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There are certain topics that should be avoided in casual conversation because they ignite a rash of different emotions. Religion and politics are two topics that usually are avoided and the pit bull breed is fast becoming such a topic. On one hand you have those that will defend the pit bull insisting it is the environment and owners that dictate their behavior. While on the other hand you have those that believe all pit bulls are dangerous and should be banished all together. Pit bulls have a very distinctive muscular build due to their origins of the European Bulldog and eventual breeding with the terrier. The European Bulldog was used for baiting bulls, bears and holding down large animals. When baiting was banned in the 1800’s European Bulldogs were then used in dog fighting, but a more agile dog was desired and thus they were bred with the terrier. Pit bulls are now known for having a very stocky and strong build while being able to maintain extreme athleticism. They currently … [Read more...]
The Importance of Reporting Dog Bites
With dog attacks becoming more and more prevalent in the media many states have adopted breed specific laws in an attempt to help prevent vicious dog attacks. There are Facebook pages and websites dedicated to nothing but displaying videos of dog attacks and comments ranging from blaming the owner to outright blaming the victim for “provoking” the dog. There are so many different opinions on whether breed specific laws are actually effective. The argument is often made it’s the owner not the dog. This notion ignores the fact that dogs were bred for specific purposes and knowing the history behind the breed is important. It is crucial to understand that any dog can bite and aggressive behavior in dogs should not be tolerated or taken lightly. Studies are not able to provide an accurate number of dog bites, only estimates, because so many attacks are going unreported. The specific reason victims do not come forward is unknown, however, one can assume it has much to do with loyalty to the … [Read more...]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
When many people think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) the first thing that comes to mind is a battle weary soldier, however, anyone who has suffered a traumatic event can have symptoms of PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition that can occur after a devastating event, causing an individual to experience extreme anxiety. Having a traumatic event occur to an employee doesn’t guarantee they will suffer from PTSD, however, depending on the severity of the event it can occur. For instance, if an employee is bitten by a 6-pound Yorkshire terrier it may have little-to no effect on them, however, if a 85-pound pit bull were to bite them the effects could be devastating. For employees that have suffered a life-changing event such as a dog bite the long-term consequences can be debilitating. Even after the physical wounds have healed, the emotional recovery from a dog bite can be felt for years and years to come. In such an instance, the simple sight of a dog may … [Read more...]
Invisible Fences
Imagine a scenario where you are in-route to deliver a package. You have been down this street many times and are familiar with the neighborhood which is relatively quiet and well kept. You drive up to the appropriate house and step out of your company vehicle to deliver a package. You have been to this house many times and have a rapport built with the owner of the house, so you immediately head to the front door. Everything seems normal when suddenly a dog appears! Nothing has changed since your last delivery, there is no fence, or beware of dog sign when suddenly the owner appears in the yard giving a command to the dog and you realize two things. First, the owner has gotten a new dog, and second, they now have an electric fence. There were no warning signs at all to let you know you there was a dog present. This is just one of the issues with invisible or electric fences, because while it may be effective in keeping the owner's dog in the fence, it is doing nothing to keep other … [Read more...]
How Dog Bites Affect Your Employees
Depending on the line of work your company is in, the risk factor for encountering a dog can vary drastically. Employees at risk for encountering dogs in their line of work should keep the mindset that on a daily basis they may encounter a number of dogs on their route. However, this mindset does not lessen the fear when a potential attack is eminent. If employees are at risk for encountering dogs during work it is critical they are trained to never believe an owner when they state their dog won’t bite. Dogs have no discrimination and will look to exhort their dominance when given the chance. For employees who have suffered an attack, they know all to well how quickly a dog’s behavior can change. Once an employee suffers a dog bite it will never be forgotten and the physical scars of the attack remain as a vivid reminder of what they have survived. What seems like a simple task to an average person may now take a large amount of effort for those who have experienced a viscous dog … [Read more...]
Reducing the Risk of Dog Bite Related Injuries
For the many employees who come in contact with dogs on a daily basis their description of the animals behavior may be very different from that of the average American. Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, which speaks to the relationship one can have with their dog. Also, it is common for families to consider their dog as one of their own family members. However, if you are one of the many businesses whose employees deal with dogs on a regular basis, you know there is a different side to that family pet. Dog bite related injuries and deaths are unsettling to think about for many reasons. For starters, no one wants to think about the pet they love so dearly having the capability of being a viscous killing machine. When reading testimonies of those who have survived or witness a dog attack there is often one resounding similarity, the owner never saw it coming. You will often be told, “Oh, I promise he won’t bite,” all while the dog is showing you his fanged teeth. In … [Read more...]
Why should your business be concerned with dog bite safety?
If your business deals with even 1 of the estimated 83 million dogs here in the USA, then the better question is why wouldn’t you be concerned? I don’t know about you but that is a lot of dogs to encounter when going about your daily routines and routes. Out of the estimated 83 million dogs there are about 885,000 bites per year! Still not convinced there is a need for dog bite safety (DBS)? How about this? Each year in America you stand a 1 in 50 chance of being bitten. What those numbers should say to you is education and knowledge on DBS is key. Having employees know what cues a dog may provide before an attack are paramount. It can reduce the risk of bites, boost employee moral causing each employee to be more confident in their job because they know how to handle themselves. Employees will face dogs but with DBS training they will have the knowledge to address problems when they arise. They will assess each situation and know they are more likely to be bitten if the owner is … [Read more...]
Dangerous Dog Laws
A dog may be classified as a dangerous dog if they have ever attacked or caused any harm or injury to another person or animal without warrant. In addition, a dog may even be labeled dangerous if there is behavior exhibited that suggests the risk or probability of a future attack is high. Each state in the U.S. utilizes different classifications to determine whether a dog is deemed to be dangerous, as well as having different sets of regulations in these cases that must be followed by dog owners. Once a dog has been deemed dangerous, owners are often required to meet certain criteria to include muzzling, spay or neutering, and may also require evaluation by a certified behavioral expert. Owners may also be required to maintain supervision of the dog by someone eighteen years of age or older when the dog is in public. In some instances humane confinement may also be deemed necessary. Humane confinement requires providing shelter for a dog that consists of an incased concrete slab with a … [Read more...]
December Train the Trainer Scheduled!
Join us on December 6 to 8 2016 for 3 days of our Train the Trainer course in Tampa, FL. Don't delay to register, only 15 seats per TTT! Download the Registration form for more information on pricing. Host Hotel: Holiday Inn, Tampa, FL … [Read more...]
Long vs Short Pants – Blog
I (Mitzi Robinson) was asked to provide my opinion on the difference between long vs short pants. Yes, it absolutely makes a difference! A dog will bite the first thing he comes in contact with on the body. In most cases, employees will be confronted by submissive dogs and these types of dogs will want to keep all four feet on the ground. They will want to use a frontal grip, which means only the canine and incisor teeth are used for biting. This is important because a submissive dog will usually grab no more than the pant. Wearing long pants helps to prevent the employee from punctures and scraping from frontal bites. A dominant dog uses a full grip bite. Meaning he will use the front and back parts of his mouth causing a more severe bite. Premolars and molars used in full grip bites will not only break the skin but also can cause broken bones, and serve muscles and nerve damage. If the majority of the dogs employees faced were dominant then wearing pants would be useless. But … [Read more...]