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Posts Tagged ‘dog bites’

  1. Dog Aggression & What to Do

    March 13, 2013 by Amy Shojai

    2 pups play

    Play fighting can look and sound like the real thing.

    Last month I attended the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. Yes, I know, it’s a tough job but someone has to do it. *s* During the week-long event, back to back seminars by veterinary experts offered the latest information on everything from chicken antibiotics and ferret care, to large animal info and—of course—cat and dog treatments.

    Some of y’all know that I also write puppy-licious information at puppies.about.com and I’d just posted a series of articles on kinds of aggression. Guess what? The labels for one of the most common kinds has changed! So yet again, I’ve updated those articles as well as the ComPETability: Dog book (stay tuned shortly for the audio and print versions!), and wanted to share the information here.

    It’s now called conflict aggression, but it used to be termed dominance aggression. The new descriptor makes lots more sense, though, because dogs that display this type of aggression act anything but “dominant” and instead do appear to be conflicted about how to act and what to do.

    9 KINDS OF AGGRESSION & WHAT TO DO

    Status Related Aggression can develop as the young dog matures and tries to find his or her place in the canine family group.

    Sibling Rivalry has to do with interdog aggression and can be especially problematic when the younger pooch decides to challenge the older dog.

    Fear Aggression is one of the most common types. Fear components can be part of nearly all the other kinds of aggression!

    Conflict Aggression (used to be termed dominance) includes resource guarding (his bowl, toys, your bed!) and is directed at people.

    Leash Aggression happens toward other pets or people when the dog is confined on a leash.

    Territorial Aggression has to do with defending turf. We want dogs to protect us and our property–but it can go too far.

    Predatory & Play Aggression can be normal for playful dogs–but can turn predatory toward smaller pets or infants.

    Excitement Aggression often happens in doorways and hallways when the pooch gets too wound up.

    Alliance Aggression appears to be uncommon but happens when one dog guards the owner from the other pets in the home–when you aren’t there the dogs get along.

    Of course, aggression in and of itself isn’t necessarily evil and within the right context can be perfectly normal. Aggression always happens for a reason. Dogs and pups can be provoked into aggression by all kinds of clueless human behavior–it makes sense to the dog, of course! So to prevent dangerous aggression that can get you bit and lose your dog his home or even his life, it’s vital to learn how to understand doggy language.

    Does this help with understanding canine aggression? What have been your experiences with your pets? How have you managed or prevented/avoided the problem?


     

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my  THRILLERS WITH BITE!

     

     

    Category Dog Training & Care | Tags: ,,,,,, | 11 Comments

  2. Woof Wednesday: Storks, Babies & Separation Anxiety

    August 24, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    How do YOUR "human pups" get along with the dogs? (Image Copr. Sebastien Garnier)

    Whether you’re an expectant parent or grandparent, a new baby can bring joy into your life. But what does a newborn mean for the animals you’ve lived with for years?

    Dogs used to adults may not recognize babies as the same species. Newborns and toddlers sound scary, smell funny, and seem to evict pets from your lap because they divert a favorite human’s attention. Here are tips to help you persuade your dogs to welcome babies as part of their family. The latest Paw Nation article offers tips on how to encourage your dog to welcome Baby into the home.

    How have you managed the fur-kids when you became pregnant? Did the dog act differently? What was his or her reaction when the baby came home? Was it love at first sight or did the dog drag his furry heels accepting the “interloper?”

    I’m always amazed at the folks who share their lives with a wonderful canine companion for years and years–and then decide to “get rid of him” because of the baby! Did you know that infants and kids brought up with pets are LESS LIKELY to develop allergies to them? There are wonderful programs available to help like my colleague Jennifer Shryock’s Dogs & Storks (awesome I love it!) and the free pamphlet from American Humane called Pets Meet Baby.

    Safety is always an issue, of course. Teaching children how to interact properly with dogs is as important as the fur-kid learning good kid-manners. You should teach puppy bite inhibition whether you have kids or not. These additional dog bite prevention tips can help you and your kids learn how to be safe around your own dogs and strange dogs.

    Adopting a new friend?

    Once your dog accepts the infant as a member of the family, a wonderful relationship can blossom. When its a young dog, the kids and pup can grow up together. But that means dogs that become very attached also can suffer when the child loses interest in the pet–or goes away to school. Yep, it’s back-to-school time and especially for puppies acquired over the summer, you may notice some separation behaviors from the little guy. After all, if for the first months of his life he had constant company and attention from the kids and they leave all day for school or–HORRORS!–move away to college, what’s a lonely dog to do? Here are some tips for dealing with separation anxiety and behaviors.

    Are your dogs upset that school started? How does their behavior change? Do you have tips to share to help them feel better until the kids come home? Please share!

    A great relationship with dogs can result in something like the trust and joy exhibited in this video. Enjoy!

     

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Be sure to get your requests in the comments. Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways!

    Category Dog Training & Care | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 2 Comments

  3. Tuesday Tips Kindle-ization #9: Shout About It–Sorta Kinda Ina Way

    July 19, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    Welcome to my series with tips based on my DIY Kindle-ization Journey. For those who just found this blog, you can take a look back at previous installments: Why Do It? and The Challenges.   Tuesday Tips #4 covered the various platform options and what’s required for each.  Formatting For Kindle was followed by Picture This! a how-to primer on including photos, tables and illustrations in your Ebook.

    If you’re like me and write nonfiction, chances are you have photos, illustrations or boxed/tabled information included in your format. And last week covered–well, the cover in The Cover Story. Last week’s #8 installment covered the upload of your book to create your Kindle edition AND some insights on indy publishing from an amazing panel at Thrillerfest. Today’s installment applies to self-published as well as traditionally pub’d books. Everybody’s gotta self promote!

    [caption id="attachment_1826" align="aligncenter" width="309" caption="Hold everything together . . ."

    "It makes me wanna SHOUT!"

    REVIEWS, REVIEWS…did I mention REVIEWS!?

    Reviews really do drive sales. This chicken-egg challenge proves daunting for every author, though. As mentioned in previous blogs in the series, for re-published backlist books it’s valuable to ensure the updated version becomes “linked” to the first edition and its positive reviews. About half of the current reviews for Complete Kitten Care imported from the original New American Library edition, and that garnered readers and more reviews for the updated Kindle and POD book. The Cutting Edge book had even more.

    For new books/authors it can be even more challenging. The book content MUST be good–you won’t get a second chance–but to drive eyes to your work think outside the kitty-litter box. Most writers/authors hang out with other writers and authors and while they may be part of your audience, a world of readers exists that has no interest in the intricacies of publishing and writing.

    They just want good stories and great content.

    For nonfiction authors, some of these readers may find you if your “platform/presence” allows for google searches on your particular niche. For fiction authors, don’t expect the world to google your name to find a new novel to read and review. YOU must go to the READER. And once you find readers who might be interested in your work, do NOT give ‘em a hard sell–instead, become part of the community, show what you have to offer as an individual, be real, be likeable, be accessible. Your book isn’t you–it’s an afterthought that these potential readers want to find out about AFTER they realize what a neato-torpedo-kewl person you are!

    There are several places readers hang out. These are just a few that I’ve found productive, and others’ milage may vary.

    www.KINDLEBOARDS.com

    This board primarily serves READERS–authors must remember this or they’ll get wrist-slapped pretty quickly. Various forums discuss published books, offer opinions, include reviews of Kindles and aps, and — well — LOTS of indy authors as well as traditionally pub’d authors hang out and promote books on the forums. There are a couple of specific threads that allow this, with restrictions of posting once a week per book, to prevent spamming.

    Fact is, every post you make on Kindleboards promotes your books–all of them–without you ever having to say a word. All you need to do is include the appropriate signature with each post.  The signatures include thumbnails of your book titles with hot-links to the amazon sale page. Have a mystery that features a knitting maniac? Join a thread discussing needlepoint and readers who see your fantastic book covers on a subject near/dear to their hearts just may give you a click.

    Amazon.com topic/forums

    RED FLAG WARNING HERE! Yes, these threads attract readers but they are VERY intolerant of any sort of self promotion. Consider yourself warned.

    http://www.KUForum.co.uk

    This is the UK version of Kindleboards and also has a specific thread that allows weekly book bumps. In my experience, this board is not quite as active as the US version, but I do have moderate sales from the UK and maintain a presence there.

    FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs

    Social networking today replaces book tours and print advertisements. Think about it–why spend huge $$ schlepping physical books and author-bodies around the country to kissy-face with fans UNLESS that author already has a huge following? A virtual book tour with a blog-hop created by fiction authors also worked great for my senior pet books nonfiction blog tour and it stays LIVE forever as a promotion. And–it was FREE.

    You’ll want to learn the right way to blog to build your brand and following, though. Kristen Lamb, the Wizard of All-Things-Blogging offers a fantastic book and blog on the subject you NEED in this writing journey. Trust me on this. You won’t be sorry.

    Most folks have a presence on Facebook (please like me!) and this site has great potential for promotion and for time-suck-isity. Know the difference and what you want out of the place. For me, it’s bidness. I will flat-out BLOCK your ass-terick should you post porn, games, spam, virus-links . . . . and I will LOVE-LOVE-LOVE and promote/LIKE/share and sing your praises to the world when you offer great content. I don’t post advertisements on other folks’ “walls” and resent it when they do it to me–but when I see something you’ve posted that’s fantastical-jump-up-and-shout-keen, I will explode fireworks on your behalf.

    THAT’S how Facebook works. You get back what you give. TWITTER works the same way. Kristen Lamb has terrific info on maximizing Twitter as well so I won’t repeat it here.

    LinkedIn works a bit differently. I’m no expert but have made progress thanks in large part to LinkedIn genius Jenny Hansen. You’ll want to subscribe to her Needs More Cowbell blog for more fantastic de-mystification (is that a word?) of techie stuff like should writers use Excel. You’ll want to check out the first blog in the series that includes LOTS more helpful links valuable to self-pub’ing authors and writers of every ilk.

    New to self-pub'ing? Learn as ya go ...with help from friends.

    FINAL THOUGHTS

    Some folks have asked me to continue with the “Kindle-ization Series” but really, I don’t have a lot more to say. Guess I should give you a ballpark on my sales success so you can better judge whether to follow this advice or not. I could lie–but I’m not a JA Konrath selling thousands or making 6 figures. Yet. Self pub’ing sales start slow and grow, so I’m happy with the progress. Currently I’m selling about 100 Kindle copies a month at $5.99 each and it goes up each month–that doesn’t take into account other Ebook platforms or POD. I just got a royalty statement from my awesome publisher WhoDaresWinsPublishing with lovely news. These books were dead–and now have a new audience and based on reader response, the info has saved dozens of pet lives/relationships. So it’s worth it to me.

    Tuesday Tips will go on–next week I’ll post video from Thrillerfest panels with some great writerly insight on the craft. And down the road there may be future Tuesday Tips about cat behavior. Or dog health care. Or stained glass crafting. Or who-knows-what.

    It’ll be a surprise!

    Here’s the deal, folks. As writers, we create worlds out of words and use them to connect with other like-minded souls. In today’s world with so much hand-waving ME-ME-ME-LOOK-OVER-HERE! attention-grabbers the stand outs are those who instead take a quiet step back and say–

    How can I help YOU?

    Think about it. Instead of approaching readers as what they can give to you (buy-my-book-already!), offer them the most valuable gift anyone can provide–yourself. The. Real. You. Connect in a real way, offer real value in terms of information, story, friendship, similar values/shared interests and you won’t sell just one book. You’ll create a relationship.

    Relationships are the GOLD of the world who say–”I know and like ——-> (NAME) and so will you, buy his/her book.”

    Do that, and you won’t have to “sell” your book. You’ll just need to write the best damn book you can. You can do it. I’m telling you as your *virtual* friend–yes, you can!

    Don’t forget the most important part. Pass it forward. No, I’m serious. Send this to every single person you know. I’ll wait . . . some of ‘em are bound to have a cat or a dog, or like furry thrillers. *eg*

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions–and to stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways! Check out all my titles plus great writing books and thriller novels at WhoDaresWins Publishing.

    Category Writing Advice & More | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 10 Comments

  4. Thoughty Thursday: Feeding The Muse

    July 7, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    Does your creativity eat you for lunch--or feed you with love? (copr. Tonya Jensen)

    Due to the magic of WordPress, I get to write this EARLY and have it posted tomorrow morning while I’m flying to New York. Can you see my arms a-flappin’ (insert “twack-thwackity-thwack” sound effects)?

    I don’t have a lot to say today other than–I’m excited, exhausted, anxious, and thrilled all rolled up in one. Excited because Thrillerfest is the absolutely BESTEST-FUNNEST-INSPIRING-EST conference I attend. Exhausted because I’ve managed to cram a week’s worth of work into two days so I wouldn’t be distracted with (ack) work while there. Anxious because flying ain’t near the adventure it used to be and crappiocca always–ALWAYS–happens (wonder if I”ll be profiled this time?).

    And thrilled because I get to see my favorite authors, reconnect with friends and make new acquaintances.

    For writers, nothing gives us a goose in the ass-terick like a writer’s conference. We get to schmooze and express our jealousy admiration for all those successful folks; steal all learn the secrets of their success; hang out with cool people in the bar during seminars  and find out–

    They’re people, too. And they have some of the same angst-icity and writerly challenges that face the rest of us. Oh, and some of ‘em worked for DAYS and WEEKS and sometimes MONTHS before they had an overnight success (I kid…more like years or decades in many cases).

    So what’s the most inspiring part of being among people who really understand us–why we bang our heads on the virtual door of publication forever. It’s not that we’re born masochists. Okay, well, some folks are. And it’s not that we’re totally clueless about our lack of talent. Wait–maybe that fellow waa-a-aay over there might be a wee bit . . . never mind. For sure it’s not because we enjoy rejection.

    Creative types do it because–it’s who we are, not just what we do. And gathering at a writer conference like Thrillerfest, or at a music festival or Harley Davidson convention, dog or cat show, quilt exhibition, or ComicCon or whatever floats your creative boat FUELS THE MUSE.

    I’m already feeling all inspired-like.

    What feeds your muse? How do you energize your creative side? When do you feel most in need of a pick-me-up, and where do you find the necessary go-get-’em juice to press on?

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? I’m nearly ready to record a bunch of new ones, so be sure to get your requests in the comments. Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways!

    Category Theater & Performance | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 5 Comments

  5. Woof Wednesday: Say WHAT?

    July 6, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    Do you speak “dog?”

    Many of us get by without truly understanding what all the woofs and wags mean. We make do for two main reasons:

    1. Dogs are so smart they learn to understand us.
    2. Dogs forgive human stupidity.

    Still, there are many problems caused by miscommunications. Some of ‘em can get you bit–or your dog labeled “dangerous” or worse–sentenced to death.

    [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="A raised paw means...what?" Sammy the Westie

    What's the dog saying?

    Dogs really have done it to themselves. They’ve become so loveable, and so attentive and willing to please, that humans begin assuming they’re just tiny ‘people’ in fur coats. (Never mind that’s incredibly politically incorrect and offensive…) Hey, I’m guilty, too. Calling pets “fur-kids” makes it easy to slip over that invisible line and hold them to human standards instead of–well–letting ‘em be dogs.

    People are primates. We’re touchy-feely, we want to hug and touch, and don’t always understand why our dogs don’t always welcome such things. And when the dog throws us all kinds of conciliatory gestures–ears down, cutting eyes sideways, wagging and slinking with a goofy grin in that “aw shucks” expression–we assume they’re guilty or apologizing for something.

    Because that’s what a HUMAN would do–act guilty. And NO, “wagging my tail” is not how I threw out my back. Harumph.

    Another raised paw--mean the same thing?

    Anyway, the pet owner in this Ask Amy installment assumed the pawing dog was apologizing. Was that right?

    What do all those tail wags mean–that he’s friendly right? Yes…and no. Tail talk has many meanings. So do woofs, whines, growls and howls. Even fluffed fur can speak volumes and oh-dear-heaven, don’t get me started on Pee-Mail! (or is that pee-male, LOL!). So what do you think “pawing” might mean? Here’s a hint–it’s part of the peace-keeper pooch repertoire!

    What else does your dog do that makes him look guilty? I know lots of dog-savvy folks read this blog, so what am I missing? Please add more info in the comments and we’ll make this installment super-share-able!

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? I’m nearly ready to record a bunch of new ones, so be sure to get your requests in the comments. Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways!

    Category Ask Amy Videos, Dog Training & Care | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 9 Comments

  6. Thoughty Thursday: Fences & Good Neighbors

    May 19, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    We’re building a fence. Actually, we HAVE a fence, but it’s pipe-and-rail designed for horses. Looks great, but it won’t keep the Magical-Dawg inside. In fact, he could vault the fence if he wanted—shhhhh, don’t tell him! Right now it’s not a problem because the roses (you remember them?) have run rampant in the back yard and engulfed a goodly portion of the fence. But since we’re redesigning the back rose garden (pronounced FLAME THROWER! aka BULLDOZER aka I-DON’T-WANNA-PRUNE-NO-MORE!), it’s time to make a secure, happy place for Magical-Dawg. He’s tired of having to come inside every time weenie humans can’t take the heat/bugs/stickers/whatever.

    National Dog Bite Awareness Week blog has me thinking about safety for my fur-kids. Yes, “awareness” protects the four-legged family members just as much as it does the humans. Take a look/listen at today’s Ask Amy about a dog chasing–and scaring–neighbor kids, YIKES! That’s an accidental bite just waiting to happen, and we all know the dog will pay the higher price for even a bandaid-worthy nip.

    Actually, the thorny garden with all its weed-icity reminds me of my other writerly projects I’ve shoved on the back burner. I have two more backlist books to format and get kindle-ized (cat and dog care encyclopedias, no less!) and the necessary editing/weeding feels daunting. My co-author and I just completed our play–a musical–and today tossed that baby to a couple of folks for vetting. That felt like opening the back door to Magical-Dawg to go play with coyotes–scary scary scary! Oh, and the fiction WIP now in 3rd revision has miles of weeds to wack before handing off to my editor for her flame-thrower treatment. Do you ever have writing projects you’d like to build a fence around to keep safe from critical eyes?

    [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Puppies especially WILL consider barriers to be a challenge . . ." I can squeeeeze through

    Please fence me in!

    Meanwhile, the new puppies.About.com site gives me my daily SQUEEEEE! where I just wrote about easy tips about doggy fence options. Do you have a safe fenced space for your dog–or your cat? How does your pet handle strangers? Magical-Dawg decided early on that he’d protect house/yard/his-people from strangers, whether we want him to or not! Probably the coyotes should watch out if he ever did escape our soon-to-be-installed-upgraded-rose-unencumbered-fence. Meanwhile we practice socialization continually. Or maybe it’s an act–Magic now thinks the drive-through bank tellers and dry cleaners and Starbucks are AWESOME treat-dispensers designed just for his benefit.

    Seren-kitty is even less forgiving of strangers and doesn’t let her 7-pounds-of-bluff stop her. She marches right up to visitors, hurls cat-curses, and tells ‘em to get the hell-outta-HER-house! IMO the “bite awareness” should apply to kitties, too. Fang-icity ain’t fun, no matter if it comes with hisses or howls.

    Have you ever been bitten by a dog or cat–your own or a strangers’ pet? What happened? Be honest…were you at fault? Or was the pet a victim of irresponsible or clueless owners–or an innocent kiddo wanting to hug/kiss Fluffy and getting nailed?  All you savvy pet people out there, how do you protect your pets–and people–from each other? The PETiQuette book has lots of tips for recognizing and avoiding dog and cat aggression, but let’s get some free advice going in the comments section. What else would you suggest to the Aussie owners in this Ask Amy video?

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions–and to stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways!

    Category Ask Amy Videos, Theater & Performance | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 6 Comments

  7. Monday Mentions & National Dog Bite Prevention Week

    May 16, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    Can we have 'em?
    Young boys get bit most often!

    Today, many of us look on our dogs as part of the family–even go so far as to call ‘em our “babies.” But what happens when a human infant enters the picture? Dogs bite nearly 5 million people a year–most of ‘em kids–and some new parents play it safe and simply get rid of the dog. Others who adore Fluffy couldn’t think of getting rid of their beloved pet.

    Who’s right? Who’s wrong? And what about the dog’s feelings? When he throws a tantrum (or worse), and the parents-in-law lobby for a solution, what’s a dog lover to do? Check out my Pet Peeves radio interview with Jennifer Shyrock to teach your kids how to be Doggone Safe.

    The American Veterinary Medical Association, the United States Postal Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have joined forces to sponsor National Dog Bite Prevention Week May 15-21, 2011. In fact, half of all children in the US experience a dog bite by age 12, with 5 to 9 year olds and boys at significantly higher risk.

    The CDC reports that of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. Most bites result from inappropriate interaction with the family pet, with a neighbor’s or a friend’s dog. But you can EASILY prevent dog bites with these 9 tips.

    Learning about doggy communication can safe lots of angst–not to mention medical bills and insurance costs. Most of these injuries can be prevented with responsible pet ownership. Those who read this blog recall that I served as an expert witness in a tragic dog attack incident–that did NOT have to happen!

    All dogs bite and chew, but it’s important to teach bite inhibition and stop puppy biting before it gets out of hand. What’s baby-cute or aggravating in your new pup becomes dangerous once he grows up. Needle-sharp puppy teeth easily rip clothing and tear flesh, but an adult dog’s jaws also can break bones or worse. Even friendly dogs cause terrible injury if not taught how to pull their punches. One accidental bite could label your puppy as a “dangerous dog” and result in an expensive lawsuit, increased insurance rates, and costly medical bills. Here’s how to teach bite inhibition –it not only protects people and prevents heartbreak, it could save your puppy’s life.

    Okay, switching gears–There’s a fun mix of Monday Mentions below.

    Kibble Blog by Terry Spencer, DVM offers a great take on “Just Looking” as it relates to pet health

    Tea Time At The Zoo Blog Confessions of An Animal Addict offers an eye opening post on bathing snails.

    Dear Labby Blog  byTerry Albert addresses canine leg-lifting in the house (girl dogs do it, too!)

    Confident Dog Blog by dog trainer Patricia Terrill–with adventures in new puppy training! (CUTE ALERT!)

    Morris Animal Foundation has a new President & CEO, David Haworth

    My Cat From Hell, new Animal Planet show hosted by CWA member Jackson Galaxy –don’t let the tough looks fool you, he’s a real pussycat!

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions–and to stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways!

    Category Uncategorized | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 1 Comment

  8. Tuesday Tips: Catnip Clues & STARE-’o-DEATH!

    April 5, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    I’m starting a new feature today because–well, cuz it’s my blog and I make up the rules as I go along. So there! Also, I figured the blog needed a serious influsion of sparkle-icity to keep with the “bling” theme. So at least once a week I’ll post an “Ask Amy” video answering doggy, kitty, writerly–or any other shiny topics that catch my fancy.

    To start things out on the right paw, today I’ve posted two. Here’s one about cats and catnip:

    And just to offer equal fair play, here’s an Ask Amy about doggy eyeball communication:

    Please share–do your cats carry the “catnip gene?” How often do they get a kitty fix? Did you get ‘em on film? *snicker*

    And for the dog-matic followers, have you ever experienced the canine stare-’o-death? Of course my Magical-dawg also stares at me when he wants me to read his mind….  “Time for a car ride, yes yes yes???!”

    Let me know what topics you’d like covered in future Ask Amy’s –heck, post your question in the comments. I can’t guarantee an answer or how quickly it’ll be included, but want this to be about you and your pets. And if I don’t know the answer, I’ll make schtuff up (I’m a writer, it’s legal).

    NEWS FLASH! Just learned that my PET CARE IN THE NEW CENTURY: CUTTING-EDGE MEDICINE  is the Book of the Day over at RedRoom, a terrific place for authors of every ilk. How kewl is that? Here’s a tip–go check ‘em out, they’ve got some fine writers creating lots of great blog-icity over there as well.

    I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions–and to stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter with pet book give-aways! REMINDER–the books COMPLETE KITTEN CARE and PET CARE IN THE NEW CENTURY: CUTTING-EDGE MEDICINE are available for a limited time for only $2.99 (Kindle price) to help out during kitten season.

    Category Writing Advice & More | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | 14 Comments

  9. Thoughtful Thursday: Expert Witness in Dog Bite Case

    March 10, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    The American Staffordshire Terrier--aka "pit bull."

    I’ve always described myself as a pet owner advocate, one who figuratively speaks for dogs and cats and translates for their owners. But I never realized that I’d serve as a spokesperson in the more literal sense.

    Last August I was contacted by a local defense attorney about a dog bite case that happened many months earlier. At first, he simply wanted my opinion about dog behavior. Ultimately I was appointed by the court to be an expert witness. I learned this background about the case.

    The day of the event, the 4-year-old pit bull named Buddy (yes, one of THOSE!) owned by the home-owner’s friend had been placed on a tether hooked to an overhead runner-line outside the fenced yard. This was only the first or second time the dog had ever been tethered, because the home owner (“Grandma”) felt sorry about confining him in a very small dog run. Home owner’s 5-year-old granddaughter loved Buddy and had often been around him, and the dog had never (to their knowledge) growled or offered any indication of aggression to anyone.

    Apparently Grandma was babysitting the grandchild, and a number of adults were in the house on the day in question. Strangers with car problems also crossed back and forth through the fenced yard within sight of Buddy, leaving the gate open as they worked on the car.

    When the toddler wanted to go outside and play with her tricycle (outside the fenced yard and near the tethered dog), Grandma asked her to wait so Grandma could first visit the bathroom. Other adults inferred they’d go outside, too, and watch the girl. But when Grandma left the toilet, nobody knew where the toddler was. Normally the gate would have been locked closed, but the car problems meant it was left open. They ultimately found the child unconscious, nearly scalped, on the ground within reach of Buddy who sat quietly watching.

    Any case of dog aggression and child injury is horrifying. It doesn’t have to happen—and families naturally are outraged and devastated when such things take place. The Grandmother was of course mortified—and the child’s mother upset—but all agreed it was a horrible accident.

    Good news—the little girl survived but will need reconstructive surgery. Bad news—the men beat Buddy to death for his crime. Tragic news—the child cried when she learned Buddy’s fate (and she still loves dogs, thank god!) Even worse news—the State (DA) decided to prosecute Grandma as negligent, charged with criminal injury to a child, saying she should have recognized Buddy was dangerous simply because he was a pit bull. Grandma faced a potential sentence of 20 years.

    The case was postponed twice. Finally last week on March 2, I offered expert testimony to educate the jury about 1) normal dog behavior 2) definition of “dangerous dog” 3) predictive situations for aggressive behavior, and 4) media bias toward APBT “type” dogs. During my 2+ hours on the stand, among other things I explained the importance of puppy socialization and dog training, why tethering a dog can be dangerous, translated common misunderstood “dog language” warnings, and debunked breed-specific “bite statistics” based on my own experience and information from CDC, ASPCA, HSUS, AVMA and many other sources. I was the last witness.

    The next day, the jury was out 5 hours. They came back with a Not Guilty verdict.

    RIP, Buddy.

    amy

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    Category Theater & Performance | Tags: ,,,,,,, | 2 Comments

  10. Woof Wednesday: Teaching Bite Inhibition and Kid Safety

    March 2, 2011 by Amy Shojai

    Welcome to Woof Wednesday! I’m sad today, but also eager to help educate some folks about dog aggression. Later this afternoon, I testify as an expert witness in a dog bite case. Wow…this comes on the furry heels of my Paw Nation dog language article, so it’s a good time to refresh blog readers in some facts-of-doggy-life and safety tips.

    All dogs bite. In fact, canine jaws easily tear flesh and break bones. Don’t be fooled by size, either. They may be tiny but even Chihuahua-size pooches expertly use their choppers. And when they’re giant dogs like this Great Dane—an aging doggy who maybe isn’t as patient or has pain issues—the damage can be severe.

    All dogs squabble just as all people sometimes get upset and argue, but that doesn’t mean dangerous bites always results. Dogs have exquisite control of their jaws and know exactly how close they can snap without making contact. Pugs don’t miss unless they mean to. Consider air-snaps and bites that DON’T break the skin as calculated warnings. Learning to master the power of their jaws—bite inhibition—allows dogs to make important points and resolve differences without hurting each other, or you. Learn how to teach your dog to inhibit his bite in this article.

    Old Great Dane

    Children suffer dog bites more often than anyone else. Approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year with 800,000 individuals—half of them children—requiring medical treatment. In fact, half of all children in the US experience a dog bite by age 12, with 5 to 9 year olds and boys at significantly higher risk. The CDC reports that of those injured, 400,000 require medical treatment and about a dozen die.

     These statistics, though, are somewhat skewed. Every bite is cause for alarm, but did you know that the numbers include ALL dog injuries that break the skin, even “bandaid” situations. That is, if the puppy’s nail scratches the infant, technically it’s reported under bite stats. Bites from working K-9 (police) dogs also are included in the report. Bites to a medical person rendering assistance to an injured, in pain dog also are bundled in these figures. When partnered with the fact 77.5 million dogs are kept in 39% of US Households, according to the 2009-2010 APPMA survey. In fact, statistics reported by Animal Control and/or Public Health Departments and the US Post Office indicate the incidence of dog bites has GONE DOWN!.

    However, if your child is bitten, he’s 100 percent bitten and it can be a tragedy—one that doesn’t have to happen. Read how to keep kids safe in this article.

    Woofs & Wags

    amy

    Category Dog Training & Care | Tags: ,,,,,,,, | No Comments

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