April 2012 Archives

A. We humans use hugs to communicate our affection. Dogs also use gestures - like nuzzling, nudging and rubbing up against either - to show affection. Using human gestures on our canine companions, however, can make them uncomfortable.

Here are some suggestions on how to let your dog know how much you love him WITHOUT making him flinch!

NOTE: Parents, please share this with your children.

• Respect your dog's space. Since dogs don't hug like we do, they often feel cornered or trapped when hugged. Instead of hugging, try petting him instead.

• To a dog, petting is similar to nuzzling. It's relaxing and calming to him. The most enjoyable type of petting we can give a dog is to stroke him under his chin and on his chest. Dogs that are hypersensitive to touch because of age or illness may find even the softest touch startling, so keep your movements slow and even. 

• Don't pick up your small dog. While most of us cannot physically pick up a Bull Mastiff, we don't hesitate to swoop down and lift tiny dogs like Bichons or Chihuahuas. We forget that no matter how small, a dog is still a dog. Being held is simply not natural to a dog and puts him in a position where he may feel trapped, or injured if he should fall.

• Grabbing your dog's collar to deal with issues like jumping up or bolting out the door can be viewed as very threatening. You may have noticed that the more you pull back on your dog's leash or collar, the more he pulls forward. This is a natural, built-in reaction that can cause damage to the dog's neck and back.
  

• Help your dog get used to being handled physically for nail clipping, grooming, washing, and veterinary checkups by gently touching his body, head, and feet every day. Make these sessions pleasant by giving him treats, which are both a reward for his good behavior and a distraction while he is being groomed or examined.

By building a foundation of trust with your dog, he will understand that your touch is not only enjoyable but will keep him safe from harm.

Less than two percent of cats and only 15-20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. In honor of National Pet ID Week (April 15-21), let's all give our pets the best chance of coming home in the event they are lost!

New technologies mean you now have more options than ever for protecting your pets if they are separated from you. For example, microchipping is a popular process in which a microchip about the size of a piece of rice is implanted under your pet's skin.

When the microchip is scanned at a veterinarian's office or animal shelter, it will pull up your pet's information in a national database. If your pet is already microchipped, find your microchip registration card--or contact the vet or shelter that did the implant to learn where it is registered--and make sure your contact information is current.

However, advanced forms of ID do NOT mean you should abandon traditional ID tags on your pets' collars! This is still the quickest, simplest way for the average person on the street to help reunite you with your pet.

I recognize that having a companion animal to love, enjoy and respect is a privilege.

A pet is a living creature, not a "throwaway" item.

My family and I are aware of our daily responsibility in caring for a pet and the changes this will make in our lives.

My pet depends upon me for safe shelter, fresh water, wholesome food, grooming, proper veterinary care and training. I will provide these to the best of my ability.

When selecting my pet, I will consider the life expectancy, physical characteristics and behavioral differences among animals.

I will begin to properly socialize and train my pet when it is one to two months old.

I will control my pet's ability to reproduce in an effort to prevent the cruel over-production of unwanted animals that will be abandoned.

I will obey all laws pertaining to my pet in order to prevent it from annoying or injuring my neighbors.

My pet will be properly identified in a suitable manner at all times. If my pet becomes lost, I will make every effort to promptly find it.

If for any reason I can no longer keep my pet, I will not abandon it. I will do my best to find my pet a suitable home, take it to a reputable animal shelter, or, if no other choice exists, have the animal euthanized by a veterinarian.

Signed _____________________________________