Keeping Kids and Dogs Safe  

Safety is a big concern for many parents. If your pet has shown aggression, even it was toward a stranger, seek help early on in your pregnancy from a board certified veterinary behaviorist. You can find one at www.dacvb.org. Don't assume that your pet will automatically love your child as much as he loves you. Put safety precautions into use early on so that by the time the baby comes, they will be habitual for both you and your dog.

As a parent, you should know that children are more frequently bitten than any other group of people in the United States. What may surprise you is that children are most often bitten by a dog that they know such as their own or an extended family member's dog. That's right, the most common group of dogs that bite children are familiar dogs, not the stray dog on the street. Any dog can harm a child, either accidentally or in response to some interaction initiated by the child.  Children, particularly when they are young, behave unpredictably.  They make sudden loud noises and rapid movements.  A dog that has never shown evidence of aggression before may react with a growl, snarl, snap, or bite.  These behaviors are a normal way for dogs to communicate to each other that they want to increase their personal space, but they will not necessarily be interpreted correctly by a child.  In addition, a dog that is otherwise friendly to children may be startled or excited by something else, knocking the child over, or may injure a child during an exuberant greeting or play session. For these reasons, children can never be left unsupervised with any dog. Adult supervision is extremely important for both the dog's and the child's safety.

When your baby gets older, he will have responsibilities as well. Starting at the point where babies start crawling, they can begin to understand limitations. You can use sign language as well as verbal communication to let your child know that certain interactions are unacceptable. Chasing, hitting, pulling, riding and stepping on dogs are never acceptable. Is that the way that you treated your dog before your baby came? Would you have allowed a visitor to your home to pull your dog's ears? No! So, it can't be allowed now. Your child can and must learn boundaries for your dog to have a good quality of life. Just as your dog had to learn that he would sometimes be excluded from activities in the baby's room, your child should learn that certain areas are the dog's and not hers. This is extremely important for keeping kids safe as kids are often bitten when dogs are cornered on their beds, under tables, or in crates.

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Check out Dr. Radosta's website for more information about her services and how she can help you with problem behaviors in any of your pets.    

New Ebook 

For this and other articles, please go to our behavior and training library   

Great Video! 

Be the leader your dog needs 

10 basic rules that will help you teach your dog more desirable behavior.

By Suzanne Clothier

At one time or another, every owner has to deal with problem behavior. Understanding why your dog does what he does, and how to handle the situation correctly can help resolve problems quickly. Here are some basic guidelines that apply to nearly all problem situations:  

Control the dog and you control the situation.

By putting on a training collar and lead, you can control the dog. For many dogs, their training equipment means business, not playtime, and this can help in a problem situation. A dog who is on lead cannot run away or chase people or other animals, and his owner has a chance to help him understand what he should do by guiding him with the leash and collar.  

Be positive.

Instead of saying "NO", try giving your dog something positive that he can do for you, such as "Sit", or "Heel". This positive approach means you can praise generously for his good actions, instead of simply yelling at him. For example, a dog who jumps up can be told to sit, and helped if necessary, then praised for sitting.  

Allow a dog to be a dog.

Often, what owners consider problem behavior is simply normal dog behavior that they find unpleasant or annoying. For example, digging is a natural canine activity but distressing to a garden proud owner. Instead of scolding for what comes naturally, it might be kinder to set up an area in which you have buried small treats to make it more attractive than the rest of the yard, and praising your dog for digging in "his" garden.  

Whenever natural behaviors conflict with what you might like, be creative and see if you can find an outlet for those interests and activities that is suitable for you both.  

Be consistent.

It is unfair to the dog to change your rules depending on what you're wearing, who's visiting or the kind of day you've had. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, he will be confused when you yell at him because Aunt Bess is visiting and she doesn't think dogs should sit in chairs! If he's allowed to jump up when you're wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, don't be surprised if he can't tell the difference between that and your best evening gown. Whatever your rules are, keep them consistent.  

Have your dog earn what he wants.  

While everyone needs a few freebies now and then, your dog will not think you are a wonderful owner if you play with him, walk him, feed him and pet him whenever he demands it. In fact, this often creates problems since from the dog's point of view an owner who can be "trained" this well is not one who deserves much respect.  

Teach your dog to say "please" by sitting, laying down or following some other command before he gets what he wants.

If you're counting you've probably realized that that's only 5 tips. Want the other 5? You can find the entire article by clicking here.

Fitness Class for Your Dog 

SUMMARY OF UPCOMING CLASSES:

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There are two classes scheduled. The first begins at 6 p.m. and the 2nd one starts at 7:30 p.m.

Got a feisty Fido when it comes to certain interactions? Do you feel lost or embarrassed when your dog barks, growls, lunges or generally becomes difficult to control around other dogs or people? This class is about your dog learning relaxation and trust and overcoming fear and anxiety. We understand your problems and we are here to help! Find out more.   

Focus Foundation  

Obedience, Attention, Focus, and Impulse Control

-- everything you've always wanted for your dog!  

Focus Foundation is also the prerequisite for Intro to Agility and it's a great class before Rally.

This popular 6-week class fills quickly so sign up today!

Taught by Mindy Cox, B.S., CPDT-KA

 Next Class: Saturday, October 15th at 11:30 a.m.   

Ideal Puppy I & Ideal Puppy II

This is an important socialization and training class for puppies 8 to 20 weeks of age. Don't miss out on these important behavioral milestones that will help your pup grow into a more confident, well-adjusted dog. Your dog will only be a puppy once!

  

Ideal Puppy I and II are each 4 weeks long for a full and wonderful

8 weeks of learning and play. Sign up for 8 weeks and save.

UPCOMING CLASS:  

Ideal Puppy class begins:

  

Thursday, October 6th at 6 p.m. 

 

Instructor: Stacey Curcio

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Pilates for Pooches 

This is a 4-week, innovative fitness class for all healthy dogs.  

Begins Monday, November 7th at 6 p.m. 

See description in the section above in this issue or go to the website.  

More Info  

Sign Up 

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Jumping Into Future Fun

Agility Fun Runs  

This is a great opportunity to practice your agility in a different atmosphere and have some FUN with your dog. There will be two courses to challenge all levels. Do all or part of the course and practice important handling skills, whether you are at the novice level or higher. Toys and treats are allowed. NO harsh methods will be accepted. Bring your chairs, crates and water bowl for your dog (we have a hose and water fountain). Please only flat buckle collars.  

Just for Fun! 

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