often used by animal care professionals as a reminder to be especially vigilant when supervising children and dogs during this time of year.

Like their human counterparts, dogs can become especially irritable and grumpy in South Florida's unrelenting summer heat. Rambunctious childhood behaviors that might normally be tolerated by dogs may be corrected with a bite if the dog is feeling uncomfortable or stressed. And since school closures and family gatherings increase interaction times between children and dogs, incidents which culminate in bites are statistically more likely to occur. If you plan to host a summer house party, make sure your dog has a cool, quiet place he can retreat to if he becomes overwhelmed. It is also helpful for parents to learn to recognize some of the canine body language cues dogs display when they are feeling stressed enough to bite. Helpful resources include veterinary behavior site www.Dr.SopiaYin.com https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/free-downloads-posters-handouts-and-more/ or the children's illustrated storybook Jake And The Gentle Dog by Lynn Kupkee. https://www.amazon.com/Jake-Gentle-Dog-Lynn-Kupkee/dp/1393306691/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Jake+and+the+gentle+dog&qid=1622663456&s=books&sr=1-1

Direct eye contact and very close proximity can make a dog feel stressed enough to bite. Notice how the dog seems to be pulling back. The slightly pinned ears and furrowed brow are signs that this particular dog might appreciate a bit more space.

Dogs And Kids: Don't Punish The Growl

Don't Punish The Growl

Every year, roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. Nearly half of the victims of said bites are children between the ages of five and nine.  Throughout my career, I have seen these statistics manifested in the form of traumatized children and surrendered pets. Veterinary professionals are forever telling parents to closely watch interactions between dogs and children. Yet we often fall short when it comes to telling them what they should be watching for.

Perhaps the most telling sign of impending trouble between dogs and kids is the growl. When asked by researchers how they would react if they caught their dog growling at their child, the response of most parents was that they would punish the dog - severely. After all, they would want to be sure it never happened again. Dogs, however, are cause-and-effect thinkers. To a dog, a growl is a warning. She is saying, “Back off, or I will bite you.” When this behavior is punished, she learns that giving a warning leads to unpleasant consequences. The result is a dog who skips the warning, and goes straight to the bite. Should you catch your dog growling at your child, calmly separate the pair, and seek immediate assistance from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. These caring professionals can help both dogs and families to safely  enjoy the human-animal bond.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

It's National Train Your Dog Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month.  What better time to address some of the behaviors that drove you crazy last year?  This month, many Americans will make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives by improving themselves. It’s not much of a stretch to incorporate our pets into our new routines.

Many common canine nuisance behaviors are rooted in boredom. Dogs are social animals, and living with humans often requires them to spend many hours alone while their owners are at work.  Boredom can easily escalate to anxiety, and anxious dogs often resort to barking, chewing, biting, and destroying property.  Since most of us gain weight over the holidays anyway, now is a good time to get back in shape by taking our dogs on a brisk, daily walk.  For dogs that are alone for long periods of time, food puzzles and frozen Kong toys can help your dog’s mind stay focused and sharp.  Dogs who do nothing but sleep during the day can be overly excited when we get home.   While this is understandable, it also tends to drive dog owners crazy.  Interactive toys help them to stay awake and alert, so they are calmer by the time their owners return.  And as schedules return to the pre-holiday norm, consider hiring a trainer or enrolling in some group classes.  At Casa Kupkee, we will be setting up a canine agility course!  Stay tuned...

Meet Val, our January Pet of the Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and to celebrate, we're honoring Val as our Pet of the Month.  Val is a Papillion with a lot of energy, a willingness to please, and a quick wit.  These traits make him the perfect candidate to compete in obedience.  Here he is, sporting a ribbon with his mom at his first competition!  Keep up the great work, Val - and tell all your friends you're our Pet Of The Month!

Preventing Dog Bites - Advice for Parents and Children

Every year, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs.  Most dog bites occur with familiar dogs throughout the course of normal, everyday activities, and sadly, bites often happen to children.  While many dogs avoid aggressive behavior, and pose low risks for biting, it is important to remember that any dog regardless of age, breed or history, has the ability and the potential to bite.  Fortunately, dog bites can be both prevented and avoided.  Here are some tips to help your children being bitten by a dog.

1.  Teach children that dogs say hello with their noses.  Make sure they allow adequate time for the dog to smell them before they attempt to pet the dog.

2.  Teach children that dogs must be touched gently.  Grabbing a dog's ears, tail or hair is not allowed.  Hitting, poking, kicking, or trying to trying to "ride the doggie" are scary to dogs.  Frightened dogs are more likely to bite.

3.  Teach them that not all dogs want to play with them.  If a dog avoids coming to them, barks, growls, or backs away, she does not want to play, and must not be forced to do so.

4.  Teach them not to approach a dog that is sleeping, eating, playing with a toy, hiding, or chewing a bone.

5.  If you have, or are planning to get a dog, seek the advice of a professional dog trainer.  They can teach the entire family how to read a dog's body language, and understand normal canine behavior.

6.  Teach them not to approach strange dogs, dogs that are tethered outside, and not to pet dogs through kennels or fences.

7.  Teach them to ask an owner's permission before petting an unknown dog.  If the dog appears frightened or overly excited, don't be shy about vetoing the owner's decision.  A dog that is barking, jumping, or pulling at his leash is not under his owner's control!  While these types of dogs may not bite out of fear or aggression, they can still cause injury to a child by knocking her down or giving a "play bite".  If this dog does not respect his owner, he is not likely to respect your child.  It is best to politely remove yourself and your child from these situations.

8.  If you own dogs, remind your children that not all dogs are like theirs, and may not tolerate the same things their own pets will.

9.  SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE! Do not leave children and dogs alone unattended, even for a second.  Sadly, the most severe bites to children occur when they are left alone with a dog.

10. If you suspect your dog needs a behavioral adjustment, please contact us for more information.  You can find us online at www.sabalchaseanimalclinic.com and click the tab titled "Behavior".  Here you will find some great resources on preventing bites, reading canine body language and recognizing signs of fear or aggression in dogs.  You can also "Like" us on Facebook, and ask Edel Miedes of K9 Advisors for advice on your dog's behavior.  We can be reached by phone at (305) 595-1450, or you can set up a consultation with K9 Advisors at (786) 419-3647.