Children and Dogs

     When it comes to the safety of your family, two legged and four, you can't do enough.  However, most people never stop to consider the safety when it comes to their pets.  Everyone thinks about putting up a fence, but that seems to be as far as they get.  Safety goes far beyond fencing in the yard.  Education is paramount to keeping your dog and your children safe, when they share a house.  First things first never leave your children and your dog alone! It seems like common sense, but the longer you live with your dog the more you trust him and the easier it is to step out of the room, or even take a shower real quick.  Children don't know any better and neither do dogs.  Second including your children in the daily care of your dog is a great thing, just don't leave it up to them solely.  Including your children in your dog's training teaches them to be in control and it teaches your dog to respect them.  Your dog needs to respect everyone in your house to make sure that your house remains safe.

Adding a Family Member

     If you are planning to add a wee member to your family here are some tips on helping your dog adjust to this new, strange person.  Starting a month or more out play a CD of baby noises.  Introducing your dog to these very foreign noises before the addition of a new person allows you to better manage how your dog relates to them, and introduces them in a benign situation.  If you can find a baby doll that makes crying noises, carry it around and pretend that it is a real baby.  Now comes the extreme part.  Bring home the first dirty diaper from your baby and put it on the doll, again carrying it around like a real baby.  Let your dog sniff it.  If for any reason your dog shows aggression to the doll contact a professional before you allow the dog and the baby in the same area together. 

First Aid

     Even if you aren't in the habit of keeping a fully stocked human first aid kit in your house, I'm sure you have the essentials.  Most people keep bandages, antibiotic ointment, and a thermometer on hand at all times.  Using items that most people have on hand all the time you can make a great doggy first aid kit to stash in the car or around the house.  Here is a list of essentials for your homemade first aid kit.  1. Sanitary napkins - These are great for absorbing blood, plus they are self adhering to make things simple on you.  2. Thermometer - A mercury thermometer can be used, but the digital kind go a little fast and make things easier on your dog, who is probably feeling bad anyway.  3. KY Jelly, or another form of lubricant - Seems funny, but you have to use something to slip the thermometer in, or you will injure your dog. Apply a small amount to bottom 1/2" to 1" of the thermometer before inserting into your dogs rectum.  4. Muzzle - You may have a sweet dog, but pain can make dogs lash out at whomever touches them.  It's a good idea to teach your dog to accept a muzzle before your get into an emergency situation.  5. Antibiotic ointment - Whether you get a name brand or an off brand be sure it does not have a pain reliever in it as these are poisonous to dogs.  6. Hydrogen peroxide - A capful of this will induce vomiting, however contact your vet before proceed with this.  7. Pepto-Bismol - Talk to your vet about dosing for your dog individually.  If you don't have the time, or simply don't want to make your own first aid kit, you purchase them pre-made a most pet stores or online.  Remember, when in doubt, call your vet.

Running Away

    What do you normally do when your dog gets loose?  If you are one of those lucky people whose dog simply does not care enough to run away then you probably just sit there until it's time to go inside.  For everyone else whose dog loves to play the chase-me game when they get loose I hope the following tips help you.  However, these tips are not a substitute for proper training they are simply meant to keep you safe in the mean time.  The first thing, DO NOT CHASE YOUR DOG!  Chasing only incites your dog to run more and it revs up his play drive.  Rather than chasing him, try to get your dog to chase you.  He wants to play a game with you and doesn't much care how he accomplishes that.  If your dog has fun running after you take advantage of it.  You can practice inside with treats a little.  Throw one treat away from you and let your dog go get it, then run away from that spot and encourage your dog to chase after you.  When he catches up to you give him a treat.  This will help some dogs want to chase you more if they get away.  Don't be above tricking your dog either.  If your dog loves car rides then offer a car ride.  Open the door and let him jump in, then put a leash on him and take him back inside.  Offer your dog anything you think he will want more than running around free.  No matter how you get your dog back, give him some praise for coming back.  Do not punish your dog for coming back to you!  If you do this he will be much less likely to come back to you in the future.

Mystery Dogs

     What would you do if you were out on a walk and a strange dog comes around a corner with no person attached to it?  If you can't answers this here's what to do.  Don't run away, but don't continue walking.  You don't know this dog, so you don't know if it is shy, aggressive, or quite friendly.  Running away from a dog will invoke its prey drive and could even make a nice dog turn vicious.  Continuing to approach a shy dog could cause a fear-bite reaction if there is no escape for the dog.  Doing the same to an aggressive dog could cause it to attack.  The signs of aggression escalating can be very slight, and you may miss the warning signs if you continue to approach the dog.  The best thing to do is stand still, put your dog into a sit and simply wait it out.  Avoid eye contact with the dog, but keep an eye on it.  Eventually the dog will choose to approach you calmly, or it will get bored and wander off.  If it does approach you continue to remain calm, and allow it to sniff you and the dog without trying to touch it or move toward it.  Assume that the dog could become aggressive at any point.  If the dog wanders off, make sure that it goes away completely or you will be right back where you started.