Q. My dog is 7 years old and is very agressive. He is a small dog and lives in our apartment. At the beginning he was nice with us and the rest of people. But as time passed he became more and more agressive. I can't even scream at me because he bagins barking and once he has even bitten me. What can I do? I have had him for 7 years and i love him very much?
A. What you need is someone who is an expert in dog physcology and training. This behavior isnt something to be tolerated in a dog, and once its been allowed its hard for a regular uneducated pet owner to get rid of.
He does it because he's not treated like a dog. Iam going to bet that he's the baby and allowed to do all sorts of things, like growl at you and your parents, eat special foods that he begs for, and
be on the furniture, and have toys that belong to him that you're not allowed to touch when he has.
These things make a dog aggressive. What he thinks by you guys always giving him things, and allowing him to growl at you, snip and bite, and to be on the the furniture at the same level as you, is that he's the dominate dog of the pack.
First off, get him off the furniture, never let him at the same level as you. He belongs on the floor, always lower than you. Get him a bed, on the floor. Take his toys and treats away, he doesnt need them at this point in his training.
Second he needs a place to go thats away from you. Either outside, or another room behind a gate or something. When he is aggressive towards you or family you need to remove him from your sight. Dogs of this size are nice because you can pick him up. Dogs have extra skin around their necks, and grabbing it is a sign of being top dog. Watch your hands, dont get bit. When he is aggressive, and i mean the FIRST SIGN of being aggressive, you need to march over, grab the scruff of his neck, tell him NO BAD DOG, and put him away from you. Either outside or in that other room behind a gate. A good swat or two on his flank while you're holding his scruff and saying no, is also exremely useful and needed. Dont beat him, just provide that physical shock.
This is how dogs in packs, or dogs playing together, communicate. The top dog will 'attack' the other dog, bite at the legs and butt, and grab the neck until that dog leaves the pack or play area. The dog that was attacked then has to ask for forgiveness and permission to join back in, by staying low to the ground and submissive, even rolling over on their back, when the 'top dog' is near it again.
You would see this behavior in your dog when after 10-15 minutes you return to the gate or outside, and the dog responds to seeing you with a level wagging tail, a tucked tail, and a low head, Or even rolling over on its side or back. Thats a sign that the dog admits you're in control and its not.
The goal of ALWAYS reacting the same way AS SOON as the dog is aggresive to you or your parents or visitors, is to teach it that you're the one who is the pack leader and decides who does what, NOT him.
If you're consistant about always grabbing his scruff, telling him no and swatting his flank, and putting him away from you, he will eventually realize that he's not the one leading, you are. And he's not the one who decides when to be agressive, YOU are. You should be doing this even if the dog is only growling. Or only stiff with its hair raised.
A good dog will not be aggressive at ANY TIME without first looking to you for your reaction to the situation, or if it does become aggressive be default it will imediately defer to your command to stop.
Aggression from dogs is NOT something you EVER leave unpunished. EVER. this dog behaves this way because you either feared its reaction, or ignored it, or tried to calm the animal.
Can i pet a stray dog without getting any infections/diseases?
Q. I'm in india right now, and there's a lot of stray dogs. If I pet them on top of the head between the ears will i get any diseases?
A. this is what,s called an uncontrolled medical experiment. you were the subject.
What can you do when your dog attacks your pet bird?
Q. My 12 year old cockatiel sustained an attack from my 1 year old black lab. She grabbed him in her mouth and laid on top of him. He has dry blood on the left side of his head, and he hardly makes a noise. This happened yesterday, and I want to know if he'll ever be the same bird again.
EDIT: It turns out Buddy didn't die at all. He was just in shock that day. He is recovering quickly and is back to his old self. He is on my shoulder as I type and he is alive and well.
A. that happened to my lovebirds a long time ago.
but it was a cat that attacked it.
she didn't die but she wasn't as lively and friendly after that.
What is the best thing for our pet(dog), while we go on a vacation for 30 days?
Q. We have a pet dog(9 months old shih tzu), and we will be leaving on a trip for 30 days. Is it ok to take our pet to other country(India) with us or is it better to leave our littile darling in a pet hostel.It's very difficult for us to leave her alone(she is very much attached to us as we are to her.We are worried that she would miss us and stop eating or get ill health due to the separation anxiety if we checked her into a pet hostel for 30 days), but we are more concerned about her health and safety.
During october-november time that we would be in India the weather is not hot or humid.we are planning to keep her in our house premises along with us.Any one can tell us if is it ok to take our pet to India from USA. If we take her with us we are planning to take her in the cabin.Is it ok for her if she stay's 30 days there in India???
We don't know what we can do with her when we are gone, What solution is best for her?
A. Many pets are given up at vacation time because of perceived inconvenience. Thousands of pets left with pet sitters are lost each year, when a little forethought could have prevented it. Here are some helpful hints about vacations and how to make them safe and enjoyable for your pet.
If your pet is not suited to travel, due to ill health or temperament, consider having a pet sitter come to your home, asking a family member, friend or neighbour to look after your pet or having your pet stay at a boarding facility. Take the time to explain your pet's routine and include a
list of instructions about what to do if your pet is lost. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and has had all
his vaccinations
Live-In Pet Sitter
Ideally, this person is a relative or friend who knows your pet (or gets to know your pet before you leave and will be with your pet most of the time).
Before you go, leave an adequate supply of food, instructions about grooming and exercise routine, and telephone numbers where you can be reached. Phone your pet sitter a couple of times during your holiday to check on how your pet is doing.
Drop-In Neighbour
Many neighbours will agree to stop by each day to feed, water and exercise your pet. Make sure you entrust this duty to a responsible person. Some students do this for a summer job - be sure to obtain references and check them.
Boarding Kennel
A kennel can be an excellent way to ensure top-quality care but its strange surroundings can be a psychological shock to your pet.
Visit the kennel and check for the following:
Are the cages clean?
Are the cages large enough for your pet?
Is water available at all times?
Do the animals bark, seem content and come to see you when you walk through?
Do the kennel owners insist on all vaccinations?
How often will your pet receive exercise? What kind?
Is the boarding agreement complete and satisfactory?
Is there a veterinarian on-call 24 hours a day? (You may want to verify this by calling the veterinarian's office).
Taking Your Pet With You
You can enjoy a vacation with your pet regardless of the method of transportation you choose, as long as you take the time to check ahead and make the proper arrangements.
Be aware of any health risks (such as deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease) that your pet may encounter at any of your vacation stops and speak with your veterinarian about preventing or coping with these problems.
Before you leave on vacation, make sure your pet has been checked by a veterinarian. You will need updated health certificates, medical and vaccincation records. Carry heartworm medication for dogs and be sure to have your cat vaccinated against feline leukemia, as your cat may come in contact with other cats.
You will want to pack a leash, collar, harness, tags, license, medicine/first-aid kit, food, water bowl, treats, grooming tools, toys, your pet's favourite blanket or pillow and a scratching post. You should have double tags containing your home address and phone number, and the address and phone number of your destination, or that of a nearby relative, in case your pet becomes lost during the trip. You should also carry a good, recent profile photograph of your pet in case you are separated.
At the Cottage/Going Camping
Although your pet may be on holidays, he can never take a vacation from its leash, collar and identification tag.
Do not allow your pet to roam. Many companion animals become lost and confused in unfamiliar surroundings. Many die from malnutrition, stress or disease.
Encounters with wild animals, such as raccoons and porcupines, can be very unpleasant and dangerous for your pet. Such confrontations can cause injury to all the animals involved, and can be costly, as well.
Travelling By Bus
Most buses will not accept pets, but check with the bus company to confirm this.
Travelling by Car
If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take him for a few short rides before vacation time. Your pet should have a pleasant experience, such as a hike (with your dog) or a treat, at the end of these shorter jaunts, so that he associates car travel with rewards.
Never leave your pet unattended in a car in warm weather, even with the window open. Interior car temperatures can rise dangerously high in a matter of minutes, and the heat could kill him.
Your pet should be in a carrier/crate or on a seatbelt harness (available at pet supply stores) for their own safety.
To prevent motion sickness, do not overfeed your pet while travelling, especially before departing. Do not feed your pet for a few hours before a trip. Bring along fresh cool water and a familiar water bowl.
Allow for exercise breaks during long trips. They're good for you and your pet! Try to walk your dog at his regular time.
Do not let your pet hang his head out of the car window. This practice often causes damage to an animal's eyes or ears.
Keep complete identification and a rabies tag on your cat or dog at all times, and be sure to have your pet microchipped . Carry current health and vaccination cerificates with you.
Book your hotel/motel in advance. Check to see if they accept pets (there are several publications in print that include this information). Do not leave your pet alone in a hotel/motel room without familiar toys and bedding.
Travelling by Plane
Air travel is of the most concern when taking pets on holiday.
Most airlines will take pets but not all will accept puppies. Dogs with pug-nosed faces should not travel by air. They are susceptible to breathing difficulties and heat stroke in the cargo hold.
Contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services. Ask about other cargo on your flights and about placement of the cage.
Try to book a non-stop flight or one with the minimum number of stops or transfers, so that your pet will not be on the plane any longer than necessary. In warm weather, select an early morning or late evening flight.
Normally, pets are kept in the pressurized cargo area, but some airlines for a fee, will accept pets in the passenger cabin. Check with your airline to find out if they offer this option and any restrictions that may apply. Although it is not always possible, ask if you can supervise the loading and unloading of your pet. Be sure to advise the flight attendant that your pet is on board so that he or she can inform the captain.
Make sure the carrier is large enough to be comfortable for your pet. Bring the carrier into the house a few days before you leave to allow your pet to become used to it. Pull a shirt out of the clothes hamper and put it inside to give the carrier a comforting, familiar smell.
Quarantine conditions can be extremely stressful for companion animals. Check with the consulate or embassy of the country you will be visiting to learn about its quarantine regulations, required health certificates and the location for quarantine facility at your destination (sometimes they are located kilometeres miles away).
For foreign travel, check with the consulate or embassy of the country you will be visiting for entry requirements. England and Hawaii, among other places, impose long quarantine periods.
Your pet must be in an airline-approved carrier. Make sure your pet's shipping container is well constructed. The proper cage, available from airlines or pet supply stores, should:
Be large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn and lie down;
Have a leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material;
Have ventilation on opposite sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked air flow;
Be labelled " LIVE ANIMAL ", with arrows indicating upright position. Include your name, your pet's name, your address, phone number and destination.
Before leaving:
Feed your pet a light meal at least six hours before departure.
Do not tranquilize your pet without your veterinarian's approval and instruction.
Pick up your pet promptly upon arrival at your destination. It is always wise to check your pet after he has been discharged from the plane. If you notice anything amiss, report it to the airline's customer relations representative. If you feel your pet's health is in question, seek veterinary attention. Ask for the results of the veterinary examination/treatment in writing, including the date and time your pet was seen.
Travelling By Train
Each railway line has its own policy regarding travel with pets. Check with the railway before making any plans.
If you are travelling by train in Canada with your pet, you will pay a surcharge and your animal must be contained in an approved carrier or kennel. It will help your pet if his carrier contains a blanket or pad carrying a familiar scent. Your pet carrier will be boarded with the luggage in the baggage car. Not all trains on each route have a baggage car, so be sure to phone ahead.
Ask how your pet's kennel will be secured in the baggage compartment.
Your pet's health can be compromised by extreme heat or cold. The temperature outside will affect how comfortably your pet will travel. It is imperative that you ask if the baggage car is temperature-controlled and, if it is, at what temperature is it maintained. If the temperature inside the baggage car is not controlled, do not use the train as a means of travel for your pet.
It is always wise to check your pet after he has been unloaded from the train. If you notice anything amiss, report it to the railways's customer relations representative. If you feel your pet's health is in question, seek veterinary attention. Ask for the results of the veterinary examination/treatment in writing, including the date and time your pet was seen.
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