Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Top 10 ways to prevent dog bites

Here, in honor of Dog Bite Prevention Week, are the top 10 ways to avoid getting bitten by your dog, or someone else's, courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association:

1. Pick a dog that is good match for your home. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.

2. Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.

3. Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between man and dog. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.

4. Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.

5. Neuter or spay your dog. These dogs are less likely to bite.

6. Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.

7. Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet it gently, avoiding the face, head and tail.

8. Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

9. Do not to run past a dog. 10.

If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.

To those, I would add these, based on my observations and Ace's experiences as a therapy dog: Don't assume all dogs are gentle, and don't assume they're all vicious. Don't, when meeting a dog, put your hand out, then jerk it away again and again. Don't assume a friendly little dog wants to be picked up (or a cat for that matter). Don't scream, or, worse yet, scream and run. Take your time when meeting a dog; let him come to you.

Cheers!
Dorothy
www.dogmillion.com



Saturday, May 03, 2008





No space was available in dog hotels in Sofia during the holidays and users have to book a room for their pet well in advance.

Demand for so-called pet hotels is very high, according to Graf hotel, which also has a dog training school. Graf representatives said they mainly work with longstanding clients who are aware of the need to book a place in advance for their pet, Focus news agency reported on April 28.

The 15 leva a day price includes special care, a separate cage suitable for the dog’s size and proper heating. The cage is made of tiles and regularly disinfected so as to enable a smooth transition between one dog vacating and another arriving. There is also a big yard where dogs exercise during the day, observed by video cameras. The pets also have special cook.

Graf hotel representatives said that they only accommodate dogs but that other pet hotels accept cats. The price does not depend on the pet size or breed.

Hotel representatives also said there are no problems with the dogs because they do not accept aggressive animals, apparently a common practice in all pets’ accommodations. The dogs are always walked alone and every dog has a separate corridor, the hoteliers also said.

by: Elitsa Grancharova

Cheers!
Dorothy
www.dogmillion.com