Second Chance: Even Good Dogs Bite

23 Aug Second Chance: Even Good Dogs Bite

The fact is 77% of dog bites come from the family or friend’s dog.

Dogs usually get blamed for the bite (and even removed from the home and/or euthanized) when often times the fact is their people failed to protect the dog from danger. Dogs do not talk, but they do provide clear communication. Dogs need you to listen. I am here to tell you how to do that.

Jack

Dog to person: no matter how hard we try, there still can come a point where we just can’t take any more. Most of us have a breaking point – a face stuffed up into our face, pulling of the tail, too tight of a hug. Affection from people can be downright frightening to a dog. Although we can be amazing at dealing with all the stuff people throw our way, we still may need your help.

Kids can sometimes be extra scary to dogs because they’re…kids…more unpredictable, more unruly, more uncoordinated and way more likely to get in a dog’s face than most adults. Dogs use their whole bodies to show you how they’re feeling. So to keep us all safe, it’s your job to watch and listen.

Make sure the dogs around your kids are always comfortable. At the first sign that they’re not — give them a break. Move the children far enough away so that the dog can relax again. If no one is there to protect dogs, they’re left with no choice but to protect themselves…

Learn to recognize the very first signs of discomfort.  There are some good resources on websites such as doggonesafe.com or stopthe77.com you should use to help you and your kids understand what dogs are trying saying. Learning those particular skills is important not only to understand your dog, but also to stay safe around other dogs they meet too.

My name is Jack. I am a 7-year-old Anatolian Shepherd. And to clarify, I am not writing this pet column because I have bitten or because there are concerns about me biting. I am writing to help all dogs and their people. I am like the Smoky the Dog of dog biting: “Only you can prevent…”

I am very gentle and loving with people, but would prefer to be the only dog in your life. I am a puppy mill survivor and just ready to be pampered in a home where all the focus on me. My big heart and body are made for big loving.

Come meet me at the Second Chance shelter today…

Newby

By the way, Newby, a 3-year-old feline here at Second Chance wanted me to add that a) he is available for adoption too and has been waiting for over a year! And b) kids can also make cats bite them too – so watch and protect them around kids as well!

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff with Cabella & Wilbur

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup or get your pup (or adult dog) trained than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org

Vetting the Vet: Dr. Michelle Dally, DVM, J.D. is Medical Director of Second Chance Humane Society. She also has a private practice, Dally Veterinary Medicine, 333 S. Elizabeth Street, Ridgway, Colorado. Her service area is  San Miguel Mesas, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. For more on Dr. Dally, go here.

Michelle & Wallowby