CANINE HANDLING AND SAFETYLindsay Y. Feerrar, CVT

LCCTC HIGH SCHOOL VET ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR

There is a perfectly safe breed(s) of dogs(s).

1. True2. False

There is no 100% Safe Breed of Dog!

It is less the breed of dog chosen and more the quality of the source of the dog and how much time, effort and positive training the family puts into the dog. 

Knowing the best breed match (or temperament and activity level match if you want to adopt a cross bred dog)

Combine a good dog with knowing how to properly train, maintain, socialize the dog and how to behave around the dog are the real keys to living more safely with a dog.

Akita V. Golden Retriever

Akitas are a breed often said not to be great pets. However, an Akita from a good and reputable source and in a great home can be a better pet than a Golden Retriever from a bad source and in a family that is less than ideal. 

My Dog will NEVER Bite!

1. True2. False

Any Dog can Bite!

Some dogs have a higher tolerance level through the traits they inherited from their parents and the dedication of the owner to proper training, maintaining and socializing the dog.

All dogs have individual limits of what they will and will not tolerate.

Bites can be Accidental!

Bites do not just happen out of fear or aggression, many bites happen when a human and a dog are playing.

Any dog can bite, it is just a case of finding how much the dog will tolerate before the bite happens.

Only Certain Breeds are Dangerous!

1. True 2. False

There is NO Perfect Breed!

Ironically, some breeds assumed to be dangerous can actually be great pets if they are from good sources and in good homes.

  Just because a dog is cute and cuddly looking does not mean it is safe.

Just because a dog looks big and tough does not mean it is dangerous.

I can Approach a Dog at Any Time…

1. True2. False

Think Before Approaching….

Dogs can be possessive and territorial about food, toys and sleeping areas.

  A human grabbing at a toy the dog has, trying to take food away, or who disturbs the dog's rest is at greater risk of being bitten. 

A well-trained dog should allow toys and food to be taken away if needed, but even a well-trained dog may decide to hold on.

A Sleeping Dog….

Sleeping dogs who are startled awake may nip.  It can be scary or threatening to a dog to be suddenly woken up.

  If you need to wake a dog, call his name, tap the floor, but do not grab the dog.  Wake him up gradually. 

Older dogs may have less tolerance than younger dogs. 

With age can come a lessening of vision, hearing and the increase of aches and pains. All these can affect just how much a dog will tolerate. 

How Much a Dog has Been Taught to Tolerate…..

For example: dogs not used to having their feet

touched may nip when you grab a foot.

Dogs not used to having things taken from them may lash out.

It is Safe to Handle Puppies a Dog has Recently had……

1. True2. False

Maternal Aggression….

Female dogs with litters may become quite protective of them and not appreciate anyone coming near, especially in the beginning. 

Even if you know the dog well (even if your family owns the dog), if she has puppies, use extreme caution when approaching. 

If Something is Cute or Funny, like a Puppy Nipping my Fingers, it’s ok….

1. True2. False

Just Because Something is Cute…. Does not mean it is good. Allowing puppies to play with fingers,

toes, jump on you and nip can teach a pup that these behaviors are fine.

Now, when puppy is all grown up, these things that were cute when a baby can be very dangerous - even if the dog is just playing.

Have you ever seen how far an 80 pound dog can send a small child sailing when the dog crashes into the child?

A Small Dog can’t be Dangerous…1. True2. False

If a Dog Owner Says its ok to Pet Their Dog, its ok….

1. True2. False

Just Because Someone Says You Can…

Does not mean it is safe! If the dog is acting scared (backing

up, trying to escape, or shaking), do not feel like you can give the dog a hug or kiss and soothe it.

The dog is scared. Scared dogs are more likely to bite. Instead, step back and see if the dog comes up to you. 

If not, leave the dog alone!

Instincts…

Dogs are born with various instincts. 

Among them are: chasing, biting, self-preservation, protectiveness/territorialism and a desire to be part of a family.

Fight V. Flight It is when we fail to work with or

understand a dog's natural instincts that we open the door for trouble. 

Aggressive/ Dominant….

Dog will try to make himself look big - hair on back and shoulders raised and he will be up on his toes

Ears will be pinned back and eyes narrowed

Body will be stiff and tail out straight or raised up slightly

Teeth will be shown with or without snarling

Fearful and Worried….

This dog is somewhat fearful and is offering signs of submission.

These signals are designed to pacify the individual who is of higher social status or whom the dog sees as potentially threatening, in order to avoid any further challenges and prevent conflict.

Fearful….

Dog will cower down and try to look smaller

Ears will be pinned and eyes averting gaze

May show teeth Tail will be tucked

and dog may back away

Dog may be shivering

Extreme Fear and Submission… Dog is indicating

total surrender and submission

He is trying to say that he accepts his lower status

***Just because a dog shows you its belly does NOT always mean he wants it rubbed!!!

Happy and Playful…

Ears will be pricked forward and tail wagging

Eyes will be bright and happy and mouth open slightly but teeth covered and dog may be panting excitedly

Dog may be bouncy, circling, yipping, mock growling

Dog may play-bow (lower front end with tail high in the air and wagging)

How Dogs Think and Reason… No matter what we would like to think,

dogs are NOT little people in fur coats.  Dogs can not think and reason like a

human. Dogs do not think about revenge.  They do not worry about the future or

dwell so much in the past. They live in the present here and now.

However, past experiences help mold our dogs into what they are. This is why training and socializing is so important. 

We Tend to put Human Emotions on our Pets….

Example: Dog getting into the trash while owner is

away Dog looks guilty and is cowering Ability to read body language not feel

guilt

Dogs Do NOT Understand English… A dog is not born with the ability to learn

a language like a human A dog can’t associate the word sit with

the act of sitting its hind end on the floor Example: We can teach a dog to “sit” by saying

the word pencil! We need to teach a command without

using words, then once the command is consistent, add the verbal que

Example: Clicker Training