This 4th of July, consider the link between obedience and freedom.
I often come across dog owners who are reluctant to train their dogs. They're think that training their dog takes away his "freedom". Or that obedience training their dog is somehow cruel. That it means forcing the dog to do something he doesn't want to do.
And, of course, that obedience training their dog will make their beloved canine unhappy.
What these dog owners are really afraid of is that their dog won't love them unconditionally if they have to go through obedience training. And nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, a dog that isobedience trained correctly is happier and better adjusted.
You see, dogs want and need order and boundries. Dogs like to know the order of things, and what to expect. "If I do A, the result is B."
And most dogs really want to make you happy. And if working together as a team makes you happy - they're happy. The trick is to train them using only positive reinforcement. So every time your dog does the right thing, its a good thing for both of you.
Dogs like and crave the feeling of belonging, and of knowing that there is order in their universe. Dogs that don't perceive that anyone is in control tend to "act out" as much as any delinquent teenager would. And some dogs become very stressed when their they don't know what the rules are.
Additionally, a dog that does what he wants, where he wants, and when he wants, is rarely popular or liked outside his own home. These dogs almost never go anywhere with their owners. They're usually considered a royal pain to be around.
In contrast, a dog that display good manners and considerate behavior can be taken anywhere. Dogs like these get to go everywhere with their owners. And they're welcomed when they do.
Now that's freedom!
[dog training]
[dog obedience]
Choosing a Doggy Day Care
Doggy day care can be a boon for dog owners who work all day. And for many dogs, doggy day care provides a great opportunity for playing hard, blowing off steam, and socializing with canine buddies.
Of course, day care is not, and shouldn't be considered as, a replacement for walking with your dog. Walking with your dog is not just good exercise, but also provides an important bonding time for both of you. But for busy dog owners, day care takes the pressure off if they have to work a little late, or get caught in traffic on the way home.
However, you should be aware that doggy day care is not a regulated industry. This means that anyone can hang out a sign and begin business. There are no set standards for facilities, and staff do not have to be trained or certified in any way. So as a savvy dog owner, you'll will want to choose a facility with care, before dropping off your dog.
Choosing a good day care for your dog is much like choosing day care for your child. First ask around. Check with other dog owners at the park, on your walks, or in your vet's office. This is a great way to hear about both good and bad experiences.
Next, call each doggy day care. There a number of questions you can ask that will help you narrow down the fielld. For example, you'll wnat to know:
What is their staff to dogs ratio? (There should be 1 staff member to every 10 dogs)
Does the staff watch the dogs while they're playing? (There should be at least 2 staff members keeping an eye on the play area. Like kids, a group of dogs can get into trouble very quickly.)
What kind of flooring do they use? Is it non-slip? (Very important for dogs with joint problems)
What kind of cleaning supplies do they use? (All supplies should be non-toxic. For example, bleach, when mixed with urine, forms a toxic gas. It should be used only in very well-ventilated areas.)
Do they have a trainer on staff? (Preferable, but not essential if the staff is experienced.)
What kind of methods do they use to control the dogs? (Needless to say, ANY punishment-based techniques should never be used. Apart from the philosophical questions, punishment-based techniques can backfire badly. Avoid day cares that use physical punishment for any reason. Time-outs, redirection, and other positive reinforcement methods should be used for control. Some kennels use squirt bottles, which is acceptable to some owners, but not others.)
What do they do to keep your dog safe? (For example, does the staff perform regular walk-throughs when the dogs are in their kennels? Are dogs with chew toys supervised? My kennel removes the dog's collar. This way, if Fido tries to climb out of the kennel, he won't catch his collar on anything and hang himself. It happens.)
Are vaccinations required? (Be sure that all the dogs in the group are required to have current vaccinations, including Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella.)
Do they have a veterinarian on call? (Accidents happen, even in the best-run facilities.)
Once you've collected some information, it's time to hit the road and check out each facility. As you step through teh door, take a good whiff. There should be no odor of ammonia or feces. If it looks or smells dirty, it probably is.
Are the exercise areas indoor or outdoor? Indoor areas are easier to keep clean, and easier to make escape-proof. If there are outdoor exercise areas, make sure the fencing is at least six-feet high and sunk a couple of feet into the ground. If you've got an escape artist, you may want to opt for an indoor facility.
Dogs should be placed in playgroups that are appropriate to their size and temperament. Unspayed or unneutered dogs may be more dominant or grouchy. An unspayed female coming into heat can also create agression among the male dogs, even if she is not yet showing signs.
Your dog should be introduced to the new dogs in a separate area, one at a time. Ideally, will meet the most social dogs first, then the other dogs. Your dog should never just be sent in to "sink or swim" in an existing group of dogs.
Check for safety hazards, like sharp objects, protrouding edges and the like. Check that htere is adequate space for all the dogs in the area at the time. Some dogs get nervous and irritable when crowded together. Roughly 50 sq ft of space per dog should work for most dogs.
If there are toys or agility equipment available, check to make sure they're safe. Toys should be too large to be swallowed or inhaled.
Finally, watch to see how the staff interacts with your dog. For example, do they respond appropriately to the dog's signals? Or do they seem oblivious to signs of stress? Are they calm? Assertive? Do they seem to be having fun?
It's perfectly normal for your dog to be apprehensive for the first few visits. But like a pre-schooler, usually as soon as you leave, your dog will relax and start having fun. If his reluctance and far doesn't go away, take heed. He doesn't want to be there for some reason, and you may need to find an alternative.
However, in the right doggy day care, most dogs enjoy playing with their friends all day. And as an added benefit, the socialization makes them happier and better adjusted. In fact, with the right doggy day care, you'll both be happier and well-adjusted!
[dog training]
[dog health]
Of course, day care is not, and shouldn't be considered as, a replacement for walking with your dog. Walking with your dog is not just good exercise, but also provides an important bonding time for both of you. But for busy dog owners, day care takes the pressure off if they have to work a little late, or get caught in traffic on the way home.
However, you should be aware that doggy day care is not a regulated industry. This means that anyone can hang out a sign and begin business. There are no set standards for facilities, and staff do not have to be trained or certified in any way. So as a savvy dog owner, you'll will want to choose a facility with care, before dropping off your dog.
Choosing a good day care for your dog is much like choosing day care for your child. First ask around. Check with other dog owners at the park, on your walks, or in your vet's office. This is a great way to hear about both good and bad experiences.
Next, call each doggy day care. There a number of questions you can ask that will help you narrow down the fielld. For example, you'll wnat to know:
What is their staff to dogs ratio? (There should be 1 staff member to every 10 dogs)
Does the staff watch the dogs while they're playing? (There should be at least 2 staff members keeping an eye on the play area. Like kids, a group of dogs can get into trouble very quickly.)
What kind of flooring do they use? Is it non-slip? (Very important for dogs with joint problems)
What kind of cleaning supplies do they use? (All supplies should be non-toxic. For example, bleach, when mixed with urine, forms a toxic gas. It should be used only in very well-ventilated areas.)
Do they have a trainer on staff? (Preferable, but not essential if the staff is experienced.)
What kind of methods do they use to control the dogs? (Needless to say, ANY punishment-based techniques should never be used. Apart from the philosophical questions, punishment-based techniques can backfire badly. Avoid day cares that use physical punishment for any reason. Time-outs, redirection, and other positive reinforcement methods should be used for control. Some kennels use squirt bottles, which is acceptable to some owners, but not others.)
What do they do to keep your dog safe? (For example, does the staff perform regular walk-throughs when the dogs are in their kennels? Are dogs with chew toys supervised? My kennel removes the dog's collar. This way, if Fido tries to climb out of the kennel, he won't catch his collar on anything and hang himself. It happens.)
Are vaccinations required? (Be sure that all the dogs in the group are required to have current vaccinations, including Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella.)
Do they have a veterinarian on call? (Accidents happen, even in the best-run facilities.)
Once you've collected some information, it's time to hit the road and check out each facility. As you step through teh door, take a good whiff. There should be no odor of ammonia or feces. If it looks or smells dirty, it probably is.
Are the exercise areas indoor or outdoor? Indoor areas are easier to keep clean, and easier to make escape-proof. If there are outdoor exercise areas, make sure the fencing is at least six-feet high and sunk a couple of feet into the ground. If you've got an escape artist, you may want to opt for an indoor facility.
Dogs should be placed in playgroups that are appropriate to their size and temperament. Unspayed or unneutered dogs may be more dominant or grouchy. An unspayed female coming into heat can also create agression among the male dogs, even if she is not yet showing signs.
Your dog should be introduced to the new dogs in a separate area, one at a time. Ideally, will meet the most social dogs first, then the other dogs. Your dog should never just be sent in to "sink or swim" in an existing group of dogs.
Check for safety hazards, like sharp objects, protrouding edges and the like. Check that htere is adequate space for all the dogs in the area at the time. Some dogs get nervous and irritable when crowded together. Roughly 50 sq ft of space per dog should work for most dogs.
If there are toys or agility equipment available, check to make sure they're safe. Toys should be too large to be swallowed or inhaled.
Finally, watch to see how the staff interacts with your dog. For example, do they respond appropriately to the dog's signals? Or do they seem oblivious to signs of stress? Are they calm? Assertive? Do they seem to be having fun?
It's perfectly normal for your dog to be apprehensive for the first few visits. But like a pre-schooler, usually as soon as you leave, your dog will relax and start having fun. If his reluctance and far doesn't go away, take heed. He doesn't want to be there for some reason, and you may need to find an alternative.
However, in the right doggy day care, most dogs enjoy playing with their friends all day. And as an added benefit, the socialization makes them happier and better adjusted. In fact, with the right doggy day care, you'll both be happier and well-adjusted!
[dog training]
[dog health]
Dog Days of Summer - not if you're a dog!
If you're like me, the dog days of summer are nothing to look forward to. Even in the Rocky Mountains, where I live, we're beginning to hit the high 90's with depressing regularity.
However, my pit bull, Miss Peaches, begs to differ. She loves to sunbathe on the grass - full belly exposure - until she's grilled to a fine lobster-pink. Luckily my neighbors are understanding about her nudist tendencies, and have not yet called the decency patrol.
Still, even for heat-luvin' poochers, hot weather can be dangerous. Dogs are designed to conserve heat. They only have sweat glands on their nose and the pads of their feet. And while this may save them a fortune on anti-perspirant, it's not very efficient for staying cool in scorching temps.
Panting and drinking water helps, but more importantly, the air that they breathe needs to be cooler than the air they're breathing out. Short-nosed breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers are particularly at risk. As are puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with weight or other health problems.
But any dog is at risk once temperatures rise to110-degrees Fahrenheit. And most people simply don't realize how quickly temperatures can skyrocket on very hot days. For example, on an 85-degree Fahrenheit day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. And researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that even when it was only 72 degrees outside, a car's interior temperature can climb to 112 degrees in less than an hour. Worse, on average, the temperature jumped the first 30 degrees in just the first 30 minutes.
So dogs (and cats) left in hot cars, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone; even an air conditioned car with the motor off isn't safe.
To keep your dog cool and healthy, try to avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day. If you have a gung-ho dog, like Miss Peaches, who will go 'til she drops, use this rule of thumb: Run for 15-20 minutes, then rest in the shade for 15-20 minutes. Watch him or her carefully for these signs of heat stress:
- heavy panting,
- glazed eyes,
- rapid heartbeat,
- restlessness,
- excessive thirst,
- lethargy,
- fever,
- dizziness,
- lack of coordination,
- profuse salivation,
- drooling profusely
- vomiting,
- a deep red or purple tongue,
- unconsciousness.
If you see any of these symptoms, try to lower your dog's body temperature immediately. Move him into shade or an air-conditioned room, if possible. Pour cool water over his entire body, especially the feet, chest, and belly.Make sure the water soaks through to the skin. If you can give him small amounts of cool water or ice cubes to lick.
And get to a vet. FAST. Really.
So pass the word on: When summer sizzles, leave your pooch home with the remote, a cool beverage, and maybe a few good DVDs. Come to think of it, that doesn't sound like a half-bad idea...
[dog health]
Who's your (doggy) Daddy?
"What a cool-looking dog! What breed is that?"
My little red dog, Cho Cho San, gets this question from strangers on a daily basis. She has a beautiful deep red coat, a curling tail with a white tip, and looks rather like large fox.
To add to the confusion, from the front, her face is the classic triangular fox-shape, like a Shiba Inu. But from the side, but her profile looks very Corgi. She's got the thick double coat of a northern-type breed, like a Spitz, and the compactness and speed of a herding dog, like a Heeler.
Go figure.
Usually, I just tell people she's a "Purebred Pound Puppy". And, of course, she's 100% most-fabulous-best-dog-in-the-world-who-can-do-no-wrong.
But if you, like me, have wondered exactly what's in your Purebred Pound Puppy, a company in California might be able to tell you...which of 38 breeds of dog make up your best friend.
Canine Heritage is a diagnostic test that uses DNA testing to determine a dog's genetic heritage. Previously, this test was only used by professional dog breeders (presumably to document that Momma hadn't had a wild night out on the town).
But now ordinary dog owners can check for royalty in the family tree of their mixed-breed dogs. And get a certificate to prove it.
The test is easy and simple. First, order your test kit from http://www.metamorphixinc.com/products2a.html. Then use the swab provided to wipe the inside of your dog's cheek. Mail the sample back to the company in the pre-paid envelope, along with a picture of your dog.
In four to six weeks, you'll get your results back. Along with a cool photo certificate to show off to your friends and family.
Check out the dog breeds below. If you think Fido or Fifi might have one or more of these breeds cruising in the ol' gene pool, you might want to give this test a whirl.
Afghan Hound
Akita
Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
Belgian Tervuren
Bernese Mountain Dog
Border Collie
Borzoi
Boxer
Bulldog
Chihuahua
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
Dachshund
Doberman
English Setter
German Shepherd
German Shorthaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Greyhounds
Italian Greyhound
Labrador Retriever
Mastiff
Miniature Schnauzer
Poodle
Pug
Rottweiler
Saluki
Samoyed
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih-Tzu
Siberian Husky
St. Bernard
PinscherWhippet
Yorkshire Terrier
[dogs]
My little red dog, Cho Cho San, gets this question from strangers on a daily basis. She has a beautiful deep red coat, a curling tail with a white tip, and looks rather like large fox.
To add to the confusion, from the front, her face is the classic triangular fox-shape, like a Shiba Inu. But from the side, but her profile looks very Corgi. She's got the thick double coat of a northern-type breed, like a Spitz, and the compactness and speed of a herding dog, like a Heeler.
Go figure.
Usually, I just tell people she's a "Purebred Pound Puppy". And, of course, she's 100% most-fabulous-best-dog-in-the-world-who-can-do-no-wrong.
But if you, like me, have wondered exactly what's in your Purebred Pound Puppy, a company in California might be able to tell you...which of 38 breeds of dog make up your best friend.
Canine Heritage is a diagnostic test that uses DNA testing to determine a dog's genetic heritage. Previously, this test was only used by professional dog breeders (presumably to document that Momma hadn't had a wild night out on the town).
But now ordinary dog owners can check for royalty in the family tree of their mixed-breed dogs. And get a certificate to prove it.
The test is easy and simple. First, order your test kit from http://www.metamorphixinc.com/products2a.html. Then use the swab provided to wipe the inside of your dog's cheek. Mail the sample back to the company in the pre-paid envelope, along with a picture of your dog.
In four to six weeks, you'll get your results back. Along with a cool photo certificate to show off to your friends and family.
Check out the dog breeds below. If you think Fido or Fifi might have one or more of these breeds cruising in the ol' gene pool, you might want to give this test a whirl.
Afghan Hound
Akita
Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
Belgian Tervuren
Bernese Mountain Dog
Border Collie
Borzoi
Boxer
Bulldog
Chihuahua
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
Dachshund
Doberman
English Setter
German Shepherd
German Shorthaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Greyhounds
Italian Greyhound
Labrador Retriever
Mastiff
Miniature Schnauzer
Poodle
Pug
Rottweiler
Saluki
Samoyed
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih-Tzu
Siberian Husky
St. Bernard
PinscherWhippet
Yorkshire Terrier
[dogs]
Death-Row dogs get prison rehab
Wow! It's been almost a month since my last post!
So much has happened (some good and some bad)that I just haven't had time to get in here. I'll try to make up for it over the next few days. In the meantime, here's the kind of story I like to read - full of doggy warmth, love, and hope.
Canines get second chance with some help from inmates at Fraser Valley Institution
Heather Travis
Vancouver Sun
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Spud, a six-month-old mutt with serious "dominance issues," was facing death row at the Langley Animal Protection Society.
But he, and another 12 dogs, were thrown a bone Wednesday when they were given a prison sentence for behavioural problems at a human jail.
His new trainers are also behind bars. Six inmates at the Fraser Valley Institution for women are being given a chance to turn around the snarling and disobedient Spud -- and a handful of other anti-social dogs -- into adoptable pets.
On the dog-day afternoon, as the sun reflected off the Abbotsford federal prison's chain-link fence, Spud and a half-dozen troubled canines were marched past the prison gates.
They began barking, jumping and running in circles as they were met by three women, some long-time criminals, who replied with a chorus of cooing, shaking paws and patting the dogs.
"I find it very relaxing," said 23-year old Amanda Goldsworthy, an armed robber serving four years. "It helps us go through our problems before we go back into the community."
The prison has worked with the Langley Animal Protection Society to bring problem pooches to the prison's kennel to be taught new tricks. They're in for a serious attitude adjustment.
Bailey, a 14-month Pomeranian, looked subdued as she cradled in Goldsworthy's lap, hidden from the sun.
The prisoner, who is serving the last year of her sentence, has just started her second day of training.
"The dogs are like kids. It is just like daycare," she joked. "Hopefully I will finish [the training program] before I leave."
This program gives prisoners a chance to learn dog training and grooming skills that they can use upon release if they choose to work in the field.
"It is really rewarding work," said Alex Young, another prisoner who didn't want to speak about her conviction. "Hopefully, I will make a change in their lives."
But the real change can be seen in the faces of the women. In spite of their criminal past, the women soften as they talk about their special dogs.
"They give you unconditional love," Young said.
Jayne Nelson, a so-called dog whisperer from the Langley Animal Protection Society, is the trainer for the women and the dogs.
"A lot of the women can identify with the dogs," said Nelson. "A lot of them have grown up neglected and abused and they are taking care of neglected and abused pooches."
Although the dog-training program has only been running for a week, the effect of the program is noticeable, she added.
"Dogs don't care what you did last week or last year. As long as you take care of them today, they love you," she said.
The difficult dogs are being "reformed" so that they, too, can return to society and find a loving home. Families interested in adopting the dogs go to the prison to learn training strategies from the inmates.
"For the first time in their lives, they are the expert," said David Dick, programs team leader at the institution.
In a corner of the prison yard, far way from the prison cells, the women work and play with the dogs for eight hours each day. They also provide a "doggy daycare" for canines belonging to prison employees.
"They show up before their shift and stay after. We are kicking them out the door," said Nelson.
"Most of the best employees I ever had have been from inside an institution."
htravis@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Sun 2006
[dog training]
[dog news]
So much has happened (some good and some bad)that I just haven't had time to get in here. I'll try to make up for it over the next few days. In the meantime, here's the kind of story I like to read - full of doggy warmth, love, and hope.
Canines get second chance with some help from inmates at Fraser Valley Institution
Heather Travis
Vancouver Sun
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Spud, a six-month-old mutt with serious "dominance issues," was facing death row at the Langley Animal Protection Society.
But he, and another 12 dogs, were thrown a bone Wednesday when they were given a prison sentence for behavioural problems at a human jail.
His new trainers are also behind bars. Six inmates at the Fraser Valley Institution for women are being given a chance to turn around the snarling and disobedient Spud -- and a handful of other anti-social dogs -- into adoptable pets.
On the dog-day afternoon, as the sun reflected off the Abbotsford federal prison's chain-link fence, Spud and a half-dozen troubled canines were marched past the prison gates.
They began barking, jumping and running in circles as they were met by three women, some long-time criminals, who replied with a chorus of cooing, shaking paws and patting the dogs.
"I find it very relaxing," said 23-year old Amanda Goldsworthy, an armed robber serving four years. "It helps us go through our problems before we go back into the community."
The prison has worked with the Langley Animal Protection Society to bring problem pooches to the prison's kennel to be taught new tricks. They're in for a serious attitude adjustment.
Bailey, a 14-month Pomeranian, looked subdued as she cradled in Goldsworthy's lap, hidden from the sun.
The prisoner, who is serving the last year of her sentence, has just started her second day of training.
"The dogs are like kids. It is just like daycare," she joked. "Hopefully I will finish [the training program] before I leave."
This program gives prisoners a chance to learn dog training and grooming skills that they can use upon release if they choose to work in the field.
"It is really rewarding work," said Alex Young, another prisoner who didn't want to speak about her conviction. "Hopefully, I will make a change in their lives."
But the real change can be seen in the faces of the women. In spite of their criminal past, the women soften as they talk about their special dogs.
"They give you unconditional love," Young said.
Jayne Nelson, a so-called dog whisperer from the Langley Animal Protection Society, is the trainer for the women and the dogs.
"A lot of the women can identify with the dogs," said Nelson. "A lot of them have grown up neglected and abused and they are taking care of neglected and abused pooches."
Although the dog-training program has only been running for a week, the effect of the program is noticeable, she added.
"Dogs don't care what you did last week or last year. As long as you take care of them today, they love you," she said.
The difficult dogs are being "reformed" so that they, too, can return to society and find a loving home. Families interested in adopting the dogs go to the prison to learn training strategies from the inmates.
"For the first time in their lives, they are the expert," said David Dick, programs team leader at the institution.
In a corner of the prison yard, far way from the prison cells, the women work and play with the dogs for eight hours each day. They also provide a "doggy daycare" for canines belonging to prison employees.
"They show up before their shift and stay after. We are kicking them out the door," said Nelson.
"Most of the best employees I ever had have been from inside an institution."
htravis@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Sun 2006
[dog training]
[dog news]
The Paws That Refreshes...
Feeling tense? Need a special touch? You might want to make an appointment with this master pooch masseuse...
One of my cats, Gordita does this to Cho Cho a lot. Choobie loves it, but then - what's not to like?
[dog humor]
One of my cats, Gordita does this to Cho Cho a lot. Choobie loves it, but then - what's not to like?
[dog humor]
And about time, too...
Homeowners are beginning to rebel against insurers who discriminate against them for owning a certain breed. And quite rightly so. What they should be discriminating against is bad and irresponsible owners.
From The Wall Street Journal:
Canine Mutiny: Dog Owners Fight Insurers
State Lawmakers Aim to Stop Practice of Denying Coverage To Homes With Certain Breeds
By M. P. MCQUEEN
June 1, 2006; Page D1
Dog owners are biting back at the insurance industry.
There is a push by lawmakers and animal-welfare groups to ban the growing insurance-industry practice of refusing to write homeowners' policies for people who own dogs of certain breeds.
Some big insurers, including Allstate Corp. and Farmers Insurance Group, won't cover homes in some states if certain breeds are present. Others exclude the breeds from liability coverage or charge extra for it. The so-called vicious-breed lists include such popular pooches as German shepherds, Akitas and Siberian huskies, along with Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, American pit bull terriers and their cousins.
The practice is spurring rising complaints by dog owners that their homeowners' and renters' policies have been dropped, or they have been denied coverage, because their dog is on the list. They say the rules unfairly link well-behaved family pets with aggressive miscreants responsible for high-profile attacks.
At least nine states, including Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin, now have bills pending that would prevent insurance companies from dropping or refusing customers because of their dog's breed. In Massachusetts, a proposed bill has been set aside for further study. (Insurance rules and rates are state-regulated.) In 2003, the Michigan insurance commissioner issued an administrative ruling banning the practice in that state. The legislation is supported by animal-welfare organizations including the Humane Society of the United States, the American Kennel Club, and local pet and breeders' advocacy groups.
Insurers, who mostly oppose legislative efforts to alter their dog-breed policies, argue that government public-health studies and their own claims histories indicate that some breeds are more dangerous than others, and therefore pose higher risk of claims for injury and loss. Limiting insurers' exposure to those risks helps keep premiums more affordable for everyone, insurance officials say.
For owners of these breeds, the insurers' rules seem infuriatingly arbitrary. Terri Becker of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., said she has been turned down for coverage by several insurers recently. Ms. Becker, who owns three mixed-breed dogs, says The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., refused her application last year because one of the dogs was part-Chow.
"I can have a gun, but I can't have a Chow. That's kind of crazy," she said.
A spokesman for The Hartford, Joe Loparco, said that the company won't provide new coverage in most states to owners of Presa Canarios, Rottweilers and pit bulls, but that Chows aren't excluded. He also said that without knowing the specifics of the case, he couldn't address Ms. Becker's complaint.
The insurance battle comes as debate is erupting in cities, states, and courtrooms over whether to target certain breeds. More than 100 counties and cities have passed ordinances since 1991 banning or restricting ownership of specific breeds -- especially pit bulls -- or requiring that owners carry large amounts of liability insurance. This year through March alone, 65 such measures were proposed, far outpacing the number for the same period last year, according to the AKC. Dog owners and animal-rights groups have challenged many of these laws in court, and some laws have been struck down. In March, an appeals court in Ohio ruled that local and state laws banning or restricting ownership of pit-bull dogs were unconstitutionally vague.
Some pet advocates and insurance officials say companies started blacklisting breeds shortly after a series of highly publicized dog attacks, such as the Diane Whipple case. Ms. Whipple, 33, was mauled to death in 2001 by a neighbor couple's Presa Canario, a fighting breed that is often snubbed by insurers. The case is regarded as a landmark because the dog owners were convicted of manslaughter in connection with the vicious attack.
Dogs bite an estimated 4.7 million people in the United States annually, 800,000 seriously enough to require medical attention. About 40% of victims are children. Dog bites were responsible for $317.2 million in claims in 2005, an average of more than $21,000 each. They comprise 15% of liability claims, which in turn are about 4% of total claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a nonprofit industry research and information group. Homeowner and rental policies typically provide between $100,000 and $300,000 of liability coverage for dog bites.
Some insurers cite a 2000 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 20 years of fatal attacks by dogs on humans. It found that pit-bull-related breeds and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of the 238 dog-attack deaths between 1979 and 1998.
But the study's authors, including Julie Gilchrist, say that public and private policymakers have drawn flawed conclusions from it. Dr. Gilchrist said the study wasn't designed to determine which are the most dangerous dog breeds and didn't establish bite-fatality rates for the breeds it named. "You can't say that one breed is more likely to bite (than another)," she said.
Dr. Gilchrist, a pediatrician, said the involvement of some breeds in more attacks may reflect the sheer prevalence of those breeds. Other factors, such as training and neutering, are more relevant than breed, she said, noting that owners choose and train some dogs for aggression. The CDC has posted a notice on its Web site trying to discourage lawmakers and others from using the study to ban specific breeds.
Adam Goldfarb, issues specialist for the Humane Society of the United States, agrees. "According to the CDC, more than 70% of the dogs involved in attacks are unneutered males," he said. "No other statistic is as big as that." Mr. Goldfarb said the Humane Society might support insurability criteria that looked at whether a dog has been spayed or neutered, has been obedience-trained, or is chained outside (a factor in many attacks.)
Some longtime dog owners said they had owned controversial breeds for years without incident when insurance companies suddenly decided to cut them loose. Veterinarian Gary Lainer of Canton, Mass., said six of his clients had been dropped by insurers recently, including a Rottweiler owner in a crime-ridden section of Brockton who had bought the dog to help make his home safer. Most eventually found coverage but they had to pay "much, much more," Mr. Lainer said.
Not every insurer limits coverage for owners of certain breeds. State Farm Insurance Cos., the largest issuer of homeowner policies in the U.S., and Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Allianz AG, don't consider the breed of dog when issuing policies.
Meanwhile, Farmers Insurance Group, the third-largest home insurer by market share, excludes several dog breeds from coverage in five of the 41 states in which it does business. The company has had "above average losses" connected with dogs of those breeds in those states, said spokeswoman Mary Flynn. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., the fourth-largest insurer, also has a list of banned breeds, but owners can be exempted by having their dog pass an American Kennel Club-approved "Canine Good Citizenship" test.
Specialty insurers known as "excess and surplus lines" carriers, which tend to charge more for coverage, seldom exclude dogs from coverage by breed, said Dave Evans, senior vice president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of the United States, a trade group. With many companies offering homeowners insurance, consumers should shop around, perhaps with the help of an independent insurance agent, who can compare policies from various companies.
Write to M. P. McQueen at mari.mcqeen@wsj.com1
[dogs]
[dog news]
[dog training]
From The Wall Street Journal:
Canine Mutiny: Dog Owners Fight Insurers
State Lawmakers Aim to Stop Practice of Denying Coverage To Homes With Certain Breeds
By M. P. MCQUEEN
June 1, 2006; Page D1
Dog owners are biting back at the insurance industry.
There is a push by lawmakers and animal-welfare groups to ban the growing insurance-industry practice of refusing to write homeowners' policies for people who own dogs of certain breeds.
Some big insurers, including Allstate Corp. and Farmers Insurance Group, won't cover homes in some states if certain breeds are present. Others exclude the breeds from liability coverage or charge extra for it. The so-called vicious-breed lists include such popular pooches as German shepherds, Akitas and Siberian huskies, along with Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, American pit bull terriers and their cousins.
The practice is spurring rising complaints by dog owners that their homeowners' and renters' policies have been dropped, or they have been denied coverage, because their dog is on the list. They say the rules unfairly link well-behaved family pets with aggressive miscreants responsible for high-profile attacks.
At least nine states, including Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin, now have bills pending that would prevent insurance companies from dropping or refusing customers because of their dog's breed. In Massachusetts, a proposed bill has been set aside for further study. (Insurance rules and rates are state-regulated.) In 2003, the Michigan insurance commissioner issued an administrative ruling banning the practice in that state. The legislation is supported by animal-welfare organizations including the Humane Society of the United States, the American Kennel Club, and local pet and breeders' advocacy groups.
Insurers, who mostly oppose legislative efforts to alter their dog-breed policies, argue that government public-health studies and their own claims histories indicate that some breeds are more dangerous than others, and therefore pose higher risk of claims for injury and loss. Limiting insurers' exposure to those risks helps keep premiums more affordable for everyone, insurance officials say.
For owners of these breeds, the insurers' rules seem infuriatingly arbitrary. Terri Becker of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., said she has been turned down for coverage by several insurers recently. Ms. Becker, who owns three mixed-breed dogs, says The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., refused her application last year because one of the dogs was part-Chow.
"I can have a gun, but I can't have a Chow. That's kind of crazy," she said.
A spokesman for The Hartford, Joe Loparco, said that the company won't provide new coverage in most states to owners of Presa Canarios, Rottweilers and pit bulls, but that Chows aren't excluded. He also said that without knowing the specifics of the case, he couldn't address Ms. Becker's complaint.
The insurance battle comes as debate is erupting in cities, states, and courtrooms over whether to target certain breeds. More than 100 counties and cities have passed ordinances since 1991 banning or restricting ownership of specific breeds -- especially pit bulls -- or requiring that owners carry large amounts of liability insurance. This year through March alone, 65 such measures were proposed, far outpacing the number for the same period last year, according to the AKC. Dog owners and animal-rights groups have challenged many of these laws in court, and some laws have been struck down. In March, an appeals court in Ohio ruled that local and state laws banning or restricting ownership of pit-bull dogs were unconstitutionally vague.
Some pet advocates and insurance officials say companies started blacklisting breeds shortly after a series of highly publicized dog attacks, such as the Diane Whipple case. Ms. Whipple, 33, was mauled to death in 2001 by a neighbor couple's Presa Canario, a fighting breed that is often snubbed by insurers. The case is regarded as a landmark because the dog owners were convicted of manslaughter in connection with the vicious attack.
Dogs bite an estimated 4.7 million people in the United States annually, 800,000 seriously enough to require medical attention. About 40% of victims are children. Dog bites were responsible for $317.2 million in claims in 2005, an average of more than $21,000 each. They comprise 15% of liability claims, which in turn are about 4% of total claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a nonprofit industry research and information group. Homeowner and rental policies typically provide between $100,000 and $300,000 of liability coverage for dog bites.
Some insurers cite a 2000 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 20 years of fatal attacks by dogs on humans. It found that pit-bull-related breeds and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of the 238 dog-attack deaths between 1979 and 1998.
But the study's authors, including Julie Gilchrist, say that public and private policymakers have drawn flawed conclusions from it. Dr. Gilchrist said the study wasn't designed to determine which are the most dangerous dog breeds and didn't establish bite-fatality rates for the breeds it named. "You can't say that one breed is more likely to bite (than another)," she said.
Dr. Gilchrist, a pediatrician, said the involvement of some breeds in more attacks may reflect the sheer prevalence of those breeds. Other factors, such as training and neutering, are more relevant than breed, she said, noting that owners choose and train some dogs for aggression. The CDC has posted a notice on its Web site trying to discourage lawmakers and others from using the study to ban specific breeds.
Adam Goldfarb, issues specialist for the Humane Society of the United States, agrees. "According to the CDC, more than 70% of the dogs involved in attacks are unneutered males," he said. "No other statistic is as big as that." Mr. Goldfarb said the Humane Society might support insurability criteria that looked at whether a dog has been spayed or neutered, has been obedience-trained, or is chained outside (a factor in many attacks.)
Some longtime dog owners said they had owned controversial breeds for years without incident when insurance companies suddenly decided to cut them loose. Veterinarian Gary Lainer of Canton, Mass., said six of his clients had been dropped by insurers recently, including a Rottweiler owner in a crime-ridden section of Brockton who had bought the dog to help make his home safer. Most eventually found coverage but they had to pay "much, much more," Mr. Lainer said.
Not every insurer limits coverage for owners of certain breeds. State Farm Insurance Cos., the largest issuer of homeowner policies in the U.S., and Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Allianz AG, don't consider the breed of dog when issuing policies.
Meanwhile, Farmers Insurance Group, the third-largest home insurer by market share, excludes several dog breeds from coverage in five of the 41 states in which it does business. The company has had "above average losses" connected with dogs of those breeds in those states, said spokeswoman Mary Flynn. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., the fourth-largest insurer, also has a list of banned breeds, but owners can be exempted by having their dog pass an American Kennel Club-approved "Canine Good Citizenship" test.
Specialty insurers known as "excess and surplus lines" carriers, which tend to charge more for coverage, seldom exclude dogs from coverage by breed, said Dave Evans, senior vice president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of the United States, a trade group. With many companies offering homeowners insurance, consumers should shop around, perhaps with the help of an independent insurance agent, who can compare policies from various companies.
Write to M. P. McQueen at mari.mcqeen@wsj.com1
[dogs]
[dog news]
[dog training]
That's Pretty Dog-gone Funny!
If you've ever suspected your dog of snickering at you behind your back, you may not be paranoid. The latest research suggests that dogs may have the doggy equivalent of a chuckle, titter, and a belly-laugh...
Guess Who Enjoys A Good Laugh
May 3, 2006
They bark, they play fetch, and they roll over. That's a given, after all - they're dogs.
But new research suggests dogs do something else when they're happy and playful: They laugh. (We're not joking!)
Patricia Simonet is one of the scientists who made this funny discovery. She works with animals at the Spokane (Wash.) County Regional Animal Protection Service.
In 2001, Ms. Simonet and a group of students at Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe, Nev., had a theory about animal behavior. They thought dogs might have a sense of humor.
So the group recorded dogs at play and eventually isolated the whining, barking, and panting sound she now calls laughter.
You've probably heard doggy laughter. It's the long "huff" noise they make when playing with a favorite toy or in anticipation of going on a walk.
Dogs even laugh when they're trying to encourage another dog - or person - to pay attention to them.
Animal play is nothing new, however. Scientists have long suspected that some animals smile or laugh.
Rats, for example, have been shown to chirp delightedly above the range of human hearing when wrestling with one another. Orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas also make laughing noises as they play.
So are these four-legged creatures the next stand-up comedians? Probably not, Simonet says. But be careful not to trip and fall the next time you're taking your dog for a walk. If your dog starts making a "huff" sound, it might be at your expense!
©Copyright 2006 The Christian Science Monitor. All rights reserved.
[dog news]
[dogs]
Guess Who Enjoys A Good Laugh
May 3, 2006
They bark, they play fetch, and they roll over. That's a given, after all - they're dogs.
But new research suggests dogs do something else when they're happy and playful: They laugh. (We're not joking!)
Patricia Simonet is one of the scientists who made this funny discovery. She works with animals at the Spokane (Wash.) County Regional Animal Protection Service.
In 2001, Ms. Simonet and a group of students at Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe, Nev., had a theory about animal behavior. They thought dogs might have a sense of humor.
So the group recorded dogs at play and eventually isolated the whining, barking, and panting sound she now calls laughter.
You've probably heard doggy laughter. It's the long "huff" noise they make when playing with a favorite toy or in anticipation of going on a walk.
Dogs even laugh when they're trying to encourage another dog - or person - to pay attention to them.
Animal play is nothing new, however. Scientists have long suspected that some animals smile or laugh.
Rats, for example, have been shown to chirp delightedly above the range of human hearing when wrestling with one another. Orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas also make laughing noises as they play.
So are these four-legged creatures the next stand-up comedians? Probably not, Simonet says. But be careful not to trip and fall the next time you're taking your dog for a walk. If your dog starts making a "huff" sound, it might be at your expense!
©Copyright 2006 The Christian Science Monitor. All rights reserved.
[dog news]
[dogs]
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