The Dilemma Of A Bite

What do you do when you get bitten by a dog?

I get this question about once a year. 

Today the question came from a friend via a phone call. He explained that he was just out walking by himself, minding his own business. He walked by a dog on a leash and the dog jumped at him and bit him on the leg. He did nothing to provoke it. He didn't pause, or turn, or make any gestures. He wasn’t talking to the dog or the owner. The dog was on a leash. He was just walking by.  After the dog bit him another person who witnessed the incident came up to him and told him that the dog had previously also bitten that same dog. 

He called me shortly after. " I don't know what to do?"

Every bite has a cause. A dog is as complicated and unique as any of us. They bite for a whole host of reasons. The secret is to unpack whatever is causing them to think that a defensive action is the appropriate response to a stimuli. The question is why do some of us react to a stressful, or fearful experience and decide to act upon it with a dangerous response?

The question is what do you do when you are bitten by a dog and what does the person responsible for that dog need to consider?

When I am talking to a client about a bite every veterinarian is always going worry about rabies because rabies is 100% fatal. So if a client comes to me and says I got bit by a dog or you know. My first piece of advice is to treat it as you would a car accident. 

1. Make sure everyone is ok. Call the police if there is an injury that might be considered severe, or life threatening. If you do not think it is life threatening seek medical care as soon as able. Be warned every animal bite will be mandatory for the medical provider to report it.

2. Collect information from everyone involved. You should get a picture of their id. Exchange each others information. Should this be something require legal action you will need that information for insurance, etc.

Most of the bite cases that I hear about come to see me typically because their dog got in a dog fight with another dog/animal and then the owner jumped in the middle and they were bitten inadvertently.

The difficulty is that once the police get involved lots of things can happen that people are not prepared for. One of them is that if this dog has any previous bite histories then the law can step in. I have been given a court order before to euthanize a dog for excessive bite history. The pet parent had fought in court to try to save her dog. She fought hard. She lost. Her dog had to be put down. I struggled with the decision. The reality was that this dog was going to be put down regardless of how much it crushes me to euthanize a healthy animal. If I didn't do it the shelter would. His mom couldn't be with him there. He would be scared and they would not handle him the same way we could. We sedated him calmly and peacefully and we all sat around him on a big blanket in the back field where he was peaceful. It was awful but,, well,,,, it was the least awful I could make it. This has played out 3 times in my career. There are times where I want to surrender my euthanasia license to save a piece of my soul that struggles so hard.

I believe that there are no "bad dogs" there are dogs who are desperately uncomfortable and do not know how to react appropriately when they are stressed. This case, like all of them, had warning signs. The worst cases of bites are when pet parents try to manage the situations by blaming others, or changing the environment to try to avoid a trigger. The problem is that the triggers change and evolve, and a dog who will react with aggression will likely do that for other scenarios and situations you cannot foresee. The other issue is that not every bite is going to happen on an adult in an area that is not visible. I have seen people have their faces bitten. Their nose or mouth removed. Requiring years of surgeries. I have also know of  examples where children and adults did not survive.

I always talk to people about that. I have to ask; what are you prepared to do? Sometimes my own dog has been on the leash and growled at another dog passing by and then the other dog responded with the same kind of tough-guy attitude. Then I get myself in the middle of it by reminding him to not be such a jerk. He is always on a short leash right beside me, and, I am always watching him. If there was a dog off-leash who acted like he does, came over to us with the same big-dog-sassy attitude, I am sure I would end up in the middle of a dog fight. He is just an insecure moron about some other dogs. I will never fully trust him and he is never allowed off leash because of this. I am his mom and I have to face the fact that in his head he thinks it is appropriate to be defensive and protective.  But in your case, you weren’t doing anything and a dog bit you. There was something that happened in that dogs' head but the problem is you didn’t illicit it. You weren’t one of those obnoxious people that walks up to a dog and sticks your you know, hands and face in their face and kind of violates their privacy just assuming that every dog is happy to meet a total stranger who oversteps their presumed welcome. You were just walking along. So the difficulty for me with your scenario is that if this was completely unprovoked and you already know somebody else has been injured then you probably have a responsibility as a citizen to report it because although you didn’t get hurt, you’re also a big strong, healthy guy and you’re not a child who you know might’ve really had significant injuries. I always kind of start with what’s the worst case scenario how would I feel if I didn’t address the worst case scenario? We all also have a civic responsibility to other people in the community.

"I know who this person is," he said.

.... wait what? 

"You know the person you know the person with the dog?" He did. They are a friend of a friend.

Then I would say the best case scenario is to start with the olive branch right like this visit at the end of the day is a dog who’s struggling with something right and if this is a responsible owner and I really am happy to talk to her. She needs to understand that her dog is struggling with something and she’s ultimately responsible for it and if she doesn’t address it, the court is going to step in and she will have to literally flee the state she will she will she will be given a court order to have that dog euthanized. They probably won’t cross state lines, but that’s what she’s gonna have to do and that’s what people have done and I’m not saying that’s what you should do but that’s what has to happen. She needs to understand that her dog is struggling with something and doesn’t know how to deal with it and is redirecting that aggression on somebody else if that means that she medicate her dog while she goes into training and that dog never leaves the house without a muzzle on. She should also have a vest put on it that says "do not approach, in training." Something that gives a visible warning. Then that dog is never let outside without a muzzle on. She can get a basket muzzle, which is not difficult or prohibitive with their ability to pant, eat and drink, but she needs to do something or she is one going to have to put her dog down. That will go on her record and she may not ever be able to adopt a dog again.

"Thank you."

People get defensive,, but there is a problem. And it will repeat and someone will be hurt. 

Disclaimer time. I am not a lawyer or behaviorist. This is my opinion based on decades of vetmed.

Photos above are the dogs of the Ukraine. I still think about them, and that place, every single day.

Watching People Ruin Their Pets. When Do You Intervene?

I saw an event unfolding last night that was not new to me, unfortunately.

A young women buoyed down by screaming, demanding, unrelenting children drags her new puppy in the hospital entrance. This puppy is a small, gangly, mopey, shy, quiet, a wallpaper scruffy scrawny little bag of bones. The last in tow.

As with every exam, my clock, the time you pay me for, begins the moment I set eyes on you and your pet. Being a vet who can only obtain the clues your patient can't verbally provide for you, is about observance. I do most of my work without the client talking or my hands on my patient. In many cases up to and almost 50 % of what I need to know comes from me just watching you and your pet interact before I even start taking notes.

This puppy was perfect. I knew he was perfect within the first minute of seeing him interact, or rather not react to this chaotic crew. He kept his nose down, his tail low, and his feet nimble. He went where directed, no argument, no challenge, no expectations. He sat next to a child ignoring him,,, the ipad was far too captivating. He rested his head on the baby seat carrier next to two month old toes wailing for a binkie. This puppy was last on the totem pole and he was so comfortable with this lot he had been lowered into that he didn't ask for anything more.

I loved him completely for just being so content in the cacophony of cries he misplaced himself within.

My pup Fripp. Abandoned in a box on the side of the road at 2 months old.

Trust me when I say this: puppies are born perfect. People screw them up. Even people who aren't trying to do it intentionally. It's just like kids. Why do they care so much about your opinion of them? Why are teenagers so internally conflicted? Fight so hard, care so much to be accepted? Because that's what youth costs. Puppies, like kids, need time, attention, acceptance, patience, and they need you to as much as possible. They need you to put them before yourself. That's what maturity costs. Juveniles often cannot articulate the exact origin of their dismay, but you know there is conflict if they aren't fitting into your life. The hard part isn't recognizing there is an issue, the hard part is stepping out of your own demanding, busy shoes and trying to fit your fleshy feet into their furred paws. March to the beat of a life without schedules, jobs, financial pressures. These are your problem, not theirs. They cannot relate to you. What happens when old and tired meets new and energetic? Division. Division leeches adoration. Puppies and kids need adoration. Maybe above all else.

My pup Storm. Abandoned at a shelter in NC.

I see far too many new pet parents who hold angst. Many know there is a problem. They can state it in pointed fingered deficiencies.

"It was a puppy mill puppy," (from which they paid for knowingly..), therefore insinuating every issue stems and is related to this... an excuse for us is easier than a plan to overcome.

"She was abused,,, " often a specific example follows to solidify the defense claim, "by a man with a hat. We know that because she is always afraid around men with hats." (Maybe she never had seen a man with a hat before? And, the point is??).

"She can't be crated." (I promise this is not her fault. It's why we start crate training at adoption. You don't go to any shelter in the world and see a room of "uncage-able" pets do you?).

"She can't walk on a leash." (what?)

"She doesn't like other dogs." (OK, that's setting her up for a big problem when an emergency happens, and it's also not fair to her to be so afraid of her own brethren. It's why we socialize as puppies. And, who was responsible for that?).

For new pets these issues, amongst the too numerous others, cause conflict. For the parents it adds stress and angst to an often already overburdened life.

Please don't give me, the veterinarian, the laundry list of "can't" or excuses as to why it "can't" be resolved.. I don't want to hear it. I don't subscribe to it, and, most importantly it isn't helping anyone involved. If you are giving me a problem that is affecting your pets ability to fit into your family we have to address it, solve it, and be prepared for other problems to follow. A road block is a dead end. More of these are likely to follow too.

My pups; Storm, Charlie (my local shelter rescue), Fripp.
All are PERFECT!

In some cases pet parent can't define the exact source of the angst, but, its palpable, and it's looming. I have to ask them to look at themselves? How did they contribute, exacerbate, precipitate, create the issue? It didn't happen without someone responsible for it. It is us, humans, never them. They are perfect. Your job, as their parent, their lifeline to everything in this world, is to help them feel that they are loved unconditionally. Isn't that after all the attraction to them we hold?

After they have tried to solve the source of their angst at home, usually with even more destructive options: like crating all day to avoid the chewing destruction. Chaining outside to avoid the inability to housebreak. Bark collars to shut them up. (They are barking for a reason, ever think of that?). Letting them run loose, because it is "natural." like the "natural" hit by car? After all of this fails they come to see me.

Serafina.. found after being hit by a car, multiple fractures,,,
my favorite part of my work day.

To be very successful in the capacity I wish to be as the family veterinarian, I think that I need a sociology, psychology, social worker and law degree, on top of my vet degree. People screw up everything. I know its not exactly the answer your therapist provides, but, damn, it's what the real life vet believes. YOUR PUPPY IS PERFECT! IT'S YOU. I'm sorry. YOU!

I have three perfect puppies who have been brought to me this year with owners who can't find the reason when they look into their doe eyes to want to keep  them. And, its always the same. It's always the same thing that I hear. "They (the accusatory kind of they), don't do...." whatever. The complaints at the end of the sentence might be a little varied, but essentially these clients want a quick fix to get this puppy to meet the restrictive containment of their humans life. They need to pee or poop less. They need to be quieter in the crate for longer periods of time. They need to bark, play, and overall NEED less." It is a recipe for disaster when these requirements meet my clinic. How can I possibly cure your overwhelming life? It's not your puppies fault you have no time for them. They are demonstrating that you have no time for them. Their lack of training, their rambunctious, unmet energy is your failing. Not theirs.

Fripp

Here's last nights scenario;

This client had just gotten her puppy. He was 5 months old. (Not the typical new puppy age).

"Where has he been?" I inquired.

"He failed out of a service dog program because he had separation anxiety." She then went on to describe how he was so anxious and afraid being left in his crate that she was finding him covered in his own urine and feces every time she left him alone in it. After some heated phone calls between the previous owner, (the supposed service dog training mom), it was discovered that he had never actually been crated, and he had never been left alone. Obviously he wasn't going to jump into a crate and be left alone and be happy about it. He had been set up to fail. Who created the separation anxiety? his previous mom. Some human set him up to be screwed in his next life with the inability to be crated, and never having been left alone. It isn't fair for him to be punished now for things he never learned. Sadly his next life hit him at 5 months old. I was also pretty perplexed how this could be any legit service dog organization? Of course he failed. He was destined to only fail. His new family consisted of a newborn baby, (like those we time stamp in weeks), and a three year old.. who liked to push buttons. The dog was for him, the three year old. He may be capable of feelings, but all I saw was indifference to anything other than the ipad. And three is too young. I stand by this. If you are an adult and you want a dog , fine, thumbs up, go for it.. but your kids under 10, you cannot convince me they are capable of the focus and attention a puppy requires. Stop setting the kids and the dog up to fail. Who is going to pay the consolation prize? The dog, always the dog.

Pets require time. Just like kids. When their needs are not met to their satisfaction they escalate. They escalate until the demand is manifested as a scream. And they tend to be the squeaky wheel that gets the time and attention and toy. The pets in highly active families learn to adapt. They are excellently skilled at adapting, but, they still need you. Many can adapt to being content tag-alongs; off to the beach, the lacrosse field, the family outings together. But, an untrained, unversed puppy, they are too much to manage on top of your kids.. so they get left behind. They get crated. Often too often when life gets too crazy to accommodate them.

When I am asked how much crate time is ok? I have to answer that every pet is different. But in general the puppies that are 8 weeks to 4 months old need lots of playtime.. like at least 4 hours a day. They need to be walked every 2-4 hours. During this time we work on leash walking, potty training. It is their time with you. They need to be fed 3 times a day. And they pee and poop A LOT! It's a full time job. If you already have a full time job and two full time kids why are you getting a puppy?

I make the mistake of asking. I am always met with indignation. Want seems to be an acceptable answer.. but, it doesn't serve your puppy. What is right for them?

It is my job, my purpose, my place to put them in front of your needs. To not set them up for failure. To find the place in your family where they belong, just as they are, a child growing and evolving and learning. Living to be a part of the place you are already solidly within, and  they are not.

I have watched too many families ruin a perfect puppy because they cannot put the puppy in front of themselves. there is no room in their too busy and cluttered life to allow them to grow, branch out, learn what works and doesn't. They are expected to be completely pre-programmed. Know what the dog before them, who had 14 years to figure it out did, and they are then brought to me.

The puppy I met last night was being diapered and drugged to fit better into the morning routine. Which allowed him time outside by himself while the kids and adult were getting ready. Wake at 430, leave at 630, no time  to play. He was fed, put outside and then crated. His frustration with this schedule was displayed by coming unraveled to the point he covered herself in his own pee and poo.

Mom wanted a stronger medication than her OTC to resolve the issue.

There are times I want to abandon civilization. Die in my own white coat and spare the pets of the world the neurosis we inflict upon them.

And yet I stay standing.

"Your puppy was set up to fail by his first family. He is being set up to fail again. He needs more time and attention. When he doesn't get her needs met he escalates. (Sound like your kid at the grocery store?). When he is ignored enough times he will develop his own bad habit, like barking, biting, growling, becoming aggressive, or even withdrawn. He is going to try everything he can to get the time and attention he needs. (I want to add hear in bold print AND DESERVES! but I am still dealing with a human who is putting her last and that won't work).

Melt down begins. "So you are telling me there is no answer?"

"No, I am telling you that we both recognize there is a problem. If you can't give him the time and attention he needs you can either pay someone else to do it; daycare, dog walker, etc. Or, you can re-home him so she can try to have his needs met elsewhere, Or do what I do, and, get a puppy for your puppy. But, there is no way around the needing to find more time dilemma."

I think I spoke to her for over an hour. I tried every imaginable conceivable idea I could muster.

In the end she wanted medication. It came back around to this.

"Medication is used while a behavior plan is being formulated. It is a bridge to allow time for the training to solidify. If medications are used and training fails the medication may need to be continued for years, maybe indefinitely."

"I am on anti-anxiety medication."

"Were you started on it when you were three? So you wouldn't cry? Or need a diaper?"

In the end I fear for this perfect pup. I fear he will be lost in the family that has no time for him. Lost in the expectations he hasn't been made privy to. Lost in the drugs his mom is intent on finding for him. And lost to a society that cannot possibly solve the problems that mount.

As she left she said to me that " She has lost her hope." I am losing mine too, I wanted to reply.

I want to add here that as frustrated, afraid, and concerned as I am, I recognize the scenario doesn't have a lot of options. And, I also recognize and verbalized that this mom needs to take care of herself too.. she, in typical mom fashion, dismissed this as relevant. My job is to be her puppies advocate. I have to figure out a way to help her help him. I HAVE TO! We BOTH have to...

Here's my recommendation for this puppies current dilemma. Crate for varying periods of time throughout the day, but, only after periods of playtime, exercise, training (remember training, yeah, this is so often over looked I cannot even mention it. Add another source of setting up to fail). Someone needs to be more  focused and generous to this puppy. NOW. The reply I got was, "there is no time." face palm.

When do  I intervene? When does my perception of the road ahead, the awful scenarios I have already witnessed; the dogs who resort to biting for attention and are euthanized because of it, and the dogs sent to live their lives alone in a cage, a chain, a shelter because they were perfect once and are ruined now?

I offered to re-home him. I offered to keep helping. Take the puppy during the week when mom was at work. It seemed that no matter what  I offered it wasn't the right answer.

The true joy in having a companion is watching them evolve into their own being. The antics, preferences, idiosyncrasies, quirks, etc. etc.., i.e. recognizing they are their own individual who enriches our lives as they live their own within the family we create for them. To try to mold them into what is easy or efficient for us is setting them up to fail. We know that for ourselves and our children already, don't we?

Muffins, one of our many clinic cats..
She was once feral. She now lives her life on her terms, and is unwanted because no one can see her for her, and love her in spite of it, except for us.

Medicine is as much intervention as it is hope. I question when to do either in a greater degree often. When do I intervene? Often and early. Every pet I fear is being forgotten, neglected, abused, or dismissed gets an intervention plea. Every, Single, One. I give out my email, my phone number, make an intro with my Office Manager (who has three kids and is far more adept at compromise than I), and I make weekly phone calls to inquire. I also offer to re-home. I know what shelters know. That if I can't fix it that pet will pay for it.. Bring them to me before dumping at a shelter. It happens. People screw them up and then give them up.

When clients arrive who cannot see their own participation in the poisoning of their pet, or, when blind pride will cost them a happy pet soul, I resort to hope. It's all I can do in some cases.

P.S. I wish more than anything that I could post the photos that I have of these pups. How much I worry for them every single day. And, how much I have to lean on hope because my influence of medical intervention limits my ability to stalk their homes. Why isn't there a social service for pets? Why? Because we live in a country where pets are property. Their rights end at food, water, shelter, and abuse.. not the kind that includes mental well-being and kindness that exceeds empathy.

Poe, our parvo puppy.
Puppies get sick, they need lots of time, training and vet care.. it is why they are often the most susceptible to abandonment, financial, emotional or otherwise.

Here's my real-life chart of euthanasia, abandonment, and pet related vulnerability;
X axis; age of pet; months to years
Y axis; desire to intervene on pets behalf to include; emotionally, financially, and medically.. new pets get a fraction when compared to pets in the family for years, as they age it declines. Based on my experience alone.

For related blogs see;

The Real Cost Of A Puppy. Parvo Puppy Poe.

Second Chance Cole. Your pet can live without and past you.

The Challenges Of Puppy Adoptions/Purchase

Planning Your Pets Lives Beyond Your Own.. A Moms Guide To Pet Parenting,,,

Top 10 Mistakes New Pet Parents Make 

Want to know what kills me? Watching a person ruin a perfect soul. Happens. That's what costs me my soul saving soul.

For more information on anything and everything pet related please ask us for free at Pawbly.com.

For more information on Jarrettsville Veterinary Center please visit our Facebook page, or website; JarrettsvilleVet.com

I am also posting lots of informative videos at my YouTube channel here.

Thank you for reading and sharing your life with the companions who remind us why life is worth working so hard to keep them in the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to.

Conditioning for a Socially Acceptable Canine Citizen

Every new pet visit I have is met with hugs, kisses, greetings, salutations, snuggles, and a long long list of questions.

The first appointment sets the stage for every visit to come. If your pet is happy with us, if we can figure out a way to make the appointment fun, engaging, informative and supportive then we have succeeded on every level.

My hope, as your vet, is that you will always feel comfortable understanding all of the aspects of your pets care, and if you are ever unsure that you will know we are a safe and supportive place to seek out the answers to your questions.

It's not a small task for a first appointment; to win your heart and your trust. Especially in light of the great deal of ground there is to cover.

At the clinic we use written literature, magnets, email, business cards, props, and anything else we can think of to provide you with all of the tools to raise a happy healthy pet. But we aren't trying to keep just your pet happy we are also trying to keep our clients happy. Behavioral problems are one of the biggest reasons pets are surrendered to shelters.

All vets develop their sixth sense by observation, practice and hard learned lessons. We listen very carefully for the hidden clues, the subtle innuendos and the first hint at a sign of the dreaded "behavioral issue(s)" territory. Most behavior issues stem from lack of socialization, appropriate conditioning and positive reinforcement.

Max

I saw the following list in a past issue of Dogfancy. The article was specifically addressing socialization. I often group socialization and conditioning together because it is hard to teach one without the other and your pet needs to learn both. I ALWAYS recommend addressing both through only one method; positive reinforcement.

At the clinic we provide our new pet clients with many "How-To" instructions and advice. I say 'pet' here, but in almost all cases I am really targeting the puppies. I am conditioning myself to say 'pet' because a few weeks ago I was reviewing the How-To list with a client who had just adopted her first dog (ever). I reviewed all of the How-To's and told her that I would write them all down so that she, (and now you), could have an online reference to review. (I thought it was a brilliant idea!) She could have a review sheet at her finger tips to help reinforce the litany of information that I had just dumped on her, and I would have a ready reference for the public! (Pure genius!) At her next appointment we started to review the how-to topics that we had discussed at the previous visit. We had discussed all of the puppy basics like housebreaking, leash walking, training, and puppy vet visits. When I asked her "how the house breaking was going?" she reluctantly said that "she was about 50% housebroken." When I asked her if she "had reviewed all of the how-to's I had written up and posted?" she replied assertively, "No, they were for puppies, Tinkerbelle is a one year old." (Not so genius am I?)

I smiled and paused. "Well, I know that she isn't a puppy, but she has never been housebroken so we have to train her to become housebroken. (I thought that the title "How to Housebreak Your Puppy" was pretty self-explanatory. Silly me for being so specific). Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Well, I am conditioning this old dog to say 'pet' and not "puppy'. I call every dog a puppy, who uses 'Miss', Madam' or 'Ma'am' anymore? (I'm not that old!). There is no such thing as too late to start, nor is the old adage about "teaching an old dog new tricks" true.

Here is Dogfancy's list of items that dog parents should use to help expose their pup to in order to help them develop into a socially responsible pup:

• All types of people
• Bags
• Balloons
• Bikes and motorcycles
• Cars, trucks, and buses
• Children of different ages
• Crowds
• Delivery people
• Grooming equipment
• Other dogs and puppies
• People in uniform
• People using walkers or wheelchairs
• Sand
• Shallow water
• Strollers
• Thunder
• Umbrellas
• Vacuum cleaners

Max

Here's what I would add;

The foundation of  this advice is for you to understand and acknowledge your expectations for both you AND your companion. 

I seriously doubt many (or any of my readers) are raising guard dogs, or personal protection pups. Therefore, I am only providing advice for raising a dog that you DO want to like other people. Your best bet to raising a pup that loves other people and is happy in the world we all live in is to carry your pup with you everywhere that you (safely) can. Through this one simple act your pup will bond to you, trust you, and learn to deal with the same world that you and I do. Now, this piece of advice comes with a list a few important caveats.. (Listed at the end, care of the marginally pessimistic, overly schooled by lessons learned the hard way, veterinarian).

Bellza

The single best way to address the world and all of the scary unknowns it envelops is to get out there and immerse yourself smartly in it.

If you brush your teeth in the morning then you should be brushing theirs to. When you feed yourself on a daily schedule you feed your pet (twice a day for dogs, three times for humans)  on another daily schedule. Exercise is a daily requirement  for all living beings. Sitting in parked cars is not safe for anyone. If you can't bring your pet to the store they stay home.

I follow my own advice. My pups come to work with me everyday. It is a daily conditioning to be a friend to all human beings. It is also a daily training exercise in tolerating other cats and dogs. Hard as it is for my bossy pittie-bull pup Charleston to be the unprejudiced jovial friend that his brother the beagle Jekyll is, he still 5 years later attempts to incite quarrels with most larger dogs. It is who he is. I know that I have to keep him on a short leash and remind him daily to accept others and not be a bully. I therefore do not take him into large crowds of dogs where I can not watch him adequately. He is comfortable around other dogs, but I must always give a conscious effort to slowly introduce him to new dogs. We provide him exercise daily but don't bring him to the Pet Expos, the dog parks, or the Petsmarts. If I could carry him in a bag I might..(he is 50 pounds), but I  cannot, so he stays out of situations that are not appropriate for him. I know my dogs because I understand them. I know that Jekyll will always see the world through rose colored glasses. He will always love every person he meets, and he will never refuse candy from a stranger. I keep him close because he cannot see the world for the dangers it holds. Charleston wears his heart on his sleeve. A tiny scold will break his heart, but he is also the kid who steals other children's milk money behind the lockers. He is a brat and a bully to other dogs. If he meets another dog who wants in on the action he will pop a cheap shot if your back is turned. But around people he is a love. I am never going to change the beings that they are. It would not be fair to ask them to change the fabric of their soul. But I am responsible for them so I watch them closely and introduce them to the world we live in cautiously and optimistically. I'm their parent if I don't believe in them who will?

Jekyll and Charleston

This whole surge in falsifying identities and 'service dog' vest adornment so that people can take their pets on planes, in restaurants and in hotel rooms is as ripe for disaster as it is ripe for abuse. Your pets don't need to sit next to you in the restaurant begging for a steak that isn't appropriate for them anyway. Leaving your dog in a car for any period of time, so that you can perform any menial task is just life-threatening and unnecessary. Don't do it. I'm sure no one does it on purpose; kill their pet via hyperthermia, but yet it happens every single year. Your pet is yours to protect, to provide for, and to be responsible for. You are a parent. Guide them, love them, and create a loving enriching environment with the intent of them being able to survive and thrive without you. They are not your identity, your reason, nor your crutch. They are their own person in the world that is not always kind, not always accepting, and not always shared with you.

I am also a doctor. I know disease lurks in the places of congregating canines. My pets are current on vaccines, protected against parasites, and not kept with the general population of my patients. I often work 12 hours a day which is too long for them to be left alone. They are no longer invited to our summer parties where one year my beagle ate her weight in Italian sausages which almost killed her. At another summer party Charleston caught the fish on the end of the fishing pole. Thankfully there were 4 vets (of course all female) present to sedate him and remove his fish hook while the husbands stood by weak kneed and useless.

Pepper, Peanutty, and Bella

There is little value in playing the blame game, but, the responsibility clause is as follows;
There is not one dog bite, dog attack, dog fight, or behavior issue that was not preventable nor came with a long list of predicating clues.

The first time there is an indication of a problem is the time to seek help. Start with your vet. There will be more issues in the future and you are probably (yes, unknowingly and inadvertently) contributing to the problem.

Your efforts to reduce the triggers, avoid the altercation scenarios and adjust your lifestyle to avoid another incident are ALL CONTRIBUTING AND REINFORCING THE PROBLEM.

You get out what you put in. A very simple equation that fits. If you can provide consistent affection, direction, and parenting you can raise a socially responsible companion. It is your duty as a parent, and the reward is well worth the time and effort invested.

Rebel

Lack of socialization at the earliest age, or first opportunity, is the beginning of a lifetime of behavioral social, and, often also, medical issues.

Oh, and lastly build a strong support system around them. Pet sitters, groomers, grandparents, siblings, and your vet. It will serve you both well for the lifetime of wonderful memories ahead.

Life is good.

If you have a pet question, or pet experience/advice that you think might benefit others please join us on Pawbly.com. Pawbly is a place to support, encourage, and strengthen the bonds between us human and our companions. 

If you would like to visit me at the clinic stop by Jarrettsville Vet, in Harford County Maryland. Or, find me on Twitter @FreePetAdvice.

Submissive Urination. How To Not Scare The Pee Out Of Your Pup.

Lucy, my heart is always captured by those eyes,
but the ears seal my fate.

I see quite a few dogs with submissive urination problems. For parents it can be very frustrating as they try to convince their pups to not pee when they are already peeing. I was just asked this exact question on Pawbly. So, I thought it would be a good opportunity to share my advice and my clients experiences.

Here is the question that Nicole asked;

My female dog who is 22 months old is submissive urinating. Has anyone else ever had this issue and how did you go about fixing it?

Every annual exam should look like this..

Here is my answer;

There are a few things that should be discussed with your vet to help identify the source of the problem.

Here's where I would start;

1. Breed
2. Anatomy. Look for inverted vulva, an anatomical defect that affects urination/UTI. Look for a urinary tract infection. Check a first morning urine sample.
3. A good physical exam.
4. A good behavioral exam.
5. A long discussion on how housebreaking went.

Here is my experience with these cases; IF, everything above is normal and no problems are found it is usually a problem with over stimulation. This "over stimulation" can occur as either;

Submission, i.e. a threatening or intimidating person/presence gets too close to you. For me this is the Cocker Spaniel cowering in the corner of the exam room. As soon as I get to within about 3 feet they pee. "Ooops, and sorry," we both say. Submissive urination occurs because a timid insecure dog is bowing in deference to an adult or top dog. This can be you, a family member, a strong adult figure and even another dog.

Aura, a beauty, no doubt.

OR,

Excitement. The four month old lab who is throwing herself all over the room as if I am her long, long, long, lost mom who just returned from a 4 year trek to Machu Picchu.

I see these pets most commonly urinating when the parent comes home, new people arrive at the house, excessive excitement, etc. I also saw it recently in a family that was reprimanding their puppy because she was doing it. Please note that there is a difference between "submissive urination" and "excitement urination."

It is important to know which behavior your pup is eliciting. BUT, in general, both are a result of over stimulation. So I am going to try to simplify it for those of you who aren't sure which your pup is exhibiting and what to do about it. In general, people with absent-minded peeing pets just want the peeing to stop.

Excited for a treat or a belly rub.

The key to conditioning your puppy to not get soo over stimulated/excited is to go back to basic housebreaking rules. Re-start from scratch your training EXCEPT this time there is only mild, calm gentle praise for GOOD behavior. NEVER EVER reprimand bad behavior. It causes stress and stress exacerbates the condition.

Willow sits safely, but confidently, next to dad.

Here's where people fail. They can't become robotic calm parental guides. Their stress, anger, frustration, etc is passed onto their pet and the snowball effect occurs. Don't be anything but a gentle kind guide for your pup. Don't let or encourage your pup to get over excited or over anxious. Both are ends of the emotional spectrum which prohibit your pup from being a happy, healthy, emotionally secure independent individual.

I always also discuss how the housebreaking is going. Some have failed in the adequate complete housebreaking plan. This needs to be addressed as the discovery process to the root of the problem is explored. Here are my simple tips to successful housebreaking;
While housebreaking your puppy she is NEVER out of your control. She is either;

1. In her crate,
2. Outside potty training on a leash, treats in tow, gentle praise and commands . Even this has to be structured, not just let loose outside. You aren't training unless you are participating.
3. Tied, yes, tied to you. So, that if she starts to pee you can pick her up and carry her outside to finish going. And praise her (calmly/quietly) when she does finish peeing outside. 

I wrote a blog with more of my housebreaking tips. It can be found here; Housebreaking. And one on Crate Training, (JIC).

Zeus, the epitome of a secure dog.

Your first stop should be at the vets office. Try to find someone who also specializes in gentle behavior modification. The most detrimental thing for a submissive pup is a threatening, forceful, or intimidating person. 

Best of luck,

Krista

If you have advice for this pup you can add it to the question here. And, Thank You for helping pets!

If you have a pet question you can ask it for free at Pawbly.com. Pawbly is a place  for  all pet people to  ask questions, share experiences, and build stronger relationships with their pets.

You can also find me on Twitter @FreePetAdvice, at the clinic, Jarrettsville Vet, or sitting ear buds in place in some dark Baltimore coffee shop glued to a laptop.

And please always be kind.

How Many Peas Fill Your Pod?

There are so many reasons that we have pets.

What began as a symbiotic relationship where our pets offered protection from the wilds of our earliest civilized beginnings has turned into a place of love and companionship. Our pets have  wormed their way into our hearts, our beds and our family.

In my house our pets still offer protection from visitors, vermin, and cold feet in bed. But they also provide us with laughter, companionship, joy, a healthier lifestyle, and a sense of responsibility to someone other than ourselves.

Magpie relaxing beside my husband Joe.

Jekyll snuggling with Joe and waiting for the day to officially start.

Magpie attacking the mysterious moving bumps under the sheets.

Bedfellows.
(And yes, those are dog sheets. Everything in my house is dog (or cat)).

Joe and Charlie.

If I sound like I am speaking about our pets as if they are sentient beings then you hear me correctly. My pets are my family and I take the same degree of responsibility for them as I could my own children.

Because I feel such a strong sense of responsibility toward my pets I think about what I need to be doing for them more so than what they need to be doing for me. Outside of basic safety measures, every decision is made based on their preference and happiness.. (OK, small confession I do try to feed them a great nutritional food more so than a great looking or tasting food).

It is obvious that my guys all get along well..isn't it?

Our house and our four cats that all get along, a perfect harmonious quartet.

Wren and Oriole..best buddies.

Jekyll and Jitterbug.

Magpie and Jekyll..sharing our bed.

It took a bit of effort and patience and a whole plan to get everyone to live together peacefully. I cannot underscore how imperative this is. I believe that most, if not all, of the behavioral problems we see in our pets are a result of us. Whether in small or large part we overlook basic needs of a complicated, thinking, needful being. To forget or not have time for such things as a great diet, a thorough exercise plan, a calm and caring environment free of stress, and a mentally stimulating fulfilling day. They also need companionship. From us or from another pet. To be deficient in one will cause behavioral, health, or mental anguish and issues.

I have seen in time after time.

Because we all lead very busy lives with jobs, school, children, spouses, life, etc. etc., our pets are expected to adapt around our lifestyle and its changes. It is a lot to ask of them. They, just like many of us, develop bad habits to compensate for a deficiency in our basic needs. Not enough exercise? Not enough time to de-stress? Difficult to buy good food? Or prepare good food? The list goes on and on. The results for them are the same for us.

Because of all of the numerous demands life places on us I practice the "two pet theory." When my old dog Ambrose passed on, he left Savannah behind. A few days later Charlie walked into the clinic and then took up residence in our home. In about an hour I saw the desperation in Savannah's face. Charlie needed a friend and Savannah needed a break. Along came Jekyll. Now our days are filled with 2 puppies playing and Savannah napping. And there is peace in the land, Again..

Jekyll, the beagle, who is the puppy for my puppy Charleston.

When I am asked in the exam room about a client adopting another pet I remind my clients that unless you are at home all day, or want a pet to sit on your lap all day, your pet will get lonely. The average person is at work for eight hours, comes home, has children to take care of, dinner to make, etc etc. Finding time for your pet who has been waiting for you for those long worked days and then being pressed for time to exercise them, play with them, and spend time with them is difficult. My best solution is to get a pet for your pet. I swear that two pets is easier than one, and although it might be a bit more expensive in food and veterinary care, it will reward you a hundred times over with glee at watching two happy pets play, or snuggle, or keep each other company. You will also see less behavioral issues and not feel guilty for not having all of the time they need.

The two pet theory was one-upped by clients who "couldn't decide which color lab they wanted... so they chose all three."

And if you live on a horse farm in Maryland, two Jack Russell terriers.
Although I have to intergect a personal plea. Jack Russells need to be watched. Two jacks in a small house is two firecrackers waiting for a spark. Two Jacks out running all day is the only way to keep them from tearing itno each other.

If you are thinking of getting a pet for your pet, think about what will work in your home. Maybe two high energy, demanding, opinionated, stubborn Type A canines is too much powder in the muzzle?

Or maybe a four month old pup is too much for a 14 year old?

You know your pets, your lifestyle, and what is and is not feasible. All of these should be discussed before adding another pea to your pod.

Wren and Oriole.

It is almost impossible to tell how is the puppy for whom any more?

Our puppies, Jekyll and Charlie.

When you can live in a house where everyone gets along, cats, dogs, and yes, even us humans, life is peaceful.

Our front hallway has been turned into Savannah's overnight pad.
The cats think it is a playpen..Magpie, Wren, Oriole, and Savannah.
Thankfully everyone gets along.

Charlie, Cora, and Jekyll. 

Bica and Kaldi. Two Burmese babies that are always together.

One of my favorite stories of getting a pet for your pet is from Jana. When I asked her where she came up with her dogs name J.D., she replied,  "we got him for Jasmine, so it's Jasmine's dog." Now that's true love and devotion.

If you have any questions or comments about anything pet related please find me +Krista Magnifico , pawbly.com, or on Twitter @FreePetAdvice.

And if any of these photos are your pets and you would like their names included please tell me, I would be happy to adjust anything for any of you! And Thank-You to my Jarrettsville clients for sharing your pets with all of us!