Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Each year on average, nearly five million Americans are bitten by dogs—and more than 40 percent of these are children bitten by their family dog. Of those injured, nearly 400,000 require treatment in a hospital resulting, on average, in over 30 deaths per year. To combat such startling statistics, Bark Busters is offering free dog safety workshops to community-based organizations. Hosted by Bark Busters’ dog behavioral therapists, these free community workshops will give participants dog-safety tips while helping them understand how to communicate more effectively with dogs by using voice control and body language. Community-based organizations interested in learning more about dog safety, the canine psyche or pack law are invited to contact their local Bark Busters trainer to schedule a free workshop anytime throughout the year.

Here are some tips to help prevent dog bites:

How to Stay Safe When a Dog Approaches

·         Don’t turn and run—dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.

·         Stand still, with your hands at your sides. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.

·         Don’t put your hand out—just allow the dog to approach you to sniff you.

·         Don't scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.

·         Face the dog at all times, but don’t stare. Avoid eye contact.

·         Back away slowly, watching the dog from the corner of your eye, until the dog is out of sight.

Safety Tips for Parents

·         Never leave a young child or baby alone with any dog.

·         Never allow your young child to discipline a dog.

·         Never allow your child to feed or walk a dog unsupervised.

·         Never allow your child to pull on a dog’s collar, ears or tail.

·         Never allow your child to play aggressive games (like wrestling) with any dog.

·         Never allow your child to pet a dog that is in someone else’s car or truck.

Bark Busters has created a fun and interactive website just for kids to learn about dog safety called Bach and
Buster's Buddy Dog Safety Program.  Click HERE to visit the site!

  

Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard

Creating a dog-friendly backyard brings many benefits such as the dog’s safety, prevention of boredom and attendant misbehaviors, exercise, and enjoyment of nature.

Remember, though, that while letting your dog have a free romp in your yard keeps him exercised, active and happy, the yard should be used only as a temporary retreat. Nothing can replace the time you spend with your furry pal to enhance your relationship and seal your special bond.

Dogs kept in a bland backyard all day are far more likely to misbehave with chewing, digging, excessive barking, pacing along the fence, or fence fighting with other dogs. Adapting your yard to make it more comfortable and appealing to your dog will go a long way toward making for a more contented, relaxed canine companion.

Poisonous Ingestibles

Dogs which are bored or hungry will be tempted to eat anything they find in your yard, including plants or flowers. Dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Ask your vet for a list of plants to avoid. To help prevent your dog from eating plants, don’t garden with him present — otherwise he may conclude that playing with plants and digging are acceptable activities.

Mulch can also be problematic. Many types of mulch are toxic, especially cocoa bean mulch. Large-size wood mulch can harm your dog if he chews on it, creating wood splinters that could lodge in his mouth or stomach.

Don’t leave out any products meant for outdoor use where your pet can get into them. This includes lawn chemicals like fertilizers and weed killers, antifreeze, pesticides, and outdoor grilling supplies like charcoal and lighter fluid.

Chewing

Dogs chew for various reasons, such as stress, boredom, teething or diet deficiency. There are different things you can try to prevent this behavior, depending on your dog and what he is chewing. The easiest way to stop your dog from chewing is to have the item itself give the correction by applying a foul-tasting product such as Bitter Apple spray, or hot chili sauce to it. However, since dogs’ tastes vary, you’ll need to experiment to see what works best.

Keep your dog entertained by providing high-quality puzzle toys that reward him with treats, such as the Buster Cube® and KONG®. Every few days, rotate what toys are available to him, so that he has something new and fun to hold his interest.

Never give your dog old shoes or clothing items to chew, as he may not distinguish between these old items and new ones. Also be aware that plastic drink bottles may inadvertently teach your dog that plastic is okay to chew, which means plastic planters, hoses and garden furniture become likely targets for his teeth.

Water

Water is always essential to your pets, so be sure the yard includes a large water bowl filled with fresh water in all seasons.

If you choose to incorporate a water feature such as a small pond, be sure to use the kind which circulates water to help avoid mosquitoes. Still-water ponds need chemical additives to kill the larvae that will grow there, and is unhealthy for household pets.

If you have a swimming pool, consider constructing a barrier to prevent accidents. Or, teach your dog to swim and show him where to exit the pool.

Shade

While being outside can make for a happy dog, being stuck in the blazing sun is unhealthy. Create a cool spot for your pooch by scraping an indented area in a shady place where he can relax in comfort. Without such a place, your dog may create his own spot in an area not of your choosing.

Digging

Digging is a normal behavior for dogs. They dig in search of food, to investigate sounds and smells, to improve their shelter, or to escape. Digging can be triggered by boredom, separation anxiety, chasing rodents or bugs, and/or a nutritional deficiency. The reason for the digging must be determined before a possible training solution can be tried. A qualified dog behavioral therapist such as a Bark Busters trainer can help you with this tricky behavioral issue.

Scratching at Back Door

A dog will scratch at the back door because all the good, fun stuff is kept inside – including you. Give your dog a bone or scatter food (see below) when you put him outside. Whether he is outside or inside, he must know that he is always in safe territory with an abundance of food.

Scatter food appeals to a dog’s natural instinct to forage. Dogs enjoy looking for food on the ground and will literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods -- bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that won’t attract wasps -- around the yard when you leave. Try hiding a few treats so your dog spends extra time looking for them.

If your dog scratches at the door and cries to come in, ignore him. Let him in only when he stops. If he begins to stress, correct him from inside the house. Do not go out.

Fences and gates

A fence helps to keep your dog safely on your property and out of harm’s way. If your yard has a traditional fence (chain link or wood), be sure all gates latch correctly each time they are closed. Check the fence for holes or other openings. If there are gaps, place bricks or large stones in front of the holes, otherwise your pet might find a way out of the yard.

Introducing your dogs to your new baby

In my last post, I discussed how to prepare your dogs for your newborn's homecoming. Here's a follow up on how to properly introduce them.



1. Make introductions on the first day the baby comes home. Your dog will need to “touch scent” the baby to find out what it is. Stand up and securely hold your newborn up high, and let your dog sniff the baby’s bottom or feet while another adult controls the dog on a loosely held leash. If the dog misbehaves or is too exuberant, correct his behavior and move the dog away from the baby. Settle the dog down before you attempt to introduce them again.

2. Allow frequent supervised visits by your dog. The more the dog and baby are together, the better and less stressed your dog will be. However, be sure to never leave your baby alone in the same room with your dog. Ever.

3. Consider crating your indoor dog when you need time alone with the baby. Crating will help you to manage your dog when you’re feeding or changing the baby.

4. Dispose of soiled diapers thoroughly. The scent will prove very enticing to your dog, so don’t leave dirty diapers anywhere your dog can reach them. Dogs have been known to try to get to a diaper when it’s still on the baby—another important reason not to leave a dog and a baby alone.

5. Keep your dog away from your baby’s head. For instance, if you change your baby’s diaper on the floor on a mat or blanket, teach your dog to stay off that area and not go near the baby when she’s on the floor. Once the diaper is changed, allow your dog to sniff the baby’s feet—but never allow the dog to sniff the baby’s head or face or lick her fingers. If the baby moves suddenly, the dog can become frightened and his natural instinct will be to duck away or snap at the baby.

6. Teach your dog the difference between his toys and your baby’s possessions. If you catch your dog stealing or chewing on something belonging to your baby, interrupt the behavior with a “BAH.” Then give your dog an acceptable chew toy and praise him lavishly when he takes the toy in his mouth.

Although it is normal for a dog to be possessive about his toys, food and space, it is NOT acceptable for him to growl or snap at you or your child at any time. If this happens, the situation needs immediate attention.

By following these guidelines, you can make a gentle transition to having a new baby in the house. Your dog will understand that he’s still a valuable member of the pack yet there is now a new member, too.

As long as you maintain authority over your dog, and teach your dog and your children the rules of interacting safely and respectfully with each other, your family pack will be peaceful, happy and safe.

Bringing Home Baby

Many of my current clients are expecting babies this spring and summer, so I'd like to address how to prepare your pups for the new addition to the family.

If you are expecting a baby and you have a dog, you will want to prepare your dog for the day you bring home your child. Dogs can feel shunned and become confused and stressed when parents suddenly shift their attention from dog to baby. A dog does not understand why a baby is automatically elevated above the dog in the pack. In trying to regain his pack position, the dog will often engage in attention-seeking behaviors such as:

·         jumping up on his owners when they are tending to the baby,

·         stealing items belonging to the baby,

·         going into the baby’s room,

·         barking when the baby cries,

·         becoming pushy when the mother is feeding the baby,

·         jumping on the stroller or pulling in front of it, or

·         barking at passersby or guests.

The following guidelines will help reduce bad behavior and ease everyone’s stress.

Before the baby arrives

1.      Set new rules for the dog. Start by considering the lifestyle changes your new baby will require you to make for your dog. For safety reasons, you will want to keep him out of your bedroom—and also out of the baby’s room. Set up a baby gate in front of the baby’s room and correct the dog if he enters the room when the gate is open. Go in and out of the room regularly to demonstrate that it is no-go zone. Implement these restrictions several weeks or months before the baby arrives so that your dog does not associate the baby’s arrival with exclusion from parts of the home he previously enjoyed.

2.      Prepare your dog for changes in routine. If before the baby arrives, you make changes in your dog’s routine—such as how and when he is walked, fed or receives attention—he will handle those changes better than if they happen all at once. If you are concerned that some of your dog’s needs will not be met, consider dog walkers and day cares to assist you when you are very busy. (Test out those options in advance.) Try not to express guilt that the baby will soon take more attention; that can make the transition harder for your dog.

3.      Prepare your dog for the sights and sounds of a baby. Many dogs bark, jump up or even hide when a baby cries because they are unsure whether something is wrong. The easiest way to anticipate this problem is to buy a doll that giggles and cries like a baby, wrap it in a baby blanket, and carry it with you throughout the house. If the dog becomes upset when the doll cries, correct his behavior to show that you are in control.

4.      Teach your dog to accept baby scents. Apply to the baby doll the same products (powder, shampoo and lotion) you will use on your baby. Sprinkle some baby powder on the carpeting in the baby room so your dog understands the scent association. Using your changing table or mat, pretend to shampoo or apply lotion to the baby doll, letting your dog smell what you are doing so he learns to accept that these scents are now part of your home. This also gives you the opportunity to correct any bad behavior before your baby comes home.

In addition, try to bring home your newborn’s blanket or skullcap prior to your baby’s arrival so your dog can become accustomed to the baby’s scent.

Please check back tomorrow as I'll go into to detail about how to safely introduce the new baby to your dogs.

Doggy Etiquette?

Practicing proper dog etiquette is always appreciated by everyone you and your dog encounter. Not only does it make you and your dog look good, but neighbors and guests will more readily enjoy his company knowing you have your dog under control.

Here are a few tips:

Keep your dog under control when outdoors by keeping him on a leash or under voice control. Even if your dog is off leash in an approved area, supervise his whereabouts and behavior at all times.

Always supervise your dog when around children. If you are unable to watch him, put him in his crate or another safe place away from the children. Children are three times more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog (of any breed); kids under the age of 15 are the most at risk of being bitten.

Pick up after your dog. Keep clean-up bags with you at all times for doggy messes, no matter where they occur.

If you have a dog that drools, keep a towel handy to clean up his slobber on people or things.

When meeting hikers or runners on a trail, step to the side to give them space to get by you.

Make sure your dog is invited by the host before bringing him to a party, an outdoor gathering or even a picnic.

Supervise greetings between your dog and another dog or a person:

-Even if your dog is very friendly, do not let him approach every person you meet. Not everyone likes or is comfortable with dogs.
-When meeting a stranger, avoid putting tension on the leash, which may put your dog on alert to be wary. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language, but stay relaxed.
-If a stranger wants to pet your dog, tell him to let your dog approach him, rather than having him approach your dog.
-If your dog seems uncomfortable with greeting another dog or person, never force the meeting. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Introducing your new dog to other small pets

If you are not sure of your dog’s background with regard to being around small pets, plan the introductions carefully to avoid risk of the pet being harmed. Introduce the animals as you would dog to cat. If you must hold the animal in your arms, take care not to let the dog to get too close. Just let them sniff each other’s scent and learn to tolerate one another’s presence.

Some dogs get jealous if they see a small pet such as a hamster or bird perched on your shoulder. The dog may see this as an unfair advantage and therefore feel challenged and want to harm the pet. Other dogs, however, may be totally accepting of the pet and its perceived higher status.

Always keep small pets in a secure, sturdy cage out of the dog’s reach, and always supervise your dog even when the pet is caged. When you’re away from home, do not allow your dog to be loose in the same area as the caged pet.

Introducing a new dog to your cat

Here are some tips to help you safely introduce your new pet dog to your cats. Done correctly, it doesn't have to be as bad as you might expect :)

The prey drive in some dogs is exceptionally strong. In order to ensure your cat or other small pets stay safe, you must get your dog to look to you as his leader so that his desire to please you overcomes his desire to chase another pet.

As with a dog-to-dog introduction, take things slowly, calmly and cautiously. If you can, bring home an item with the new dog’s scent on it so the cat can learn about the dog through his smell first. Plan to place the cat’s things somewhere the dog can’t reach (such as up high) and be sure there is always an escape route so the cat can get away from the dog and feel safe.

While holding the dog on a loose leash, at first allow the dog and cat to see each other. If you fear the dog may get away from you quickly and hurt the cat, use a muzzle if necessary.

With the dog in a down-stay, let the cat wander and come to the dog, if she chooses, for a sniff. Then call the dog away to get him to redirect his attention from the cat, and then allow them to greet again.

Remember, you also need to keep the cat from getting afraid and then running away, which will only trigger the dog’s desire to chase. If the dog begins to fixate on the cat or lunges to get at it, quickly give him a command or just lead him away from the area for a few minutes.

Your goal is to help the animals learn to trust each other, as you yourself work on building a relationship of trust and leadership with the new dog.

In the meantime, don’t allow your dog to chase any type of small animal, but do let him chase a ball or other appropriate toys.

If your dog begins to chase the cat, do not run after the dog. Instead, try to get his attention with a loud hand clap or command (“Leave it!”), or even a shake of his dog food bin. Redirect his behavior so you can leash him and allow the cat to get to a safe place.

Best of luck!