We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful German Shepherd named Elsa.
Elsa is nearing 7 months of age and lives in Aurora, Ontario. She is named after the star Lioness in the 1960’s film “Born Free”. Elsa is living up to her name, as she is quite a handful and has a few issues in terms of mouthing and dog reactivity on leash.
Elsa is often sweet and affectionate just as she appears. She has had a rough past month with spaying and a resulting heat sore infection but is now almost fully recovered.
We are so happy to say that we have seen a dramatic improvement since Paul’s last visit and look forward to continuing onward, with his expertise.
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K9 CORNER WITH THE CHIEF
Thank you, Sandy, for requesting this training topic, as it is a concern for many dog owners. The topic this week is “how to react to an off-leash dog.”
Many dog owners comply with local bylaw and walk their dogs on leash in their own or surrounding neighbourhoods.
Having an off leash/ loose dog run up to your dog may end differently depending on the disposition and propensity of not only your dog, but the other dog as well.
This is what I recommend in these awkward and potentially volatile situations. If your dog is not on leash at the time, recall your dog back to you, put your dog in a “sit” position, and leash up quickly. This is to allow you to control your dog and deal with the off-leash dog and their owner, if available.
If your dog is aggressive or does not welcome other dogs approaching, then I would recommend you tether your leash. This means stand on your leash with both feet to keep your dog beside you or preferred slightly behind you. Remain standing and in a firm voice say “NO” to the other dog and use your hands to display a stop signal.
Most dogs will stop or keep at a distance.
This moment in time may allow you to verbally command the owner, if nearby, to come and leash or grab the off-leash dog.
If the off-leash dog is aggressive then the same rule above applies.
If this does not work and a dog fight ensues, I would not verbally correct your dog. I would release the leash and allow my dog to defend.
At this point you have no choice but to try to intervene and separate the dogs. It is not a pleasant experience. Most humans get bit in these incidents.
When the fighting occurs dog aggression is a heightened level of stress for the dogs and when in a level of dopamine state, they will bite anything that is presented. However, I would recommend you try to separate as soon as possible to avoid significant injuries.
If this is truly an accident, then deal with the owner appropriately.
If not, I would not hesitate to report the owner promptly to your local bylaw to ensure accountability. If this is not an accident, this has probably happened before to others and should be addressed, and the owner held responsible.
I hope you never have to encounter such an incident. Please feel free to reach out to me should you have any further questions.
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Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
K9 check-ups or what veterinarians refer to as wellness examinations, are recommended once a year. This is a routine medical examination on your K9 who appears healthy.
The focus of a wellness examination is to ensure your dog is healthy as possible. Vets will recommend during early puppyhood that wellness exams should be every 2 months.
During the K9’s examination, your vet will check your K9’s walk and stand. They will also check their weight and general body condition.
Your vet will also check your K9’s skin, haircoat, eyes, ears, mouth and teeth.
Wellness examinations and testing are particularly important for senior and geriatric dogs.
Please reach out to your vet if it’s been more than a year since having a wellness check for your K9.
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