Preventing Dog Bites

Nearly 1 million Americans require medical attention annually following dog bite inuries.

Most of these injuries occur in children aged between 5-9 years and a significantly higher incidence in boys than girls.






It is important to teach children basic safety and dog behaviour so they can avoid being bitten.
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run from a dog and scream.
• Remain still if approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If knocked over by a dog, be still and quiet.
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
• Avoid staring into the eyes of a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or nursing puppies.
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Further statistics at CDC

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition that occurs when dogs are separated from their owner. Dogs can demonstrate destructive behavior such as chewing furniture, barking, escaping from the home, digging through doors, urinating or defecating in the home when left alone.

It is estimated that 17% or 10.7 million dogs in the US suffer from Separation Anxiety.

How to prevent separation anxiety:
• From a young age teach your pet to be comfortable with alone time
• Leave your pet something to play with such as toys or other play mates
• Leave the music or radio on at home
• Avoid over-enthusiastic hellos and goodbyes
• Reward your pet when they are behaving calm

If your pet is showing signs of separation anxiety, contact your local veterinarian for specific tips for your pet. In worst case scenarios, medication may be prescribed to accompany behaviour modification techniques.

Is Your Pet Ignoring You?

If your dog chooses to ignore you when you call their name, it could be because they associate their name with a punishment. Think about the last time your dog toileted in the house or did something bad. Did you call him/her by their name before scolding them?

This is just one reason for why your pet may not come to their name. But, it’s not too late to re-train them.

Over the next few weeks, practice calling your pet enthusiastically followed by the word “Come!”. As soon as your pet runs towards you, call out praise such as “Good Boy/Girl!” and reward with a big hug. Try this in a confined area first before using it in open areas.

Things to Consider Before You Get a Dog

Choosing the right dog for you is a step that shouldn't be taken lightly.
• If you are considering a pedigree, consult with your veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
• If a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, delay acquiring a dog.
• Always spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
• Introduce a dog to a home with extreme caution. Never leave a child alone with a
dog.
• Spay/neuter all dogs unless planning to breed with them
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog such as chasing, wrestling
• Socialize and train any dog entering the household.
• Teach the dog basic behaviours such as “sit”, “stay”, relax”, “come” Promote
submissive behaviors such as rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food
without growling
• Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or
responsible breeders if your dog shows any aggressive or fearful behaviour.
• Avoid buying a puppy from a pet shop as most the time the history of the pet is unknown.
• Avoid buying a dog that was advertise in the paper.
• A registered pedigree will always have papers and are printed on official paper.
• Ensure your puppy comes with an official vaccination record by the veterinarian

Clicker Training

Clicker training is widely used by behaviorists and trainers. It was originally used for the training of dolphins and is based on positive reinforcement methods. The sound of the clicker or whistle immediately after a good behavior acts as positive reinforcement. The clicker can then be followed by hugs or a treat.

This type of training can be used for all ages. The younger the pet the quicker they will become accustomed to the clicker.

Consult your veterinarian or behavior specialist to see if this is ideal for your pet.

Further information at

Dog Parks

A dog park is a great place for dogs to socialize and exercise. They usually have wide-open spaces, climbing structures, eating areas, tubes and occasionally a beach.

When considering a dog park ensure:
• Your dog is up to date with all vaccinations including the annual kennel cough vaccine
• Your pet is well socialized with other dogs, people, children and bikes
• Your pet does not have any injuries that could be exacerbated by running around or chasing e.g. arthritis, old cruciate repair.

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Cool Games in the Sun

A perfect time to bond with your pet is when the sun is out. But, it is important to ensure that your pets stay cool.

Here are some tips:
• Wading Pools: create a shallow wading pool for your pet to play in.
• Frozen Treats: Dogs often like to play with ice blocks. For those fussy pets,
add a bit of chicken or beef stock before freezing them.
• Kong Fun: Add some frozen treats to the Kong and watch your pet play for hours
• Beach or Lake Fun: go swimming in the water and bring along a pet lifejacket for
those pets that are not the best at swimming

And don’t forget the sunscreen! Pet sunscreen are often the best protection and important to put on the nose and ears. Avoid human sunscreen as they can be toxic if ingested. Peaked hats are also a good option.

Important Socialization for your Puppy

Socialization is an extremely important aspect of raising a happy dog. It is important to expose our dog to many different positive experiences with humans, animals and different environments. Intense socialization should occur from the time you adopt them until 14 weeks of age. Socialization continues throughout adulthood too.

Puppies should be exposed to positive people experiences with infants, the elderly, people with physical disabilities (wheelchairs, walking sticks), and people with facial hair, glasses and hats, people who ride bikes, jog or skateboard, people with umbrellas or in uniform.

Puppies should be exposed to positive animal experiences wish dogs of all sizes, ages, appearances, cats, rabbits, sheep, horses.

Puppies should be exposed to positive environmental experiences with the television, vacuum, the car, traffic, veterinary hospitals and washing machine.

A well-adjusted puppy that has been exposed to all these people, animal and environment experiences will be a happy puppy.

Is Your Pet Afraid of a Storm?

It’s not uncommon for pets to be afraid of a storm. Dogs can hide, try to escape or show destructive behavior. Panting, pacing, trembling, increased salivation, barking, indoor toileting and self-trauma are signs of distress.

Treatment options:
1. Medical
a. Depending on the age and health of your pet, veterinarians can prescribe low dose anti-anxiety medications.

2. Behavioral
a. Do not reward distressed behavior
b. Engage in fun activity during a storm
c. Desensitize your pet to storm noises through the use of CDs from a young age

3. Environmental
a. Take your dog into a room that blocks any storm visuals or audios

How to Stop Puppy Biting

It is normal for puppies to bite as they often use their mouth to explore and play. Biting is considered an undesirable behavior and can be prevented through appropriate training. Physical correction should never be used as this can result in fear and aggression.

Always get your puppy checked first to ensure that there is no medical reason for their biting.

Tips:
• Teach your pup basic commands such as sit, stay and come
• Exercise your pup in a set routine
• Avoid wrestling and rough play
• Frequently leash-walk your pet (ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date)
• Provide chew toys
• Isolate the pup when it starts to play bite
• Reward your pup for good, calm behavior
• Enroll your pup into puppy classes from 6-14 weeks of age

Appropriate Play Tips for Children

There is estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world. Exposure to dogs is inevitable so it is important to ensure our children and pets have a positive experience.

If it is a dog you know and you have been given permission from an adult to approach the dog, here are some tips:
• Be Gentle: Gently stroke the pet on the chest and shoulders: avoid the neck, face, feet and tail.
• Approach Slowly: Move slowly around a pet.
• Be quiet and confident around the dog.
• Do not approach a dog when it is eating or sleeping.

How to Train Your Pet to "Sit"

• Use a treat and hold is directly above your pet’s head.
• Move the treat so that your pet follows it with it’s eyes.
• As you move the treat forward, your pet’s legs should start to fold under
• You may need to give a gentle push if your pet does not start to bend the legs
• As this begins to happen, say “Sit”
• When the dog fully sits, give the treat or praise
• Practice, practice, practice

Ever Considered a Pet Pig?

The thought of a pet pig does seem quite novel and they are so cute. However, there is a lot to think about before owning a pig. Every year, many pet pigs are abandoned to shelters because their owners did not fully understand what they were getting into. Pet pigs are very high maintenance, plus, your council may not even allow them.

Pigs will be pigs. Just as in the wild, pet pigs will explore everything with their snout. Your home or yard can be turned upside down in a short period of time. Being omnivores they will eat almost anything but a special diet is needed in order for them to remain healthy. They need to be taken to a veterinarian regularly for vaccines and health checks. And, you need to find a veterinarian who is experienced in treating a pet pig.

Pet pigs can be trained on the leash and to go to the toilet in the right area like a dog. But, they tend to be territorial so training and discipline is key.

Poor Training Linked to Dog Aggression

The conclusions of a recent study at the University of Cordoba suggest the following factors as causes of dog aggression:
• First-time ownership
• Lack of obedience training
• Spoiling the dog
• Receiving the dog as a gift
• Buying a dog on impulse
• Buying a guard dog
• Spaying female dogs
• Leaving constant supply of food
• Spending little time with the dog

Other factors such as breed, male sex, small sized dogs and the ages between 5-7 years have also been associated with a greater risk of aggression. However, this study concluded that breed had less influence.

This study should remind us of the importance of training and dog obedience and that dogs that are trained well are less likely to retain any inherent aggression.

Journal reference: Pérez-Guisado, Joaquín; Muñoz-Serrano, Andrés. Factors Linked to Dominance Aggression in Dogs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8(2): 336-342, 2009

ASK THE VET: When Dogs Use their Crate as a Toilet

Toilet training can be frustrating at the best of times. It is important to ensure your pet is healthy and that you have a set schedule to help them learn. Not only is it convenient to have a specific toilet marked out, it is also more hygienic for the family.

Reasons for why your pet may toilet in the crate:
• Puppies brought up in pet shops are often conditioned to toilet in the same area they eat and sleep. It is possible to train them out of this habit.
• Young puppies 8-12 weeks that cannot control their bladder or bowel movements
• Disease – diarrhea (viral or bacterial) or worms
• Lack of a strict toilet or meal schedule
• Meals right before or during confinement

Tips:
• Create a strict schedule for meal and toilet time and stick to it (every 3-4 hours they should be let out to toilet)
• Crate them with water only (avoid meals in there)
• Toilet your dog immediately after a meal - take them to the designated toilet area and wait until they go
• Always reward your pet when it uses the right area (hugs or very small treat)
• Collect any of your pet’s toilets and place into the specified toilet area. This helps mark the area.
• Never punish your pet when it goes to the wrong area as this may scare your pet from going to the toilet or going when you are around
• Use barriers or citronella spray in the wrong areas where they may have toileted previously
• If you are unable to let your dog out to toilet every 3-4 hours, set up a puppy pad as the toilet area within the crate
• Keep your pet occupied with toys or the radio/TV on to keep your pet stimulated whilst in the crate


Our question this week came from Erin

Pets linked to 88% of Injuries

Each year, approximately 8 million people are admitted into the emergency room due to fall-injuries in the US. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) recently undertook a study to determine the relationship between dogs and cats and fall-injuries.

Nearly 90,000 falls were associated with cats or dogs. 88% of injuries were related to dogs. Female owners were 2.1 times more likely to be injured than males.

Prevention:
1. Be aware of your pet and their toys at all times
2. Ensure your dog undergoes obedience training
a. Can walk calmly on a leash
b. Do not jump up on people
c. Can “sit”, “stay” and “relax”
3. Discourage pets from lying at the foot of the bed or chairs
4. Discourage over-excitement

Check out the full report at CDC

Tips on Training Your Dog to Relax

If your having trouble training your dog to “stay” or “wait”, consider the word “relax”.

It’s an important command that can come in handy for situations such as:
- when you are using potentially harmful cleaning agents,
- when there is broken glass or nails in the area,
- when there are small children around.

Sit your dog calmly in one place and calmly say “relax”. Any slight movements should be followed with a firm “uh-uh”. Gently hold your dog in place repeating the word calmly “relax” and after a few seconds, release and say “ok”.

Practice every day giving your dog positive reinforcement such as a pet or a treat.