DogBitePreventionResponsibleDogOwnership

A recent study shows that 1,000 Americans are treated in emergency rooms each year as a result of dog bites--and that number is growing each year. There were 32 fatal dog attacks in 2007. Most of the victims were children, (usually between the ages of 5-9) and half of them were bitten in the face. 77% of biting dogs belonged to the victim's family or a friend. Pretty startling statistics, aren't they?

Even more disturbing is the fact that most dog bites are largely preventable with proper education and awareness---- yet most people do not realize that they may be giving off signals that may induce an attack, would not know what to do in the event of an attack, and never talk to their kids regarding bite prevention.

Canine and Abled, Inc. provides dog bite prevention education that can help adults recognize potential dangers, help kids learn what to do when an unfamiliar or aggressive dog approaches, and how to avoid getting bitten.

Owning a dog is a wonderful experience that 60% of American households enjoy.

Many dog owners will tell you that they consider their canine friend to be a full-fledged member of the family. Some dogs are lavished with clothing and furniture that rival the most sought after fashions on Rodeo Drive. Other pet dogs find themselves somewhere in between.

Any way you look at it, a dog is a major committment that requires love and care for an average of fifteen years. Responsible dog ownership requires more than providing clean water, food, and adequate shelter. As a dog owner, you are responsible not only for a dog's physical well-being, but for his emotional well-being as well.

According to the ASPCA, 8-12 million pets are taken in by shelters nationwide each year, and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized. The sad fact is that most of these surrenders and euthanizations could have been easily prevented by having a pet spayed/neutered. Overpopulation is the leading cause of dog abuse/neglect; a growing problem that has a tangible, easy solution.

Canine and Abled, Inc. teaches responsible dog ownership through fun, dramatic portrayals performed by the amazing Canine and Abled dogs. Tips include choosing the right dog for your family, proper nutrition, spaying/neutering, exercise, innovative ways to have canine fun with your dog and more.

Have you ever wondered, "Why does my dog do that when he knows he's not supposed to?" "Why does my dog ignore me?" "Why does my dog refuse to walk on a loose leash?" "Why does my dog eat my stuff when I'm away?'

Do your answers to yourself sound something like this? "He knows better; he's just doing that for spite." "He's so happy to be out, that's why he pulls on the leash." "He's ignoring me; that's the stubborn streak in him." "He gets mad when I leave him, that's why he eats my stuff..."

Ever stop to think about the reasoning behind your answers and realize that all of those thoughts are brought about by the human mind and emotions; things that the dog doesn't operate with, and therefore, can't possibly abide by?

Our dogs are part of the family, right? Of course they are. But many times, people unjustly treat their dogs like people in fur clothing. Humans wanting their dogs to be equal members of the family is one common cause of many behavioral problems. Even the most well-meaning owners unknowingly create "canine monsters" due to misunderstanding of basic canine communication.

Dogs are first, and foremost, pack animals. They instinctively adhere to a very strict social society that is made up of hierarchy. This chain of command changes constantly within a pack. Leaders must show they are worthy of alpha, or lead position. If there is no structure or leadership present within a dog's environment, he will take it upon himself to be that leader. What results are undesirable, and sometimes even aggressive behaviors that stem from a dog who has been given the role of leader; and probably didn't want it in the first place!

When dogs live with humans, we become their 'pack." Just because we have taken the dog away from other dogs and bring them into our human homes does not make them any less dog; nor does it take away any of it's innate pack behaviors. These traits are, and always will belong to the dog. No matter how much we dress them up, give them designer beds, push them in doggie strollers, or cater to them in our quirky human ways, the dog always will be a dog.

Expecting anything more (or less) will result in behavioral issues, aggression, and anxiety. Learning how a dog communciates, and responding to him in his own innate language is a gift that all dog owners should bestow upon their canine friends. It's not as hard as some might think; we're constantly giving off signals to our dogs---often they are the wrong ones, which lead to many complications. Learning how to properly and effectively communicate with our canine friends is easy, fun, and a great way to get lasting training results.

For more information about these programs, and behavior modification, log onto our sister site: www.CanineAbility.com