Biting
Dogs
by
David the Dogman
Often
dogs lash out when reprimanded for doing something wrong. This
is because the dog does not know what it is doing wrong. It only
knows you are being aggressive.
Remember a dog should not be punished for anything after three
seconds of the act, it just does not understand. Any punishment
after that time can result in the dog fearing you and can often
cause aggression.
Smack
a puppy which nips you and you will just teach it to nip and run.
Shout 'ouch' and ignore it. Teach it that nipping is not rewarding
by ignoring.
Biting
by dogs is a serious problem as these statistics from America
show.
According
to the Journal of the American Medical Association, dog bites
are responsible for 4.5 million injuries every year in the U.S.A.,
750,000 people requiring medical attention and 334,000 ending
in a hospital emergency room. The Insurance Information Institute
reported that insurance companies paid an estimated $250 million
in dog bite liability claims in 1996. More than half of all dog
bites come from familiar dogs, those of friends, neighbours and
even the owner’s own dog.
While
some breeds may have more aggressive tendencies, all dogs are
potential biters so don't be misled by size.
However
the Humane Society of the United States reports that period from
1979-1996, five breeds, the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd,
Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, were responsible for two-thirds
of fatal dog attacks and, in two years from 1980 to 1996, 304
people died from dog attacks.
The
American Veterinary Medical Association reports that dog attacks
in the U.S. are the No. 1 public health problem for children,
with more than half of all children bitten by age 12, most before
the age of nine years. The leading reason for dog euthanasia is
aggressive tendencies.
Commitment,
Firmness, but kindness.
Do
you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem
to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works
and lives in Marbella, Spain.
Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers
and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years
and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police.
He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea
rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs.
David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and
the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check
chains, or any form of aggression.
David
The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home,
for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388