Don’t make your pet a danger to others

Certain types of dogs are selectively bred for tasks that require aggressive behavior. Pit bulls and other game dogs are trained to fight which allows them to excel in blood sports where they are encouraged to kill other animals. But these dogs happen to be loyal companions.

Other types of dogs — those not bred for aggressive behavior such as golden retrievers and Pomeranians — have also been involved in fatal attacks.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) said in an article titled “Are certain breeds of dogs more aggressive than others?” that it’s a mistake to assume that certain breeds of dogs are more dangerous than others. Veterinarians say that nearly any dog can be aggressive or non-aggressive based on its early training, socialization and environment.

Here are some tips from the AAHA to ensure that your pet won’t be a danger to others:

Keep your pet on a leash or safely confined at all times. Unrestrained dogs are involved in approximately 82 percent of all fatal attacks. Having control of your pet on a secure leash is fundamental to preventing dog bites. Keep in mind that when in an unfamiliar environment, a stranger may startle your dog. So discourage unnecessary interactions with people you don’t know and trust.

If your dog is going to be left alone outdoors, this should be done only in a very secure fenced area. For most dogs, this means a yard with a six- or eight-foot-high wooden or chain-link fence which has been secured at the bottom so that the dog can’t dig out.

Socialize puppies in a safe, non-threatening environment, making sure they have positive experiences interacting with other people and animals.

Spay or neuter your pet. Males who are intact (not neutered) are more likely to be involved in fatal attacks. Eighty percent of recorded attacks are by intact males.

Teach your pet bite inhibition. Pups will mouth and chew on not just your furniture but also your hands and clothing until they have been taught that this behavior is unacceptable. Usually this can be stopped by distracting the dog with a quick sound (like a sharp “ouch!”) and redirecting the dog to an appropriate behavior such as playing with a chew toy.

If puppy mouthing persists, work with a professional trainer experienced in solving this issue. Make sure your dog grows up knowing that it is never appropriate to put its mouth on people in any context.

Supervise your dog and watch for any signs of aggressive behavior. Take note of any sign that it could be a danger to others.

If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis pain, don’t make it suffer any longer. Relieve joint pain, lubricate the joints, increase flexibility and improve mobility with this best dog pain relief.