PET BEHAVIOR CONSULTING

Solutions for pets with behavior problems in MA & NH

Dog Bite Prevention

  • Never approach a dog without the owner’s permission.  Just ask “is it okay for me to pat your dog”?  When you do approach the dog, always move slowly and quietly so the dog won’t get too excited. 

  • Never approach a dog from behind and touch him, the dog should always see you before you reach for him. 

  • Let the dog approach you first to smell you and become comfortable before you pat him. 

  • Do not reach through a fence to pat a dog or reach for a dog tied up in an area.

  • When an unfamiliar dog approaches you, stand still and quiet.  Do not reach for the dog or scream, this will frighten or excite the dog and he may bite you!  If the dog tries to bite you, try to use an object to block him from you like a backpack or purse. 

  • If a scary dog is running after you, don’t run, this will only excite the dog more.  Instead, stop and stand still with your arms crossed in front of your chest.  If you fall, curl up into a ball and act like a rock, cover your face and ears.  Try to be as quiet as you can.  The dog may try to bite you, but will soon loose interest because you are boring.

  • Not every dog that wags it’s tail is friendly so don’t use that as your guide when deciding which dogs you’d like to ask to pat.  Always ask the dog’s owner if he is friendly and if you can pat him.

  • Never try to interact with a stray dog or a dog that is alone.

  • If you come upon a dog that is hurt, find an adult or call the local dog officer or SPCA.

  • Never leave a dog and a baby alone together in the same room, not even for a few seconds!

  • Do not disturb a dog while it is sleeping or resting.

  • Do not bother a dog while he is eating out of his bowl or while eating a treat like a rawhide or stuffed kong toy. 

  • Never pull on a dog’s ears, tail or fur.  Teach children to pat animals with an open hand from a young age. 

  • Never put your face in a dog’s face.  The dog may not think this is affection and get upset.

 

Listening to today's confident ...

How to De-skunk Your Dog

Solution to "de-skunk" your dog: 
Watch the Nature episode below, select part 4 "Behind the Spray", approx. 1:35 minutes into it they'll tell you about this solution!  Good luck!
 
 
Make sure to mix outdoors:
1 quart of 3% Peroxide
1/4 Cup Baking Soda
1 Tsp. Detergent
Sponge onto stinky dog, making sure to avoid the eyes.  Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse off with water. 
*DO NOT ALLOW DOG TO LICK SOLUTION OR IT WILL CAUSE ILLNESS*
 
Ask a Vet: Homemade Recipe for Skunk ...
 
Here's another solution tested by a friend:
Baking Soda based Toothpaste works even better! You just put it on the dog, wet and lather it up, wait 10 minutes and wash it off.

Beware of puppy mills

Story on buying puppies from craigslist.  You must click on "watch the report" to understand how horribly these people really treat the dogs.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/investigative/18870823/detail.html

Nightline story about puppy mills in Amish country PA:
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=7187712&page=1


Websites featuring puppy mill facts & stories:
http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-puppy-mills

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22670940/