Monday, July 19, 2010

Shy Dogs - Recognizing Shy Dog Behavior

 Shy Dogs
 
You've probably seen them - the ones who duck or back away when you try to pet them
 
Many people assume these fearful dogs were probably physically abused by someone in the past.  This might be true but many times, the only abuse is neglect.  Dogs that miss out on human socialization during critical periods in the their life can grow up to be shy.  [img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/latrenda12/Rodney/RodneyatBotanicalGardens08-01-2009C.jpg[/img]One or two trainers have told me that the critical period is between 6 and 20 weeks.  Sadly, there are a lot of dogs who go years without any positive human contact. Some of them have survived on the streets or in the country on their own for a while and sadly some of them had a "home" where the "parents" simply left them outside all day..maybe throwing out some food and water occasionally.
 
These dogs can grow to like humans and enjoy their company. It just takes a little patience and time.  Humans have to learn how to "speak dog" to help these babies come out of their shells. They are well worth the wait.
 
If you are like me, you love doggies so much that you want to pet and hug and squeeze and kiss just about all of them.  It's especially tempting to try to "comfort" a fearful dog.  Shy dogs like affection but you have to take it slow and only do it when they are ready
 
Imagine if you were in a strange land where all the beings were 4 times taller than you and they spoke strangely and moved strangely.  Now imagine if one of them tried to make you feel better by walking over to you and giving you a big hug while you were backed in a corner.  You might just feel worse. You'd probably want to spend some time understanding their customs and their language first. You might want to make sure they are not a threat before you let them touch you.
 
 
How do you know a dog is shy? Look at their body language. Their eyes are darting back and forth - probably because they want to check to make sure there is a safe place to retreat to.  Their tails are tucked - sometimes plastered to their belly. They might stick out their tongues a lot.  They might crouch, duck, try to run or at least back away when approached.
 
Caution: A fearful dog is just as likely to bite as an aggressive dog.  Make sure that the dog feels like he has an escape route.  Cornered dogs,  are highly likely to bite. A dog on a leash who can't get away might also bite.
 
How to "talk" to shy dogs
 
In dog language, a direct stare can mean confrontation.  When dealing with a shy dog, use your peripheral vision or look over their heads. Don't face them directly but have your side facing  their side.  Note: with some extremely shy dogs, I have walked backwards or crawled backwards to approach them but I don't recommend this with an unknown dog.  A fearful dog could nip you on the butt or heels when your back is turned.
 
Don't approach a shy dog directly (normally you don't approach; let them come to you). Walk in an arc and make sure your movements are fluid and smooth. Not jerky or quick.  Crouch and move slowly but not too slow. It can make a scared dog suspicious.
 
Make yourself appear smaller and less threatening by crouching or squatting or getting on your knees.  Note: dogs really appreciate when you get down on their level.  But (just personal experience) it seems to me that they prefer the human to crouch or sit rather than lay down flat. But you are less threatening laying down than standing up.
 
Offer a cupped hand or open palm or forearm only after the dog seems a little curious about you or is approaching you.  When trying to pet the dog, make sure your fingers are cupped - not spread out towards the dog.  According to one researcher, fingers pointing directly at a dog can look like bared teeth.
 
Never try to pet a shy dog on top of the head.  Start low, scratch their chest, maybe under their chin.  If they seem to enjoy it, you can try moving slowly up to their shoulder.  If you really want to pet them on the head, you can move from the shoulder to the back and then to the ears then pet their head from the back (only if they are comfortable).  Going over their head from the front can scare them.
 
You might notice that many shy dogs are more fearful of men and children. Could it because a man or child abused them in the past? Could be but.. men are bigger; their voices are louder. So they can be scarier. Children move in weird ways, they wave their hands all about, they make strange high pitched noises and they run directly towards dog.  Of course children should always be highly supervised around pets. This is especially important with shy dogs. Most dog bites happen to children and many of those bites are on the face.  Children must be taught when a scared dog has "had enough"
 
So, why is it that a well-adjusted dog doesn't mind when you stare at him or pet him on the head or go to pet her with your fingers out?
This is La Trenda's philosophy (haven't read this anywhere)
Well-adjusted dogs are "bilingual" - speaking human and dog.  You'll see a dog greet another dog with eyes averted (dog language) but that dog won't mind when you stare at him (human language).  So dogs who received human socialization when they were younger understand that a direct stare is okay in human language.
Dog who like cats are also "bilingual" or "trilingual".  In cat language a tail that points straight up means the cat is in a good mood. In dog language, a tail putting straight up could mean confrontation is about to happen.  But a dog who "speaks cat" doesn't mind when kitty walks around with her tail sticking straight up:
 
For more info on speaking dog, Check out "How to Speak Dog" by Stanley Coren.
Also see: http://fuzzychildren.blogspot.com/2009/06/shy-or-unsocialized-dogs-approaching.html
 http://fuzzychildren.blogspot.com/2009/11/precautions-when-living-with-shy-dogs.html

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Lost and Found Be careful when turning over a found dog

Lost and Found - Be careful when turning over a found dog

 

If you are Good Samaritan who picks up strays in San Antonio, you probably know by now how hard it is to find a place for the fur kid.  San Antonio has one of the worst stray problems in the country. Even though there are several shelters and rescues in the city, they are always full.

 

Kind hearted people have to take precautions when placing found dogs.  Of course the first thing you need to do is try to find the original parents - flyers, newspaper ads, internet ads, etc...http://www.meetup.com/sabigdawgs/messages/boards/thread/9347136/10#36523778

 

Precautions apply to any found dog, but good Samaritans who find small dogs, purebred dogs and certain bully or power breeds or breeds with reputations have to be extra cautious. Puppies are also quite popular but good Samaritans should be aware that a lot of people will dump puppies once the cuteness wares off

[list]

[*]Big market for lap or purse sized dogs. People will sell the dogs to the first person who comes along or to the person with the most money - not making sure the dog gets into the best home.  Since the seller or broker is only concerned with making money, the conditions in which the dog is kept while waiting for a buyer could be atrocious. Vet care, proper nutrition is non-existent because that costs money.

 

[*] Purebred dogs can also be a money maker for unscrupulous people

 

[*] Unscrupulous people are happy to take Pit Bulls, Rottweiler, Chows, etc... for fighting, "junk yard dogs," guard dogs, money makers, etc... 

 

[*] Note that any size or breed dog can wind up in the wrong hands - unstable people (hoarders, animal abusers, killers, bait dogs) research labs, etc...

[/list]

 

Sometimes no matter how well you try to make sure a dog winds up in the right place, bad things can happen. But there are some precautions that good Samaritans can take

[list]

 

[*] If someone claims to be the owner of a dog you found, ask for vet records, family photos, copies of lost/found flyers, ads, etc.  If none can be produced, then ask questions to try to figure out if the person is telling the truth or lying.  Ask the same question in different ways and check for consistency.  If on the phone, ask caller for distinguishing physical characteristics (something you left out of the flyers).  If face to face ask how they acquired the dog, personality traits, etc... You can ask when their dog went missing.  If they say May 18th, but you've had the dog since April, then you will know something is up

 

[*] If you post the dog on the internet - like craigslist, etc...  be extra cautious of anyone who contacts you claiming to be a rescue.  Rescues are always over flowing. True rescues/shelters turn down  turn-in requests every day.  It is highly unlikely that a rescue would contact someone offering to take a dog. It is more likely that the person calling is looking to make a quick buck off the dog you have found. Or worse.

 

[*] If you are able to find a rescue or shelter to take the dog, be sure to check out the place if possible. See what conditions the pets are kept in. If the rescue is a foster network, they won't have a location to check out.  But still ask lots of questions about how the dogs are housed, what are their adoption procedures. Ask to see their adoption application, adoption contract. Ask which vet they use for their rescues (very important).  Ask about their 501 C 3 status. There are some good rescuers who might not have that status yet, but they should at least know what it is.  If they claim to be a 501 C 3 check them out at guidestar.org or charitynavigator.org. Ask how their pets are advertised.  The rescue should know about Petfinder.

 

[*] If you are going to try to find a home for the animal yourself - which is likely because shelters are always full - do criminal background checks, home visits, check with apartment managers, rental property owners to see if pets are allowed and if there are any breed or size restrictions. Check vet records of any present or past pets.  Ask lots of questions about how the dog will be living, who will be caring for the dog, etc..

[/list]

 

More info for rescuers here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_762fvbhqjdk

http://charitynavigator.org/

http://www2.guidestar.org/

 

 

 

 


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Lost and Found Be careful when turning over a found dog

Lost and Found - Be careful when turning over a found dog

 

If you are Good Samaritan who picks up strays in San Antonio, you probably know by now how hard it is to find a place for the fur kid.  San Antonio has one of the worst stray problems in the country. Even though there are several shelters and rescues in the city, they are always full.

 

Kind hearted people have to take precautions when placing found dogs.  Of course the first thing you need to do is try to find the original parents - flyers, newspaper ads, internet ads, etc...http://www.meetup.com/sabigdawgs/messages/boards/thread/9347136/10#36523778

 

Precautions apply to any found dog, but good Samaritans who find small dogs, purebred dogs and certain bully or power breeds or breeds with reputations have to be extra cautious. Puppies are also quite popular but good Samaritans should be aware that a lot of people will dump puppies once the cuteness wares off

[list]

[*]Big market for lap or purse sized dogs. People will sell the dogs to the first person who comes along or to the person with the most money - not making sure the dog gets into the best home.  Since the seller or broker is only concerned with making money, the conditions in which the dog is kept while waiting for a buyer could be atrocious. Vet care, proper nutrition is non-existent because that costs money.

 

[*] Purebred dogs can also be a money maker for unscrupulous people

 

[*] Unscrupulous people are happy to take Pit Bulls, Rottweiler, Chows, etc... for fighting, "junk yard dogs," guard dogs, money makers, etc... 

 

[*] Note that any size or breed dog can wind up in the wrong hands - unstable people (hoarders, animal abusers, killers, bait dogs) research labs, etc...

[/list]

 

Sometimes no matter how well you try to make sure a dog winds up in the right place, bad things can happen. But there are some precautions that good Samaritans can take

[list]

 

[*] If someone claims to be the owner of a dog you found, ask for vet records, family photos, copies of lost/found flyers, ads, etc.  If none can be produced, then ask questions to try to figure out if the person is telling the truth or lying.  Ask the same question in different ways and check for consistency.  If on the phone, ask caller for distinguishing physical characteristics (something you left out of the flyers).  If face to face ask how they acquired the dog, personality traits, etc... You can ask when their dog went missing.  If they say May 18th, but you've had the dog since April, then you will know something is up

 

[*] If you post the dog on the internet - like craigslist, etc...  be extra cautious of anyone who contacts you claiming to be a rescue.  Rescues are always over flowing. True rescues/shelters turn down  turn-in requests every day.  It is highly unlikely that a rescue would contact someone offering to take a dog. It is more likely that the person calling is looking to make a quick buck off the dog you have found. Or worse.

 

[*] If you are able to find a rescue or shelter to take the dog, be sure to check out the place if possible. See what conditions the pets are kept in. If the rescue is a foster network, they won't have a location to check out.  But still ask lots of questions about how the dogs are housed, what are their adoption procedures. Ask to see their adoption application, adoption contract. Ask which vet they use for their rescues (very important).  Ask about their 501 C 3 status. There are some good rescuers who might not have that status yet, but they should at least know what it is.  If they claim to be a 501 C 3 check them out at guidestar.org or charitynavigator.org. Ask how their pets are advertised.  The rescue should know about Petfinder.

 

[*] If you are going to try to find a home for the animal yourself - which is likely because shelters are always full - do criminal background checks, home visits, check with apartment managers, rental property owners to see if pets are allowed and if there are any breed or size restrictions. Check vet records of any present or past pets.  Ask lots of questions about how the dog will be living, who will be caring for the dog, etc..

[/list]

 

More info for rescuers here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_762fvbhqjdk

http://charitynavigator.org/

http://www2.guidestar.org/

 

 

 

 


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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Lost and Found - Scam Artists and Opportunists

People who lose their precious fur kids are often distraught; and understandably, will do anything to get their babies back. 

Scam artists and opportunists know this and will use this to their advantage. Sadly there are also pranksters.

 

For this article, this is how I'm defining the three:

Scam artists - those who lie, cheat, break the law to make money

Opportunists - those who may or may not provide a legitimate service but who use shady tactics to make money

Pranksters - those who aren't out to make money.  But enjoy a laugh at other's people's pain

 

A typical scam artist ploy:

I was in the area for a conference.  On my way home, I saw your dog. I took him with me.  I’d be happy to get him back to you; I just need xxx dollars to ship him to you.

 

A typical opportunistic ploy

I’m sorry you lost your dog; I just want to let you know about this great service that helped me find my dog…etc...

Note this email is sent like it’s from one person to another. But why would one stranger send another stranger this email when there are so many lost dog postings all over the place.

 

A typical prankster ploy
Someone calls and says that they have your dog. They give you an address. You tried to find that address and it doesn’t exist. When you try to call back, the prankster will not answer the phone or will answer the phone and claim that the dog ran away.

 

Also please be aware that scam artists will also try to take advantage of people who have found a dog.  They will claim that they want to buy the dog from you at a price that is too good to be true - without even meeting the dog.

 

The above are just some typical ploys. Be aware that other ploys exist:

Never send money or hand over money to anyone unless they are standing right in front of you holding your dog.

Don’t deal with people from out of town/state/country; don’t cash checks that are sent to you

 

Note that there are some legitimate pet searching companies (who may or may not be shady).  If you decide to use one, try to find someone you know who has used them – don’t rely on an email from a stranger. 

Ask them to provide the exact details of what they will do for you. Consider if this is something that you can do yourself (or with the help of friends) for free or for cheaper. Be sure to get an exact price quote in writing.  Be wary of those sites that make you enter a bunch of personal information before giving you a price quote.

Additionally, if are trying to find a place for a found dog, be sure to thoroughly check out the person who is taking the dog from you. More in this in another post.

 

Sadly, it’s been my experience that many scam artists and opportunists hang out on Petfinder. It is a useful site. Be sure to use for lost and found, but also be very wary of anyone who contacts you from there.

 

A good article on petfinder concerning scam artists

Includes actual scam artist letters: http://www.petfinder.com/classifieds/scam.html

http://www.petfinder.com/classifieds/scam_examples.html

 

 

 

 

 

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Monday, July 12, 2010

AnimalEducationLinks

Animal Presentation/Information Links
 

 

Slide Shows 

 
AAPAW Presenation Template



Lost and Found Pets



Avoiding Dog Bites



Cost of owning a pet



Pet care for kids



Dog Obedience Training



Spay Neuter Myths Benefits and Resources


Animal Presentation Example



Resources


Fido Friend or Foe Activity Book


Fido Friend or Foe Activities – Land of Pure Gold


Preventing Dog Bites – State Farm


Order Activity Books from Channing L. Bete


Pet Care PDF Files and info from US Humane Society

 
Shelters and Other Animal Resources
 
San Antonio Animal Control Pamphlet (includes reasons for spay neuter and spay neuter resources) 
 
 For additional resources, go to:
 
Free Pet Care Class at Northeast Lakeview College
 
Maricopa County Educational Materials
 
 
 
Spay Neuter/ Immunization Resources

Resources

 
  Man and Beast
  • (210) 590-7387
Windcrest Animal Hospital
  • 210) 653-3660

Own up SA
 

Additional information and education

Lost and Fond - Indentification Part II http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_792p9hz7ggt
Lost and Found - Indentification Part II http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_795cvhp79cj
Lost and Found - Sam Artists, Opportunists and Pranksters: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_802d8d9r3ft\
Lost and Found - Be careful whem placing found pets http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_803hfr35df3
 
Videos
Pet Care Video for Kids - Avoiding Dog Bites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atN46tQmN6M&feature=player_embedded
Pet Care Video for Kids - Going to the Vet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6htjmtxUOg
Using a slip leash Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARA7pVgmOq0
 
Poems
Going to the Vet and What do our pets need: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_799vt5mnqff
Puddin's Wrap Parents Just Don't Understand - Pet Safety: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_798gkkbwkp8
 
General Info
Giving up Pets - Extenuating Circumstances: http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtbr7bw_769gkgd4cfv
 
Information from others:

Capacity Building Courses - To be or not to be a 501 C3 http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgq9n3n6_0g49p5pfh


 

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Lost and Found - Identification

A shelter employee once said me: "San Antonio has the cleanest strays." When I said, "Whatever do you mean?" Her response was that whenever someone reports their dog missing, when asked about collar or tags the response is usually, "Well I was just giving him a bath..."
 
After a bath, my dawgs like to run around like maniacs, drying themselves off on bed spreads, running outside to dry on the the grass, etc.. and I encourage the craziness because I want bath time to be fun. Since they are allowed outside immediately after baths (when it's warm of course), I put their collars and tags on while they are soaking wet.  The collars are canvas; it doesn't hurt anything. 
 
Some people want their dogs to be comfortable so they take their collars off when they are inside the house. But dogs slip out of front doors all the time. Especially homes with children who don't know or understand the dangers of letting Queeny run out the door.
One person told me the sound of all the jiggling tags is annoying.  That sound would probably be welcome music to the ears of someone who has lost a pet. Besides, you can buy those little rubber thingies to go around the tags to cut down on the noise.
 
Tags are super important for several reasons. 
1). If someone finds your dog, she/he can call you right away with info on the tags (keep your tags current!). 
2). Good Samaritans are more likely to pick up dogs wearing tags.  Folks who have been in San Antonio long enough know the big stray problem we have, and that no that no kill shelters are always full. They know that if they pick up a stray, they might be stuck with the dog for months trying to find place for the fur baby. But if a dog has tags, they are hopeful that they can reunite the dog with his/her parents quickly.
3). Proof of ownership might save your dog from getting killed at a municipal facility.
 
So, one way to prevent your dog from becoming a lost statistic is to make sure your baby is never "naked." Rex should always wear a collar with his Rabies tag (the law), his microchp number and most importantly, an ID tag with your phone number. Your dog should certainly be microchipped especially since tags can come off.  But ID tags can get your baby home a lot quicker. 
 
I picked up a blind dog once at 9:30 PM. She was also either death or hard of hearing.   She was wearing rabies tags that had a phone number to her vet but most vets aren't open at 9:30 PM.  I kept the dog overnight, called the vet the next morning and the dog was reunited with her parents. But if the dog was also wearing a tag with her parents phone number, they could have been reunited that night.  I guess I could have gotten in my car and driven to the closest emergency pet center that was open to see if she had a chip. But I was tired and sleepy, didn't know if I could get this strange dog into my car.  Didn't know if I'd drive all that way only to find that she didn't have a chip.  Some people don't even know about getting a dog scanned. What if this had been a Friday night. I could have had the dog all weekend.
More on collars later
More on lost and found later
La Trenda
210-649-0391
 
P.S.  ID tags, microchips are not substitute for a secure fence, for keeping your dogs on leash when outside of your secure yard. I've actually seen people who have lost pets and had them returned say - "next time, my dog will have his ID on."  Instead of saying, "I'm going to fix that missing board in my fence"; or "next time, my dog stays inside when I'm not home".  There are only so many good Samaritans to go around.  Your dog could meet a speeding car or a crook before she meets a good Samaritan.
 
 
 
 

 

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Puddin's Rap - Parents' Just Don't Un...

Puddin's Rap - Parents' Just Don't Understand
You know parents are the same

Even if there’s fur on their face

They don't understand that us dogs

Are going to make some mistakes

So to you other pups all across the land

There's no need to argue

Parents just don't understand

I remember one day

I wanted to go to the park

“Hold on there young lady,’ my doggie Mom barked

You wear a collar and tags in the day and in the dark

Aww! Come on Mom;   tags are really lame

I’d rather wear my fat gold chain, fat gold chain
Phat, Phat, Phat gold chain!

Then my Dad went mad and did the ultimate
I asked him for ice cream and she gave me kibbles and bits

Human food is bad for pups
Now take your kibble and eat it up

For the rest of the day, I’d tried to explain to my dad
That human food isn’t that bad

But even bit brother wasnt’ havin’ it
We don’t want  baby girl to sick

So all you other dogs all across the land
There’s no need to argue Parents just don’t understand


Oh-Kay, here the situation
I wanted to walk in a neighborhood location

My mom started bugging with this leash that she chose

I didn't say nothing at first

I just turned up my nose

She said, "What's wrong? This leash will keep you safe
It’s keeps you from running around all over the place
You need to have a leash where ever cars go
Your going out for a walk, not for a fashion show

Mom, Dad, you ruin my rep

Your only 9 months, you don’t have a rep yet!

The cats are gonna laugh at this leash that I’m wearin

If they are laughing you don’t need ‘em cause their not good friends

It didn’t help to try to plead my case;

Well, parents are the same no matter time nor place

To all you other kids all across the land

take it from Pudd, Parents just don’t understand

 
La Trenda
210-649-0391
http://rrc.petfinder.com
http://www.facebook.com/aapawfans

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