Tips

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DOGS AND CHILDREN

Dogs have a unique relationship with people. As the understanding of the ‘pack’ mentality becomes more prevalent, it becomes easier to see why dogs act the way they do. Understanding and altering dog behavior revolves around understanding dog behavior and the importance of dominance and submission in the dog psyche. It is important to remember that in the dog’s mind the family is a pack unit and everyone in that family has a certain ‘position’ in the pack. In most families, one or both of the parents are considered the pack leaders and the dog is subordinate to them. When small children are involved, dogs almost always consider the children equal or lower in the pack hierarchy than they are, and this is where the problem arises.

Because the dog considers the child a subordinate, it may refuse to obey the child’s commands or ‘accidentally’ bump into the child and knock her down. It may escalate to growling at the child when the child is near food or toys, or even baring his teeth and biting when the child approaches or tries to play with the dog. It is essential that the parent understands this hierarchal relationship and takes precautions to prevent problems from arising. Parents should teach their child how to behave around the dog and teach their dog, how to behave around the child.

Children love to play with dogs but child/dog play should be supervised by an adult.  The adult should be able to monitor the behavior of both child and dog and be ready to intervene.  Of course, obedience training should be establish beforehand so that the dog understand commands and will stop play or listen when asked to. Young children should never be left alone with a dog.

Why dogs bite children, and how to prevent it

When dogs bite adults it is usually out of fear and perhaps out of aggression. When dogs bite children it may also be from fear or aggression, but many times it is a ‘warning bite.’ The warning bite is usually to the face or hand and while traumatic for the child, is often not serious in a medical nature.

Although any dog bite is considered extremely serious, it is important to distinguish between the nature of the bite to prevent problems in the future. When a dominant dog is unhappy with a subordinate dog he will use a series of body positions to signal that he is unhappy and the subordinate dog better stop what he is doing. If the subordinate dog still does not stop, then the dominant dog will growl and possibly bare his teeth. If the subordinate dog still refuses to obey, the dominant dog will snarl and quickly bite the subordinate dog. The bite is not intended to injure the subordinate dog, but is meant as a stern warning and punishment. This is very similar to what happens to children when they are bitten.

Unfortunately, children are not able to interpret the dog’s language, nor is the dog capable of communicating in any other way. Therefore, almost all dog bites are a result of failure on the parents’ part to recognize and prevent potential problem situations. This does not, however, completely take the blame away from the dog. Dogs are capable of learning to control their behavior and not bite, and older children can learn to ‘leave the dog alone.’ However, when a dog bite occurs, the blame should rest with the adults for failing to prevent it and the child and dog should not be punished for acting like children or dogs.

If a child is bitten and the skin is broken, the wound should be thoroughly cleaned and medical attention should be sought, if necessary. The psychological effects of a dog bite are often much worse than the physical effects. If a child is afraid of dogs after the incident you need to address that problem as well. Slowly introducing the child back to dogs while the child is in a secure environment (being held) is one approach. However, do not underestimate the potential for the child to develop a long-term fear; seek professional help if your child is having trouble adjusting to being around dogs again.

HEATSTROKE/HYPERTHERMIA AND HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heatstroke or Hyperthermia
Heatstroke or Hyperthermia can be a common occurrence during the warm summer months.  Dogs are prone to over-heating because they do not sweat like humans but instead pant.  Excessive panting can cause dehydration.  Other key factors would be obesity, advanced age, youth (puppy), and poor ventilation can lead a dog into hyperthermia (heatstroke).  Owners of breeds with short noses such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pekinese, etc. should be especially cautious.

Heatstroke is associated with elevation in body temperature.  Dogs who have been afflicted with heatstroke are unable to regulate their body temperature.  Cell damage usually begins to occur at body temperatures over 106 degrees (Fahrenheit).

If untreated severe heatstroke results in kidney, liver, and/or heart failure.  Dogs that are treated after a significant delay may survive but could be left with permanent effects such as blood clotting disorders, metabolic abnormalities, muscle damage, and/or brain dysfunction.

Symptoms of Heatstroke or Hyperthermia (Some or all may be present):

• Panting
• Weakness or collapse
• Elevated temperature (from 105-110 degrees – normal is 101-102 degrees)
• Vomiting, diarrhea and / or lack of urine production
• Seizures
• Fast pounding pulse
• Blank or starring expression

Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion can occur during or after exercise, particularly on hot or humid days.  Heat exhaustion may not be associated with an elevation in body temperature.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Collapse or fainting
• Mentally dazed
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramps (seizure-like tremors)
• Abnormally rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing
• Muscle weakness

Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion Prevention

• Provide air-conditioned shelters for outside dogs.
• Provide free access to water at all times.
• Take your dog for a walk early in the morning before the sun is up fully and in the late afternoon when the sun is down.
• Make your walks shorter, carry water for your dog and watch your dog careful for signs of stress & over heating.
• If you have to leave your dog in a car, park in a shaded area and leave the air-conditioning running.  Never leave your dog without air-conditioning  , even for 1 minute. Car inside temperatures can rise extremely fast.

Heatstroke First Aid Materials

• 2-liter soda bottle
• Towel or blanket
• Thermometer and lubricating jelly

Heatstroke First Aid

1. Take the dog’s temperature. Is the dog’s temperature 106 degrees (F) or greater, is he/she experiencing shortness of breath, and extremely hot to the touch?
2. Contact your veterinarian or animal emergency care facility immediately for advice on how to avoid shock and other complications.  Advise them on the symptoms and seek their advice for further instructions.
3. If unable to reach your veterinarian use the following as guidelines but not as a replacement for veterinary advice.
4. Immerse the dog in cool to cold water.  The bathtub is ideal.
5. Monitor temperature, taking every 2 minutes and note any changes.  Remove the dog from cool bath once his/her temperature reaches 104 degrees; do not wait until the dog’s temperature is normal.  The temperature may continue to drop to an unsafe level.  Speak to your pet in a normal, soothing tone.  If you panic or are overly excited, this may frighten your pet.
6. If temperature falls below 100 degrees, keep your pet warm by covering with the towel/blanket.  Place a 2-liter soda bottle filled with warm (not hot) water against the dog.
7. Attempt to contact your veterinarian or animal emergency care facility again.

Transportation to the Veterinarian

• If at all possible two people should assist with transporting the dog to the veterinarian; one to drive and one to provide care for your pet.
• The vehicle must have the air-conditioning on during the trip.
• Use a pet carrier if possible, especially if only one person is transporting the dog.  A dog that normally responds well to car rides may not act the same under emergency conditions.
• Secure the carrier if possible.

Please note that your veterinarian is the best person to ask any health related questions.

NATIONAL K-9® LEARNING CENTER
WWW.NK9.COM
Copyright: February 2005, National K-9, Inc.

TIPS FOR MULTI DOG HOUSEHOLDS.

There are increasing calls regarding problems in multi-dog households. Often we hear that one dog is *suddenly* becoming aggressive with the others and causing fights. Without exception, a lack of human leadership in the home is the primary cause of the problem. What seems sudden has actually been a building problem, but the symptoms went without notice.

In an effort to help a dog * be happy* many people add more dogs to the household for companionship. However, there is often surprise when this addition creates tension and chaos rather than a play buddy. It is true that lots of people live with two or more dogs without difficulty but that success is due to their ability to convey structure and rules to their dogs (whether they realized it or not).

The key to living successfully with multiple dogs is understanding their needs and motivations, as well as how those things work in a group dynamic. In short, dogs that are allowed to create their own rules and structure are not going to set up a nice little democracy where sharing and fair play will be the standard. Unfortunately is doesn’t naturally work that way with a group of dogs. Well, it doesn’t always work that way in human groups either……at least not without someone being in charge. Animals will covet resources. For our domestic dogs the resources are food, toys, you and space.
Armed with the knowledge of what is important to your dogs, you can now establish routines of living together and maintaining the peace in your tribe. Here are a few thoughts on the types of routines to fall into.

* Adequate exercise: Dog’s that have pent up energy are going to be prone to frustration (which leads to scuffles) Make sure your dogs get adequate exercise in the form of structured walks/jogs on leash with you. Too often it is assumed that having one of more dogs will mean the dogs will entertain one another by playing in the back yard. While this may be true, it does not replace the responsibility and value of walking the dog.

* Control feeding time: Many fights start around the food bowl and during feeding time. Feed each of your dogs from his/her own bowl rather than expecting them to share. Put down the food (feeding the calmest dog first) and remain in the room to ensure no one is attempting to steal someone else’s ration. If this is not possible due to your schedule than consider separating the dogs by using crates or different rooms. Dog’s should be allowed to eat without feeling they need to defend or guard their meal.

* Take charge of space in your home: Dogs are very spacial oriented. *Territory* such as the couch, the bed or access to the front door, should be something you control rather than your dog. If you allow your dog on the furniture, be aware of potential problems and watch for dogs who begin to defend that space. Growling, lip lifting, baring teeth, etc. should be nipped in the bud at the first sign. These behaviors indicate your dog believes he/she has the right to warn off others. If you mistakenly excuse the behavior it can escalate into fights down the road. You may need to remind yourself that it is; Your Couch, Your Bed, Your Front Door…….rather than your dogs. It is easier to keep perspective on the appropriateness of Fido’s actions when you take this viewpoint toward his/her behavior. Dog’s can also begin to become possessive of you and it is not uncommon for one dog to growl when another comes near you. This is often interpreted as *he/she is jealous when I pet the other one*. Jealous isn’t really the right emotion to attach to this type of behavior. Imagine if your dog could speak. Rather than growl, you would hear him/her saying, “Hey Dog, back off, that is MY human!” Does that sentence change your perception of what is going on? It should and your response to such behavior is “Quiet Fido” I have the right to pet and play with which ever dog I chose in this house……cause after all, I pay the mortgage/rent.

* Monitor play time: It is normal for many dogs to play by wrestling, grabbing each others neck, play biting and tugging with toys. Supervision of these activities will allow you to intervene if you feel it is getting out of hand. As you learn to calm the energy down when it gets too high you will be teaching the dogs to develop better self control when playing. Without supervision, wild, high energy behavior can escalate until, just as our parents told us when we were growing up “someone’s going to get hurt”

Living with a group of dogs can be delightful,but it is a responsibility. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes more challenging. The dynamics are going to depend on the individuals that make up your group. Pick wisely as you add new members to your household, establish boundaries and rules early on and find a professional trainer if you are currently struggling with one or more of your canine companions.