Hello, Fellow Dog Lovers!
Wow, what a busy time of year this is! Dog Bite Prevention Week is always near and dear to my heart, as I believe that keeping kids safe around dogs is critically important. I just got back from a short stay in Washington, D.C., where I joined forces with State Farm, American Humane, AVMA, the US Postal Service, and other partners for a press conference on dog bite prevention at the National Press Club. So for this month's newsletter, I want to focus primarily on dog bite prevention, and of course the role of humane training in preventing dog bites. And don't forget about my UK Dog Bite Prevention & Behaviour Conference -- it's almost sold out!My awesome Positively Contributors have really worked hard to help me bring you all the very best content on the topic of dog bite prevention. As always, you'll find exclusive content and training tips that you won't find anywhere else. Hope you enjoy!
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| VSPDT Amy Weeks shares her tips on preventing dog bites.
This is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The purpose of this week is twofold: to bring awareness to the problem AND to provide information on how to prevent dog bites from happening to you and those you love.
The hope of this week is to educate the public on how to appropriately communicate with a dog, when to interact with a dog, and when to leave a dog alone.
The following are some important considerations when dealing with the canine species...
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Victoria is a big fan of using Adaptil when she's training fearful dogs, as it helps relieve the stress and anxiety that can cause unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, and soiling in the house.
Adaptil works by mimicking the "canine-appeasing" phermone that dogs know from birth. It's a fantastic tool for both pet parents and pet professionals who are working with dogs that suffer from stress, anxiety, fears, and phobias. It's effective for stressful situations your dogs may encounter, like new people, loud noises, and being left alone.
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VSPDT Louisa Morrissey discusses the traumatic experience of being attacked by her own dog. My dog has seizures. He is on medication but occasionally he has a “break through” seizure. They are violent. He starts with some vague disorientation. Most people would not recognize this phase. However, anyone who has a dog with epilepsy will recognize it. Then he convulses on the ground, mouth frothing, “paddling”, pupils dilated and muscles twitching and seizing uncontrollably. It is scary and painful to watch. I feel helpless. Then for the next 20 or so minutes he wanders, pacing and disoriented. I had been with him through his seizures before without incidence until the day the demon came.
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Victoria's take on "balanced training," and the detrimental effects it has on dogs.
Every time I hear someone talk about "balanced" dog training, I can't help but roll my eyes. This term has quickly become a euphemism for training that uses both positive reinforcement along with physical punishment and/or physical corrections. The term itself is indicative of the key phrase those of us in the so-called "purely positive" camp hear so often:
"There isn't just one right way to train a dog."
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Teaching dogs to be gentle with their mouths should start at a very young age! This video shows Victoria's training tips for a mouthy puppy.
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Positively Contributor Juliana Willems of Peace, Love, and Fostering discusses how rescue groups can keep their adoption events safe for both people and dogs.
Adoption events save lives. They're usually the driving force behind rescue groups and animal shelters reaching the community and finding adopters. Whether people come to these events specifically to meet animals, or the events are strategically held near high foot traffic areas so that the public happens upon them, those few weekend hours are often the only opportunity a dog has to win over a potential adopter. While they are great for finding new homes, adoption events can be very difficult for dogs.
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This light and fitted tee is the perfect addition to your Positively Apparel collection. Spread the message that a "dog's love knows no bounds" with this super comfy and stylish tee that's perfect for summer.
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Victoria's Positively No-Pull Harness was designed with your dog in mind! The harness is effective on both small and large breed dogs, and works even with strong pullers. Stop your dog's leash pulling without the use of pain -- you and your dog will both be glad you did!
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Kevin Ray is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer specializing in behavior modification as well as basic obedience training utilizing positive reinforcement. Kevin believes it is vitally important for pet parents to give their dogs the opportunities and tools they need to live successfully in a human world. Education brings security, security brings confidence, and a confident dog has no need to show anxiety-based behaviors.
Need a dog behavior expert in the Savannah, GA area? Get in touch with Kevin today: CALL KEVIN:
912.661.3027
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Victoria joined Elle the Pit Bull and other Dog Bite Prevention Coalition partners for a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Read more.
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A dog should not be allowed to sleep with a child at any time. Pediatric surgeons have reported that some of the worst bites have happened when a sleeping dog was awakened suddenly, either by a child knowingly waking it up, or accidentally rolling into the dog while they are sleeping.
Dogs with big mouths can inflict the most devastating and potentially fatal injuries, but a well-placed bite from even a small breed of dog can cause major damage.
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