Articles

Dog barking: How to deal with an incessantly barking dog

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dog barking: How to deal with an incessantly barking dog — by DogTime.com

Every night, when you're about to drift off to sleep, it starts. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof... The barking from the next-door-neighbor's dog often goes on for hours. While you love dogs and have a furry family member yourself, no one likes to lose sleep or be disturbed by them.

So how does a courteous dog owner attempt to stop dog barking?

Let them Know: First, talk to your neighbor about it directly. But do so calmly and reasonably, says Mary Randolph, author of Every Dog's Legal Guide: A Must-Have Book for Your Owner and a former attorney.

Randolph says that most dog owners are unaware of the dog barking because it typically happens when they're not home. "If someone goes to work, they don't know that the dog spent two hours howling or barking, but the neighbors know," she says, adding that barking is typically a symptom of boredom.

Randolph suggests starting out assuming they'd want to know about the problem and see if that works. "Say something along the lines of: 'I thought you'd want to know that [the dog] seems really unhappy and is barking and howling when you're gone,'" she says.

Some people will be horrified and apologize, and as a result will take steps to do something about it. But if the initial conversation doesn't seem to have made an impact, you may have to go back to tell them it's not working.

If the barking is still occurring despite a second attempt, then you might consider enlisting other neighbors to complain to them as well. It might help the dog owner better realize the problem, she explains.

Check Local Laws: Go online or down to your city hall to find the laws about barking dogs to help bolster your argument. Dog barking is a nuisance law in most places but what is in those laws varies from place to place. For instance, some communities might have laws that say if a dog barks more than 10 minutes, it's considered a nuisance and against the law.

Once you know the laws, figure out who might be able to help you with those laws. For example, some cities have specific programs to deal with barking complaints and issue a standard letter to offenders. "That might be all that's needed," Randolph says.

Try Mediation: Many communities have a neighborhood mediation department specifically designed to work out disputes like barking dogs or parking issues. Do some research to see if your community has one, and if it does, use it. The way it works is you and the offending neighbor meet with the mediator to find common ground. For example, the mediator might suggest something like, "What if you [the owner] kept the dog inside after 10pm, would that work for both of you?"

Contact Animal Control or the Police Department: If talking with the neighbor doesn't produce results, you may want to contact animal control to get involved. If animal control doesn't help the way you'd like, then contact the police department. Randolph says having an intimidating police officer come to the door saying the barking dog is disturbing the neighbors may be the most efficient way to get the owner to take action.

Go to Small Claims Court: While you'd want to try every avenue before going to small claims court "because the last person you want to sue is the person you have to deal with every day," says Randolph, it may have to be your final step to get some resolution to the barking. Be sure to have gathered enough evidence (i.e., a log of how many times the dog kept you awake or disturbed you), and prepare a case for yourself.

"It's all about the preparation and getting your evidence together so you make a very simple, quick, and convincing case," says Randolph, adding that unlike on TV shows, you don't have much time to state your case.

"The main point is not the money. You want to get the person's attention if they really haven't responded to any of the other steps," says Randolph, adding that a letter summoning him or her to small claims court may do just that.

If you win, the judge can award you damages for the loss of enjoyment of your home or property due to the barking dog.

-Christine McLaughlin

Christine McLaughlin is a freelance writer, editor and author of "The Dog Lover's Companion to Philadelphia" and contributing author to "The American Red Cross: Dog First Aid."

More articles on barking:

Solutions for barking

Dog behavior solutions: Barking

Stop barking at mailman!

Dog Barking

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Finding the right family-friendly dog for you

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Finding the right family-friendly dog for you — by DogTime.com

For many kids, the family dog is their best friend--a companion who teaches them about friendship, loyalty, responsibility, and empathy as well as providing unconditional love.

If you treat your dog as a beloved member of the family and provide the care and training she deserves, you're more likely to have a dog who's gentle, loyal, and loving with both animals and people. A dog will depend on the adults in the family, so the decision to get a dog should be made by adults. Never get a dog to serve as a temporary playmate for kids.

How old should my children be before we get a dog?

You are the best judge of your child's maturity, but most experts agree that a child should be at least six years old before a dog is brought into the home. If your child has good self-control and understands (and obeys) the word "no," then consider introducing your kids to a friends' well-behaved dog so you can observe how your child acts around the dog.

Should we get a puppy or an adult dog?

Many families with small children choose a puppy, thinking that puppies are safer, easier to train, and more adaptable than older, bigger dogs. This isn't always the case. Puppies are fragile, require lots of care and time, and can play rough by scratching and biting. Adopting a gentle, calm, and friendly older dog with a known history of getting along with small children may be the way to go for your family. Talk with veterinarians, dog trainers, and an animal shelter adoption counselor who can help you select just the right dog for the whole family.

What kind of dog is best with small children?

You want your child to be safe and secure around your dog. You'll need to know which breeds are the best with children. Keep in mind that all dogs can bite, and a dog's breed is just one of many factors that shape behavior and temperament. Regardless of the breed, the best dogs for kids will always be the ones who receive proper socialization, positive training, attention, exercise and excellent care.

How should my child interact with a dog?

It's important that an adult supervise any interaction between a dog and a child, to protect them both. It's also imperative that you help your kids see the world through your dog's eyes. When you ask your child how he'd feel if someone pulled his ears or hair, your child will have greater empathy for the dog. Your kids need to know that all dogs, and all animals for that matter, must be treated with caution and respect.

Help your kids understand that:

A dog needs his or her own space and may not always welcome their attention, especially when resting, playing, or eating.
Dogs can get upset by too much attention and stimulation. Make sure your kids understand warning signs such as lip curling, growling, and retreating, so they know when their canine friend needs to be left alone.
Make sure your kids know to get permission from an adult before touching another dog. Explain that some dogs may feel scared when stared at, cornered, or touched. And dogs in pain may lash out or bite anyone who tries to touch them, so teach your child to leave an injured dog alone and to find an adult right away if they come across a hurt dog.
Teach your kids to approach your dog calmly. Some dogs may react badly when startled or when young kids yell and run. Your child needs to know how to behave appropriately around dogs.
Teach your kids not to approach dogs who are left alone in a yard or in cars, since they may try to protect their territory.

How do I help my dog feel safe?

Dogs need time to adjust to new surroundings and circumstances. Provide your dog with a place of her own where she can retreat from the kids. You never want to put your dog in a situation where she feels threatened.

How can my kids help care for a dog?

Letting your kids care for a dog teaches responsibility and instills a feeling of accomplishment. Make sure you choose tasks that are appropriate for your child's age. Even young kids can be involved in caring for a dog by helping to select a new toy or collar.

How can I teach my children to take good care of dogs?

Being a good role model is the best way to teach your children how to be responsible caregivers. Even before you get a dog, make sure you have realistic expectations about owning a dog. And then take steps to choose the right dog for your household at the right time.

When you bring a dog into your family, set up and enforce rules regarding her care. For instance, tell your children not to pull the dog's tail, ears, or other body parts, and insist that they never tease, hit, or chase the dog. Your kids will need to be shown how to properly pick up, hold, and touch the dog.

You can involve your children in training your dog, which teaches your child how to treat dogs humanely and communicate with them effectively, while giving your dog better manners.

Ultimately, your children will learn how to treat all animals by watching you set a good example with your own dog. They'll see how you feed, pet, and exercise your dog. And they'll notice how you react when your dog damages the furniture, barks excessively, or has an accident in the house. If your dog has problem behaviors, consult with a trainer who can help you resolve these issues so you can keep the whole family happily together.

Source: Adapted from the Humane Society of the United States

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Treating constipation in dogs

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Treating constipation in dogs — by DogTime.com

Most dogs will be constipated at some time or another in their lives, and it's usually nothing to worry about. Simply put, constipation is an inability to empty the bowels by normal means. If your dog seems to be straining yet cannot pass a stool, or if the stool is exceptionally hard, he's probably constipated. Usually the body can work the problem out by itself, but if the constipation lasts more than a few days, you should consult your veterinarian.

Observe your dog closely to be certain that he is straining to defecate rather than urinate. Difficulty in urinating can be life threatening and you will need to seek medical help immediately.

Causes of constipation

Excessive licking of the fur can cause hairballs to form, which can block the colon. You should find and treat the cause of the excess licking to totally eradicate the problem.
Consumption of foreign objects, such as rocks, gravel, fabric, bones, dirt, toys, or plant material. If the objects are abnormally large or could injure the dog while trying to pass them, it may require surgery to remove them.
One of the side effects of surgery is constipation, so don't be worried if your dog does not have a bowel movement for a few days after coming home.
Certain medications can cause a dog to be temporarily constipated. Your veterinarian will probably suggest a stool softener to counteract this.
An older dog with no obvious reasons for constipation should be checked for an electrolyte imbalance. This could be an important clinical sign of a metabolic disease such as kidney disease.
An enlarged prostate gland may be the problem in older male dogs. The prostate gland sits just below the colon. As it enlarges, it presses against the colon, narrowing the pathway. Alternatively, there could be a tumor on the prostate gland, which also narrows the colon. Neutering the dog and/or removing the tumor will usually correct these problems.

Treating simple constipation

These treatment options are for simple constipation only. If the problem lasts for more than five days, or if the stool contains large amounts or mucous or blood, consult with your veterinarian before beginning any treatment.

Use a stool softener. A simple, isolated episode can be treated with a stool softener such as Laxatone, which you can buy at one of the giant pet warehouses, or DSS capsules, which come from your veterinarian. Read and follow the label directions carefully to be sure you do not overdose your dog.

Lubricate. An old remedy for lubricating the colon that is still in use today is mineral oil. Veterinarians usually advise mixing it in with food rather than feeding raw. Be sure and follow dosage instructions to the letter to avoid further complications.

Change his diet. Try adding fiber to your dog's food. Fiber is not absorbed by the dog's digestive tract and continues on to the colon where it adds to the volume of stool. This increased volume transmits strong sensory stimulation to the colon, encouraging it to void. You can buy a special prescription high fiber diet such as Hill's W/D diet that will result in better colon motility. If your dog won't eat the special food, you can still add fiber to his diet in the form of:

Bran cereal (Make sure it is a 100% bran cereal)
Canned pumpkin (Pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
Metamucil, Benefiber, or a similar product

Your veterinarian will recommend the necessary dosage for your dog.

Some colons will perform better if the stool is smaller. To achieve this, a high digestibility, low ash residue diet is used. With this diet, a larger proportion of nutrients are absorbed by the dog's body, resulting in a lower volume of stool. Hill's I/D diet is an example of a good prescription food available. Some of the bigger dog food manufacturers are also promoting lines of dog food which produce smaller stools.

Treatment for recurring constipation

Treatment for recurring constipation is the same as for each episodic occurrence, but you may have to make the diet and medication changes permanent. You will probably need to have lab work performed, or the veterinarian might need radiographs of the abdominal region.

Constipation vs. obstipation

Obstipation is the more correct medical terminology when dealing with a chronic constipation problem. When obstipated, the dog is unable to empty the colon without outside help. The obstipated colon will dilate and fill with an enormous volume of rock-hard feces. The dog is extremely uncomfortable, with frequent unproductive straining. If the colon is not cleared, the dog can become lethargic, lose his appetite, and begin to vomit. For moderate cases, the dog may be given IV fluids to help hydrate him and the veterinarian can give him an enema to help clear his colon. In severe cases, the dog must be anesthetized so that the veterinarian can do a thorough cleansing. Sometimes a second cleansing will have to be performed a few days after the first one in order to clear out stool that was packed up into the inaccessible areas of the colon the first time.

Once you know this is a problem for your dog, try to get him to the veterinarian regularly to help keep him comfortable.

If you want to avoid the expense of having your veterinarian perform the enemas, you can have him/her demonstrate the correct procedures and administer them yourself at home. Keep in mind that it's a messy procedure and should be done in an area that can be hosed out, such as in a large laundry sink, or even outdoors. Be prepared to give your dog a bath afterwards. The unpleasant mess is a deterrent to many dog owners, who prefer to have the procedure handled by a veterinary professional.

Surgical treatment option

Under certain, very specific circumstances, a pelvis-widening procedure might be the correct treatment method. If your dog's obstipation is the result of a pelvic fracture, allow them at least six to 12 months for the pelvis to return to normal. If the pelvic canal does not widen to its normal size, the surgeon can repair it by placing an implant between the two pelvic bones in an area called the pelvic symphysis. Your dog will probably spend several days in the hospital and will have to take stool softeners while the surgery site heals, until normal function is returned, a process that could take up to six months or more.

Source: Adapted from the Veterinary Information Network, Inc.

For more information, see our constipation topic and 10 constipation cures.

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Landlords and pets: What to know before you sign a lease

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Landlords and pets: What to know before you sign a lease — by DogTime.com

Pet owners searching for an apartment know it can sometimes be difficult finding a landlord willing to rent to you and your dog or cat. But once you find the perfect place, there are certain precautions you should take before signing your name to a lease and moving in.

Landlords are not necessarily skeptical of people with dogs or cats. Responsible pet owners are usually responsible tenants, and landlords who permit pets know they have a larger pool of prospective tenants to draw from--especially ones who are likely to stay longer if they feel their pets are welcomed.
But renters have their own burden. If a landlord is reluctant to rent for any reason, you may have to prove that you and your pet can live within set guidelines and be good tenants.

You should also read and understand the fine print regarding pets--size and weight restrictions, policies about barking, the number of dogs or cats you're permitted to own--plus security and cleaning deposits you'll have to pay. In recent years, some landlords have even begun charging pet rent; it's possible you may be charged $30 a month for your pet, in addition to deposits.

Your ability to prove that you care for your dog may be what gets you through the front door--and it could be what keeps you there.

First, read the lease thoroughly, especially the parts that relate to your pet. Make sure your dog or cat (or parakeet or snake, for that matter) fits within the limits established in the lease. If the apartment only allows small dogs and you own a Golden Retriever or a larger mixed breed, ask for an allowance--and then make sure it's written into the lease and initialed by you and the landlord.

But negotiating might not always work. For instance, if a landlord does not allow a specific breed of dog because it can be known to be dangerous, don't expect him to stretch the rules.

"If you set a policy, as a rental owner you have to apply that policy to everybody," says Eric Wiegers, deputy director of the California Apartment Association, a trade group that represents owners. "If you treat one applicant one way, you have to treat every applicant the same way."

Be sure that you understand any required deposits (Wiegers said it's unlawful to charge more than twice the monthly rent for an unfurnished apartment; check your state's regulations). Before moving in, do a walk-through with the landlord to identify existing marks on carpeting or walls. Take photos and attach those to the lease. When you leave, they may help you get back your deposit if you have kept your apartment clean.

The best way to convince your prospective landlord that you and your dog will make good tenants is to bring your dog for a visit when you find the right apartment. Bring along vet records showing that your pet has been spayed or neutered, is in good health, and is up to date on all vaccinations. Show proof that you apply flea medication on a monthly basis. Be willing to put in writing that you'll keep your dog on a leash when he's on property and that you'll pick up and dispose of his droppings; also, that you'll prevent him from relieving himself in flower beds.

Some of these suggestions come from the San Francisco SPCA, which has had an Open Door Program in place for several years promoting policies and agreements between landlords and tenants. Prospective renters are shown how to write a pet resume and show their dog in the best light. Apartment owners are provided sample pet policies and checklists for screening and recognizing responsible pet people.

"It benefits people who have pets because it means they don't have to give them up, which benefits shelters, too," says Christine Rosenblat, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco SPCA.

Check with your local shelter to see if they have a similar program, including a list of pet-friendly apartments.

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Louisville's Animal Care Society gets pet rescue right

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Louisville's Animal Care Society gets pet rescue right — by DogTime.com

At 10:45 this particular Saturday morning, Louisville, Kentucky's Animal Care Society (ACS) is still fifteen minutes from opening to the public, but pairs of humans and canines stroll in and out the front door in a steady stream of traffic. The shelter's dogs get their first walks of the day as administrators prepare for the weekend's potential adopters. I'd been told that ACS is a "small organization," but the volunteer participation already impresses me.

Bunny Zeller is the shelter's assistant director and she shows me around the facilities. One of our first stops is the "new moms" area and I'm allowed to peek in at what appears to be a Maltese mix tending to her week-old pups. (I imagine that glimpses like this are worth the volunteer hours alone.)

"We keep them here where it's nice and quiet," Zeller tells me, beaming as if she's responsible for the impossibly sweet scene we're witnessing. It dawns on me that in a way, she is responsible.

Abandoned, surrendered, but not forgotten

The shelter sits at the edge of town with a large, enclosed outdoor area just behind the kennels. Several dogs are in the yard, enjoying play group, and I'm greeted with spirited wagging and muddy paws. Zeller points out the Pit Bull mix, a gorgeous black and white fifty-pounder, romping around delightedly with two Lab mixes.

"That poor guy was abandoned in a grocery cart outside a supermarket late one night," she tells me. "Luckily he was found before he could become too traumatized."

Click to listen to the Road to Rescue interview with ACS assistant director Bunny Zeller on Animal Radio Network.

Though she sees her share of abuse and neglect cases, Zeller says that most of the animals they take in are "owner surrenders"--that is, pets whose families (for any number of reasons) must now give them up. Zeller explains that the recent spate of housing foreclosures have left Louisville shelters maxed out, as families move into non pet-friendly apartments, or simply can't afford to have animals any longer.

With ACS the only no-kill facility in town, it's not surprising they've been inundated with requests from people desperate to find a safe place for their dog or cat.

"It's hard enough to give up an animal who's been part of your family, and no one wants to think their beloved pet might be put down if they're surrendered to a shelter," Zeller says. "But unfortunately that's what happens when you have a limited amount of space and a lot of homeless animals."

Smart sheltering

Near the end of the shelter tour, Zeller leads me into a storage filled with gift baskets of varying sizes and contents. "We just finished our last big fundraiser and we're already gearing up for next quarter's," she explains, describing how she personally puts together many of the creations before us.

I gather it's not the first time ACS has staged this sort of auction, and Zeller--also the primary fundraiser for the shelter--assures me it's not. "It's not a great feeling to have to turn away families and pets, so our goal is to continue raising money, continue expanding our resources."

I tell Zeller that I'm not worried about her reaching her goal. And that is a heck of a nice feeling to have walking out of an animal shelter.

- by Leslie Smith

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Celebrities and their rescue dogs

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Celebrities and their rescue dogs — by DogTime.com

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle made national news when they announced they planned to adopt, rather than buy, a dog for their daughters. Shelter administrators and animal advocates from around the country applauded their decision, but they're not the first celebrities who have opted to adopt. Check out our list of luminaries who chose strays and shelter pups--and couldn't be happier with their selections.

Jennifer Aniston - Corgi/Terrier mix: Norman

Drew Barrymore - Chow/Lab mix: Flossie

Mischa Barton - mutt: Charlie

Orlando Bloom - mutt: Sidi

Adam Brody - American Pit Bull Terrier mix: Penny Lane

Sandra Bullock - mutts: Poppy and Ruby

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart - Chihuahua: Nellie

Jake Gyllenhaal - German Shepherd: Atticus Finch

JK Rowling - Greyhound: Sapphire

Charlize Theron - mutt: Tucker

Visit our Obama dog page for the latest news and updates on the presidential dog.

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Editor's Picks: Cozy dog sweaters

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Editor's Picks: Cozy dog sweaters — by DogTime.com

Some dog owners perish the thought of outfitting their beloved pup in a dog sweater--or any other type of dog clothes. For others, especially those with toy breeds, an extra layer of warmth when the weather gets cold is not a luxury, but a necessity. Below, we present our favorite stylish sweaters for the season.

Do you dress your dog in sweaters? Why or why not? Post a comment and let us know.

See all dog product reviews.

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The best dog for the Obamas

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The best dog for the Obamas — by DogTime.com

It's been a long road, and Americans are demanding to know the results. So while the candidates have been living it up on the campaign trail, the DogTime team has been working hard to provide this country the news it's waited so long for: the definitive list of dog breeds best suited for the Obama family. The best news is that the Obamas have decided to adopt, so no matter whether you lean elephant or donkey, anyone with a bent towards canines can rest assured it's a good day for one lucky shelter dog.

Visit our Obama dog page for the latest news and updates on the presidential dog search.

The Obama dog selection criteria

Good for allergy sufferers
This is the number one criterion, as older daughter Malia Obama suffers from allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, some are much less likely to cause allergic reactions than others.

Good with kids
Another no-brainer. This is a pet for a seven- and a ten-year-old. Of course the new pup must be kid friendly.

Good for novice owners
These dogs are typically not the shy, nervous sorts. They bounce back from inconsistency, remain friendly and happy-go-lucky, and don't seem to mind if their owners don't exactly know what they're doing.

Easy to train
We have a feeling the Obamas are going to be pretty busy. They'll need a dog who quickly learns how to behave, what's expected, and which way is fastest to the White House lawn.

Easy going
Dogs thrive on routine. That said, some pups are more flexible than others, and the Obamas will need one who can roll with all the hustle and bustle, throngs of visitor, and general unpredictability of life in the White House.

Best breeds (and breed mixes) for the Obamas

Without further ado, the results!

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
While we generally think of Labradors and Golden Retrievers as the all-American dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be every bit as kid friendly, affectionate, easy-going, and spirited. Often an excellent option for allergy sufferers, the Wheaten is DogTime's first choice for the Obamas. While they may not be flooding local shelters, there are rescue groups around the country devoted to this breed. At the moment, there are even a few available for adoption in the Washington D. C. area. (Yep, we checked.)

Poodle
The Poodle is almost as polarizing as politics itself - people tend to love them or hate them. But whether you're enchanted with or unnerved by their distinct looks and reputation for outsmarting their owners, they make excellent family dogs: They're great with kids, friendly toward strangers, and quick studies when it comes to training. Bonus feature: Poodles tend not to be big droolers, which can only be a good thing if you think about the fancy White House furniture.

Shih Tzu
Never used for hunting, guarding, or herding purposes, there's not a mean bone in the Shih Tzu's body. He's a companion dog to the core, so if the Obama girls are looking for a cuddle companion, this pup's the one. And despite copious amounts of hair, the Shih Tzu is not a big shedder and tends to be easy on allergy sufferers.

Portuguese Water Dog
The fun-loving Portuguese Water Dog can fill the role of energetic playmate for the girls - or loyal running mate (move over, Joe) should the President need a jogging partner. This dog is intelligent, good-natured, and highly trainable, which means he's a great choice for novice owners. If nothing else, this dog will make for a great impression should the Ambassador from Portugal drop in for a visit.

Bichon Frise
With her stuffed animal looks and gentle disposition, the Bichon Frise seems tailor-made for a couple of preteen girls. She's people oriented and delightfully agreeable, happy simply to be part of the family. And thanks to a low SPF (Shedding Potential Factor), the Bichon Frise could be the answer to Malia's dog allergies.

What type of dog do you think the Obamas should adopt? Post a comment and add to our list.

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The fight over a dog bite

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The fight over a dog bite — by DogTime.com

If your dog has never been bitten by another dog, consider yourselves lucky. Dog bites happen every day--at the vet 's office, on walks around the neighborhood, and at dog parks .

On the flip side, if your dog bites another dog, you need to know what to do to protect yourself and your dog.

The nation's leading dog bite expert, attorney Kenneth Phillips , author of Dog Bite Law and What to do if Your Dog is Injured or Killed , offers the following advice.

Stay Away During the Fight or Bite: If dogs are fighting , to keep from getting injured and possibly not getting compensated for it, Phillips says to grab one of the dogs by the hind legs and lift and swing the dog as carefully as you can.

Get Names and Be Nice: If your dog is injured, it's important to be able to identify the owner or whoever was with the dog when the dog bite happened. Get their names and names of any witnesses. If your dog is the one who bites, be courteous to the person whose dog was bitten. Phillips says that the victim may decide to be easier on you and your dog if you are kind to him or her.

Contact Animal Control: If your dog is severely injured, Phillips suggests contacting animal control or the police department, depending on who handles dog bites in your area, to make a report, especially if you don't know the law. It may be that the dog that bit yours has a history of biting and animal control would be interested in that dog. However, if you feel a crime was committed, then contact the police. (Philips says dog crimes are relatively rare.)

Be Your Own Lawyer: Lawyers are rarely involved in dog vs. dog bite claims as most are debated in small claims court, so it's important to be prepared. The reason lawyers are not involved is because, historically, dogs have been regarded as property and you as the owner are liable, not the dog. Because of this, home owners or renters insurance may cover the cost if your dog is at fault. Phillips cautions against claiming it on your insurance as your rates could increase significantly or you could be dropped from a policy if the bill goes into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Look at the Laws: Dog laws vary not just from state to state, but from county to county and city to city. Phillips suggests researching all the "dangerous dog" laws governing your area. It's helpful to know how many laws you're dealing with because you could be dealing with three different laws (city, county and state). "One of your avenues as a dog owner, either the one injured or accused, is to know what is in those laws and insist upon the enforcement of the one that gives you the outcome that you want," Phillips explains.

He further explained that, in some states, if your dog is severely injured and you owe $2000 in vet bills but paid $200 for your dog, you'll receive $200. Other states like Florida are the other extreme, where you will get full compensation for vet bills and grief, loss of work or loss of enjoyment. And then there's the third group, which according to Phillips is a growing middle-of-the-road group. "It says we're not going to limit compensation to the price tag of a new dog. So if you have a $200 dog and $2000 in bills, then you'd get $2000," he says.

Prove Negligence: The next step is to try to prove negligence of the person whose dog bit yours. This means proving the individual did either something he shouldn't have done or failed to do something he should have done. The other way to prove negligence is to show that the person broke an already-existing law, such as a leash law. Or you can show an anti-trespassing law was broken because the biting dog was on a leash but came on your property without your permission.

Emphasize How His Pain Affects You, Not Him: Finally, Phillips suggests that as much as you love that dog of yours, if you do go to small claims court, don't discuss how the dog has been harmed by the bite. You instead need to emphasize how you are being affected. "You won't get a penny if you talk about how your dog is now afraid of other dogs and he can't sleep at night," says Phillips. "But if you say that your dog is keeping you awake at night because he's whining all the time, you're more likely to get the money you deserve."

For more information on dog bites, visit Phillips' web site: dogbitelaw.com .

-Christine McLaughlin

Christine McLaughlin is a freelance writer, editor, and author of "The Dog Lover's Companion to Philadelphia" and contributing author to "The American Red Cross: Dog First Aid."

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Highlights from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Highlights from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference — by DogTime.com

This annual conference of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers attracts the most respected experts from around the continent, and 2008 was no exception. Some sessions took on an academic flavor, like "Conditioned Reinforcement" while some offered practical advice, such as "Keeping Clients Coming Back." And some were just plain fascinating, like the day-long symposium on dog play behaviors. But most compelling to me as a new attendee? I was hearing for the first time some of the facts and figures most dog trainers already know - and most dog owners need to know...

The three things your dog needs from you as his benevolent leader: predictability, dependability, and trustworthiness.

When correcting your dog, be instructive. In other words, don't simply reprimand him for misbehavior; let him know what he should be doing instead. For example, he's got his little nose in the trashcan, ready to pull out a used tissue with his teeth. Your move: A stern "Unh unh!" followed by, "Fido, sit!" And then, of course: "Good dog!"

A sign two dogs are playing well together? Lots of pauses during wrestling bouts and chase sessions. In essence, these pauses break the momentum, preventing dogs from over-arousal, which can cause them to take play to a level closer to fighting. And they provide a chance for one or both dogs to sneak in a play bow, as if to say, "Just to confirm, this next move should still be interpreted as play..."

Addressing your dog only when she's doing something wrong isn't just a drag for both of you, it's ineffective. Instead, practice constant communication with your dog. Praise her for walking nicely on leash, ignoring the cheese wedge on the coffee table, and sitting quietly when the mailman arrives, That way, she knows what you do want from her as well as what you don't want.

Where is your dog most likely to get hit by a car? On the street right in front of your house. Be smart about his off-leash freedom. 'Nough said.

Though dogs descended from wolves, the two species evolved in several very different ways to become the animals we know today. Therefore, it can be inappropriate (if not downright dangerous) to approach dog training from a wolf-pack perspective--much as it would be ill-founded to base child-rearing techniques on chimpanzee behavior.

One example: Wolves' survival depends on a rigid pack hierarchy with each member conscious of and stanch in her rank. Why? Because wolves are hunters, and living as a pack is the most effective way to successfully hunt for food. Dogs, on the other hand, are primarily scavengers. Though they often live in loosely defined families or groups, this has more to do with the fact that they are social animals than it does with an instinctual drive to find food.

Another example? Wolves use rank to establish breeding rights. In any given pack, only the "alpha pair" breeds. As for dogs, let's just be thankful there are spay/neuter laws (because as we know, it's a free-for-all).

A sobering note to anyone who thinks dog training isn't worth their time. The average cost to rehome a dog: Ten thousand dollars.

- by Leslie Smith

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