Preventing Dog Attacks... (MHO)

[Guest Anonymous]

Okay, so I was comming back from Prince today, and had a whole two hours to think about this (plus the two hours there, but I read my book lol).

So, I was thinking about how in Elementary school, I'd heard at least THREE TIMES lectures from a speaker about protecting myself from Bears, and the occasional Couger. Bears were discussed the most though, because they are more common around here. It was basiclly a manditory thing to learn what to do if a bear attacks, or if we find ourselves on the same path as a bear.
I know what to do off by heart yet, and have never been attacked :lol: Although have seen MAAAANY bears in my 17 years of existance :D

So, I started thinking... why don't they do this for dogs too? I know SOME people on their own time go in to talk to schools about pet care, and sometimes dog attacks, but why aren't there more?

I've decided that this is my plans for the Molsonator now :wink:

1. Finish trianing him a good solid OB
2. Trial him in Agility and maybe Disc Dogs (still working on getting the Disc Dog Assosiation of Canada in BC, since it works out of Ontario)
3. Get his CGN (canine good neighbor)
4. Get him into Therapy Work
5. Take him to schools and discuss to kids about owning a dog, and dog attacks

I plan to do the same when I get my AmStaff :wink:

Sound good to anyone else? It's probably guna take a few years, but I'm willing to put the work into it! :D Coal's really my first dog I could DO things with ya know? I wasn't interested in doing these kinds of things with the dog I had before I got Hazel, and Hazel couldn't because of her aggression, so I plan to use him to my full extent :lol: :lol: :wink: Plus Coal NEEDS a job, he is SUCH a demanding dog! SOOOO energetic and intelligent, I KNOW he can do all of that as long as I put my mind to training him to do it :D


SOOOO, I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who takes their dogs out (specificly Pit bulls and other bullies) and educates the public about what to do if a dog seems like it will attack, or is giving warning, how to PREVENT an attack, and what to do if an attack occurs? As well as teaching about just plan responsible dog ownership!

If there isn't many, maybe anyone else out there would like to join me in some of my goals? :P

[pitbullEmily]

The AKC has some great material for kids about behavior around dogs.
Their video actually features a Staffy Bull, too.

[Smooshie]

Thats a great idea Shara!

actually, my son was in Kindergarten this year, and our county Animal Services department visited his school, and educated the children on proper pet care, and behaviour around strange dogs...I thought that was cool...they sent all the kids home with a coloring book that summarized everything they learned, and literature for the parents....and what was really awesome about the visit is that the dog they brought with them to demonstrate to the children, was a beautiful CGC Pittie !

[imported_Cassie]

We have a gentleman from the Canine unit (police force) who takes his well trained German Shepherd to schools to educate children about dog attacks. He has a very well trained dog which he will demonstrate to the children things that may set a dog off.
I also have taught my neices and nephews how to act around strange dogs and they know the difference between an offensive dog, a dog in predatory drift and fearful dogs. They also know that a waggin tail does not always mean the dog is friendly :lol:
I think in order to teach such skills to children it would be a really good idea to take an animal behaviorist course. Learn ALOT about predatory drives and breed specific drives.
In my area we have a few vets who are also certified behaviorists.

I think it would be a great idea Shara for you to teach programs like this to children.
Its also nice if you can have videos of each type of aggression and how the dog acts and what to watch for...this would help you to learn the behavior and body posturing of each type of aggression. For example an offensive dog is going to act ALOT differently than a fearful or defensive dog.

Good luck

[Guest Anonymous]

Actually Cassie, my goal is to be a behaviorist, but there are SOOO many courses I have to take, and I need good grades NOW to be able to get into them, and lets face it, I've barely passed any class since grade 4. :( But I am going to Canada West Canine Center after I gradute :D Well, hopefully anyway. I sent them a bunch of questions i have, and i still have to talk to Jared about what he wants to do when we grad.

[Guest Anonymous]

what ag reat plan shara!! :) we have no training against bears here. lol and every sumer we get fliers on our doors saying watch out for the black bears that live up on miller hill....( behind my house) Justin has seena few.. not me.. and he tells me this AFTER the dogs and us are half way up the hill.. you better belive i called my dogs back and head downt hat hill as fast as i could!

[courtnek]

the police department here has taken K9 units into the schools. One. of them, "Walter E. Smith" (why he's name after a furniture store I have NO clue) called WES for short, is trained to "act out" certain dog behaviors to show the kids the differences between aggression, fear, dominance and submission. each session is followed by the kids answering what THEY think they should do under the circumstances. and handouts of course, with tail, lip and ear positions etc.

I think it's a good policy. I applaud you on your choices Shara.

:D

[mouseatthebusstop]

my goal is to be a behaviorist,

you go for it Shara

[Guest Anonymous]

DAL - want some bear advice? :lol: Just like with a threatening dog, you Slowly back away if you find a bear on your path, so that it doesn't chase you. If it DOES, drop and make like a dead tree :lol: You make sure your face is to the ground and wrap your hands around the back of your neck, this way you protect all your vital organs :wink: If the bear then bats at you, you roll and keep rolling until your face is back to the ground :wink: Least, thats' what we were taught!

Thanks Court! Right now we're just working on Coal's people skills :lol: He tends to be OVER friendly and jump on people and ram his nose in their crotch! :o :lol: But, we're working on it :D We took him for a ride in the truck last night when we went to get grociers and rent a movie, and he did good in the truck. Dad was worried it would be like Tuner and Hooch and he'd come back to find his seats all ripped up :lol: :lol: But nope, actually Coal tried to help to clean dad's INCREDIBLLY dirty truck by drooling everywhere, I was impressed and thankful, but dad sure wasn't :lol: :lol:

Mouse - Thanks, I really would like to. I think I'm going to go to CWCC first, get some experience with dogs just training them first, and start with that. Then if I feel like going back to school and taking bio and all that jazz, I will :D