Dogs

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Owners:

• Don’t let your dog think he/she is the leader of your “pack” (your family) – if dogs think they are the leader, they might attack a member of your family who he/she thinks is challenging his position in the ‘pack’ or a person they perceive as a threat to your family
• Ensure your dog respects members of your family as being in control, e.g.:
  • Have all members of your family occasionally feed your dog
  • Make your dog stay still while you groom him/her
  • Make your dog follow you through narrow passages, e.g., doors, down stairs
  • Pet your dog by pressing down from the top of the head across the shoulders
• Make your dog learn to obey at least one command (e.g., "sit")
• Put your dog through obedience classes

If your dog misbehaves:

• Instead of hitting your dog (e.g., with rolled up paper), say "no!" firmly
• Put your dog outside – so they learn that indoors is for relaxation

If your dog exhibits any aggressive behavior:

• Put him/her through obedience classes
• Use a collar and leash so you can regularly pull on it gently when dog misbehaves

If your dog barks excessively (usually caused by dog being bored, excited and/or scared):

• Provide dog toys and bones while you’re away

If your dog chases its tail and/or rubs its rear end on the floor:

• Take your dog to a vet or groomer to have anal glands checked

Regularly:

• Keep teeth clean with brushing (use toothpaste designed for dogs and consider using a finger toothbrush), sprays, chewable pills, hard food and/or chewable toys
• Clean ears with cotton balls, etc. (avoid cleaning ears with cotton swabs) approx. every 1-2 weeks – swabs can push wax, etc. further into the ear canal
• Use a shampoo designed for dogs
• Buy dry dog food which:
  • Is age-appropriate, e.g. puppy, younger than 7 (maintenance), older than 7
  • Is approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officers

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