In previous articles, we have discussed ways to approach strange dogs. We have also identified different types of dog biters, how to show respect and proper behavior around strange dogs, as well as how to avoid being bitten.

If All Else Fails, Defend Yourself!

If you have observed all the general rules and precautions and still find yourself in the position of being attacked by a strange dog, your best defense is to shield your face and neck with your arms, exposing only the side of your body to the dog. Your actions should only be that of defense.

You should yell and make the most harrowing, alarming sound possible with your voice. Keep in mind that a dog does not trust anything that he doesn't understand. You can confuse his current thought process by making strange, eerie noises, while at the same time calling for help with your cries.

Try To Keep The Dog Off Balance

Raising your knee to keep the dog off balance can help protect you against serious injuries. I have encountered a great example of this technique one day as a large German Shepherd bolted through an unlocked screen door. The object of the dog's attack was a new mailman on his way to the mailbox.

Shielding his face and neck with his arms, the mailman cut loose with strange, ghastly sounds. The sounds stopped the German Shepherd cold in his tracks, created attention to every neighbor on the block, and the postman came out of the scene unharmed.

Talking with the mailman later, he admitted never having used the dog repellent spray that many mailmen carry with them for protection. He confessed that he has more confidence in his own method.

Some occupations have a high incidence of dog bites. Among the more noted of these are the mailman, meter readers, newspaper deliverers, pizza deliverers, solicitors, and trash collectors. Classified with the higher-risks would be the solicitors, or the door-to-door salesmen. If people who are in these occupations had a better understanding of what makes a dog bite, the incidence would be greatly reduced, maybe even completely eliminated. Children also suffer a high incidence rate because they panic, run, or force their attention on the dog.

So whether you are confronted with the protective biter or the fear biter, keep in mind the most important things: Let the dog come to you, at his own pace. Never force yourself on him, thinking that he'll know right away that you are not a threat. Meet him on his level. Kneel down to his size and extend your arm with the back of your palm exposed for him to sniff. Let the dog take all the time he wants to decide whether or not to be your friend. When you are face-to-face with a strange dog, that investment in time can play a crucial role toward your safety.

Oops! What To Do When Your Dog Stains The Carpet (1)

Cocoa's first day in our new home became quite an event. The Cocker Spaniel puppy was excited to explore her new family and surroundings, running all over the place, ears flapping behind her, with the kids not far behind in a frenzy of excitement themselves.

Our new puppy got to meet the family cat and friendly neighbors, plus she got a bundle of tasty treats. Not long after, Cocoa had another first experience - making a little mess on the carpet.

The good news was that we didn't blame her for making this mess, as most new dog owners do. The bad news was that we were left with a spot on the carpet - a spot that would hold the potty scent, drawing Cocoa there again and again for another bathroom break when she felt the urge.

The Proper Way To Clean Up Puppy Accidents

The first thing to do when there's a potty accident is to clean it up as best possible. With urine, blot up as much of the liquid as you can with paper towels. With feces, pick it up gently without further rubbing it into the floor. Do not grab your household carpet cleaner; it won't work on this kind of stain.

Regular household detergents and cleaners don't help with cleaning up after accidents because the scent always remains, which encourages the puppy or even other dogs to reuse the same area over and over again.

There are a few spray cleaners available specifically for pet cleanup that contain odor and stain removers. They are excellent for small accidents. There are also products that contain enzymes that naturally break down the chemicals in the waste and eradicates any odors.

These products are effective, though it's important not to use other cleaners before the enzyme product. Use these products thoroughly because dog noses are many times more sensitive than our own.

Cleaning accidents properly with an enzyme product solution will dramatically reduce the time it takes to housetrain your dog because he won't be drawn back to the same areas. Enzyme solutions "digest" the organic material in the carpet or wood to eliminate the odor.

If you do not use an enzyme product, your dog will likely be drawn back to use the same spot again. Sometimes you may want to try using a black light because you can use it to see soiled areas that you can't see with the naked eye.

Dogs & Cats: How To Make Your Dog & Cat Become Friends In Just A Few Hours

The secret to starting and maintaining a loving relationship between your dog and a new cat (or vice versa) lies within how carefully you introduce them to each other. You have already made the decision to bring a different species into the house so invest as much time and care as you can in order to ensure that both of your animals start off with a positive experience with one another.

The introduction between a cat and a dog can best be broken down into the following seven steps:

Step 1: When you first bring home the new dog or cat, confine each of them to a specific area of the house where they cannot see one another. The object is to allow the two animals to smell and hear each other without seeing each other. This arrangement gives the newcomer plenty of time to get used to his or her new living area, while your resident pet is safely confined on its own.

Step 2: During this time apart, grab an old towel or T-shirt and rub it all over the new dog or cat. Then take the towel and bring it into the room where your resident pet is at. Place the towel next to the dog or cat so that they can get used to the new pet's scent. This is the first step in getting each animal used to one another.

Step 3: Allow this arrangement to go on for about an hour or two. After this time period is up, switch up the scene. Place each animal in the room where the other was at beforehand, and be sure to give a scented towel to the new cat or dog, with the other pet's smell rubbed on it.

Step 4: Next you will create a positive association with one another by having each animal on different sides of a closed door. Place some treats or pet food for both of them next to the door. The goal is to get each animal to enjoy their food while knowing they're close to one another. This starts a positive association between the joy of food and knowing that both pets are doing something fun while sensing each other's presence.

Step 5: Continue with this arrangement until you notice that the animals are less curious about sniffing each other from underneath the door. Your next move during this introduction period is to allow each animal to see one another, but still being divided by a gate or screen door. There may be some initial tension which will eventually subside through treats and petting of both animals.

Step 6: Once they are both calm and relaxed, slowly allow more interaction to happen. For example, you can bring them both into the same room, but keep your dog on a leash while you sit on the couch. The cat will approach your dog at its own pace. Should your dog become overly excited and aggressive, a quick spritz of water is plenty for discipline. Your job is to prevent your dog from creating the habit of becoming excited and wanting to chase the cat. And the cat must come to understand that the dog will not harass it.

Question: Animal Cruelty & Injured Pets - Questions From A California Dog Owner

"I know of two possible cases of animal cruelty where the dogs have been mistreated by kicking, beating, under-feeding, etc. This really upsets me as I have always loved dogs. I would love to take some sort of action if I knew what I could do. I understand the Humane Society might not be of much help in this situation, and if they were, might take similar steps to that of the pound. In that case, I do not believe the dogs would be much better off."

"My second question concerns injured animals. What can a person do when he sees an injured animal on the road? Again, I would love to help but have heard so much about how the city pounds fail to treat injured dogs and cats that I could never make myself call for their assistance."

Answer:

In the past, a spokesperson from the San Diego County Human Society and S.P.C.A. Commented to these questions with the following quote:

"Humane Societies within the state of California are autonomous organizations, and have no connection with each other, other than most of the major societies in the state belong to the California State Humane Association."

They go on to say:

"Unless this person had unfortunate experiences with their local Humane Society, I feel it is unfair to presume that they 'might not be of much help in this situation'. All major humane societies in California have State Humane Officers who are sworn to uphold the laws of the State of California relative to cruelty, and these officers are the logical people to accept and investigate any complaints regarding cruelty to any animal."

And in response to the second question, the spokesperson explains:

"Relative to the second question concerning injured animals: Section 597f of the Penal Code clearly states that, 'It shall be the duty of all officers of pounds or humane societies, and animal regulation departments of public agencies to convey, and for police and sheriff's departments, to cause to be conveyed all injured cats and dogs found without their owners in a public place directly to a veterinarian.'"

"So regardless of what rumors you may have heard, it is perhaps unfair to again assume that the city pound or Humane Society in your area, or any other city for that matter, would fail to treat an injured dog or cat, and until you first-hand knowledge in this matter I think is best that you call for their assistance."

The Lost Dog - Don't Let It Happen To You (Part 1)

There is nothing more heartbreaking or distressing to the animal lover than the frightened, lonely eyes of a weary, half-starved animal trying desperately to find the owners he has lost or who - inadvertently or intentionally - have lost him.

Millions of pets each year become separated from their people, the number reunited being insignificant except for those few lucky individuals involved.

How do you keep your dog or cat from being lost and what do you do with a lost animal you have found? Let's explore the subject of the lost pet in the hopes that fewer such tragedies will occur in the future.

As a precautionary measure - even if your dog is never allowed off his leash - your pet should always wear identification. You have no way of knowing when a leash may snap. The I.D. Tag should include your name and address, your telephone number, and the word "reward" clearly engraved.

Do NOT Place Your Dog's Name On His Tags

Placing your dog's name on his identification tag often helps the dognapper to lure him from you. Dognapping being a serious problem in many areas, never help these criminals by leaving your dog's name on his I.D. Tag.

Make sure your dog's collar fits properly. It should be large enough to allow two fingers to slip in between it and the dog's neck, but not so large that it can slip off over his head. If you prefer using a chain training collar to walk your dog, by all means do so, but let him wear a leather collar with identification in addition to it.

Tattoos: Always A Good Choice

A more effective method of identification is tattooing. With a minimum of discomfort to your dog and a minimum of expense to you, your dog can be tattooed with your Social Security Number, giving him life-time protection, especially against the would-be thief.

The tattooed number is then registered with a central organization, such as the National Dog Registry, which will instantly supply your name and address should someone report finding your dog. Tattooing further ensures that your pet will not be used for vivisection or laboratory experimentation, since no reputable laboratory will buy an animal bearing a tattoo.

Of course, an obvious but often overlooking solution to the lost dog problem is never to allow your pet to run free. While it seems on the surface that running loose will provide your dog with exercise and enjoyment with minimal effort on your part, it will in the end cause both of you more headache than it's worth.

Aside from potential injury by cars, other dogs and the ever-present dog-hater, your dog stands a good chance of straying so far from home that he cannot find his way back. If he does, he may starve to death, be picked up and kept by some good samaritan, or be picked up and put to death by a dog pound or humane society.

Pet Sitter - Finding The Most Reliable & Trusting Pet Sitter Service (Part 2)

Are you facing the possibility that you may have to leave your dog alone due to a trip and are in need of a pet sitter? Although the thought of leaving your lovable dog alone with a stranger to take care of him for a certain period of time sounds scary, the truth is that there are many professional pet sitting services out there which will take good care of your dog and will guarantee his safety.

As with looking for any service that you must trust with your pets (as well as your personal belongings), you must do your due diligence and be sure to interview the person or organization that you are considering for the job. Below are a few questions that you should be asking every pet sitter service so that you can make an informed decision and feel comfortable with your choice.

1. Anything can happen at any time and if an emergency springs up in your home, especially if your dog becomes sick or injured, ask the pet sitter if they have a veterinarian that is on-call for these types of emergencies. And even if they do have a veterinarian to assist them with help, you should also provide the contact information for your dog's veterinarian as backup, just in case their doctor is unavailable for some reason.

2. Ask the pet sitter if they have a checklist that they go by to ensure the safety of your house and the prevention of crime. What you are looking for here is to see that this person is conscious of the fact that they are not only responsible for your dog, but they are also responsible for your house and its belongings. Having a checklist of what doors to lock, windows to shut, and other security measures to take, such as keeping the lights on, etc. is a positive sign that the pet sitter can be trusted.

3. Find out if they have a backup plan in case something prevents the pet sitter from arriving at your house to take care of your dog. Poor weather could hold the schedule up or the pet sitter may become too sick to work that day, so it is imperative that they have a contingency plan which includes a secondary pet sitter to take their place. The last thing you want to find out is that your dog went without fresh water and food, or the ability to use the bathroom outside, for an extended period of time.

Dog Basics: 2 Basic Needs A New Dog Owner Must Get Used To: Exercise & Grooming

All dogs need exercise, especially young puppies. And it is very unlikely for your dog to get the sufficient amount of exercise he needs just by sitting around the house, which is what most dogs do when they are left alone for many hours at a time.

If you are planning on getting two or more puppies, they will move and play around with one another. But a puppy by himself won't do much more than make an occasional tour around the house, check the area, and then lie down.

You have to include a daily exercise routine if you want a dog to stay fit. Puppies, in particular, need exercise for their muscular development and as part of their socialization process. A physically fit puppy will grow up to be a physically fit dog that is healthier, happier, and able to live his life to the fullest.

Exercising your dog can be fun and simple. It doesn't have to be strenuous to be effective and it doesn't have to take up a lot of your time. For many dogs, daily walks around the block is enough to get their daily dose of exercise. In addition to these daily walks, your dog will also love an occasional run, a game of ball, or a trip to the dog park where he can run around freely and play with the other dogs.

If you are serious about your personal exercise needs, or enjoy vigorous outdoor activities with your dog, there are many types of dogs to choose from that fits within this category. The majority of sporting breeds, for example, has high levels of energy and will make an excellent jogging, training, or hiking partner once their muscle and skeletal development is complete at around 18 months of age.

Grooming

Dog's coat length and thickness all vary. Some are very hairy, others are practically hairless, and others fall somewhere in between. Dogs' coat also comes in various textures, from soft to very coarse and sometimes overly curly. And just like us, dogs lose their hair in order to give way for the new hair to grow in. Most dogs shed all year long in small amounts while some experiences a period of heavy shedding twice a year.

If grooming your dog is not something that you enjoy doing, or if you want a dog that doesn't shed heavily, choose one that has a short or medium length coat. Curly-coated breeds do not shed much and can sport a short clip, which you can get away with a once or twice a week brushing. If, on the other hand, you are the type of person who loves to play hairdresser, you'll appreciate a long-haired or double-coated breed.

Dog Fences - Dog Fences Are A Great Way To Keep Your Puppy Happy Outdoors

If you have the luxury of owning a backyard piece of property then your puppy or adult dog deserves the freedom of being able to roam outdoors in the yard without the risk of wandering off. Of course this entails creating a fenced enclosure so that he can run free and spend plenty of time outside.

The type of fenced area you choose can be that of a full yard enclosure like most common homes have, or if there is no fence and the yard is open, you can create a smaller fence with four sides and a small gate. This type of fenced setup will allow your dog to take advantage of his freedom while at the same time benefiting from your company when you are outside handling landscaping tasks. And of course, dogs have the most fun when you play outdoor games with them.

The Cons Of A Fenced Enclosure

Although the benefits of allowing your dog to roam free with fenced borders outside far outweighs the cons, there are a few downsides which you should be aware of. For example, you may be tempted to leave your dog outside in the secured fenced area for a long period of time if you have to leave the house for some reason. This can cause your dog to panic and experience high anxiety levels of stress.

This stress can lead small puppies and dogs to attempt escaping from either climbing the fence or digging through the ground. Never underestimate how far your dog is willing to go when he feels all alone and abandoned. Of course with time and proper conditioning, most dogs can be trusted when left alone. However, you should use caution with small puppies and never leave them alone for too long a time.

Electrical Fences

Electrical fences are definitely popular among many dog owners. You'll have to decide for yourself if you feel it's right to keep your dog outside with barriers that can shock him if crossed. Although the dog cannot see these borders, it keeps them enclosed in an area by an underground wire which will shock the animal if he passes over it, due to a specific battery operated collar around his neck.

Electrical dog fences are known to do a great job at keeping a dog or puppy secure, but there are some safety measures in which you need to adhere to due to the nature of the product. Puppies that are too young should not be confined with an electrical fence. Your dog must be no younger than six months old. Also, these fences will not prevent other animals from coming into the enclosed area. This could prove dangerous to your dog. All in all, just use a little common sense with proper training, and your dog should have no problems with an electrical fence.

Harnesses & Halters - Better Leash Control By Using Body Harnesses & Head Halters

You may want to consider having your puppy use a body harness instead of a collar, especially for smaller-sized dogs. Body harnesses are secured with adjustable straps that fasten across the puppy's chest and over its front legs.

There are various styles of body harnesses is to choose from, but the majority of them have the basic metal D-ring which clips to the leash and is located on the strap that runs down the dog's back. They can be used instead of collars which provide a much safer environment when the puppy tries to pull away.

In this regard, the puppy receives the tension from the leash, instead of his or her neck, which could result in a spinal injury. Puppies are specially prone to running and darting every chance they get, even when on-leash. By removing the pressure from the dog's airway, body harnesses are a safe and effective alternative to standard neck collars.

Other Types Of Body Harnesses

There is also a wonderful body harness that is specifically designed to discourage your dog or puppy from pulling away. It is manufactured so that the cords of the harness go down and under the front legs, then routing backup to where the lead attaches. When the dog attempts to pull, the cords automatically press on his armpit region, thereby stopping the dog in his attempt to pull away.

Another type of body harness designed to deter your puppy from going in his own direction is known as a "no pull" harness. This type of setup as a rain located in the center of the chest strap with a leash is attached. It is a simple these on that allows the leash to turn the dog's body away from the direction he is trying to go into. If he tries to pull one way, the dog's body will inadvertently be shifted into the opposite direction.

Are Head Halters Considered A Safe Alternative?

Many dog owners prefer the use of head halters as an alternative to a body harness. There are several types of head halters available and all of them are designed to prevent your dog from pulling the leash.

Regardless of the specific type, all head halters have a strap that goes around your dog's muzzle and then another strap that is securely placed around the neck. If the dog pulls away, the halter will force his head towards the opposite direction in which he is trying to move into.

Head halters work just fine but there are some drawbacks. For one thing, and halters look very similar to muzzles, and when strangers see a dog with a muzzle, it is assumed to be unfriendly. Some people may get nervous or give harsh stares toward your dog, others may react in a rude manner.

Another drawback is that most dogs do not get used to a head halter quickly. It takes quite some time for them to adjust to the strange fitting. It may take up to two to three weeks in some cases. If your dog reacts extremely negative towards the head halter, he may start to associate walks on the leash with an unpleasant experience. And let's face it, walking outside with you should be your dog's favorite pastime, so take notice of your pet's reaction and try not to force a head halter on your dog if it does not appear to be working out.