Devon Dog Behaviour

07/12/2024

08/11/2022

Sometimes owners confuse socialising with over-exposure, and make a nervous puppy much worse.

07/10/2022

Common sense read.

https://godt.uk/whats-wrong-with-fur-babies-and-fur-kids-by-ross-mccarthy/

18/09/2022

Robert Alleyne discusses why some owner's may not think of the possible repercussions of their 'friendly' dog running up to other dogs to say hello, but they...

25/08/2022

04/08/2022

Let's talk about dog attacks! ...

It seems there has been a big increase lately in dog attacks on children in the UK and sadly several of these have been fatal. This has got me thinking... what could be the reason for the sudden increase? These are my thoughts:

• An increase of dogs acquired during lockdown and not given the opportunity to socialise properly
•An increase in behaviour related issues in children ( possibly caused by lockdowns)
•An increase in the breeding and owning of bigger and more powerful dogs ( although all dogs have the potential to harm)
•An increase in people who believe disciplining dogs ( or children) is wrong... please remember here that discipline doesn't mean pain/fear ... that IS wrong!

Most dog attacks on children are fear based although some are caused by other factors such as resource guarding and pain.
Dogs and young children do not know instinctively how to behave around each other, therefore, steps must be taken to teach both dogs and children how to interact with each other safely.
I am always reluctant to automatically blame the parents when I hear of a dog attack because I realise sometimes there are other factors present, however, the amount of photos/videos I see with children poking at/sitting on/ crawling over dogs is terrifying! ... There are people out there who think this is acceptable.... cute even!!!.... These are exactly the type of people who should not have dogs ... or probably children 😏🙄.
Do I think a dog that has attacked a child should be put to sleep? Sadly I do yes. Whether or not it was the dog's fault, I believe this is the right thing to do. Do I think these people should be allowed to own dogs again? Absolutely not!

Conclusion:
You cannot expect to welcome an apex predator ( as cute as your dog may be, let's not forget that is essentially what they are) into your home and not have any boundaries . It is the owners responsibility to ensure the dog is well socialised. It is also a parents responsibility to ensure their children know how to behave around dogs.
Dogs and children can have wonderful relationships but get this wrong and it's a disaster waiting to happen!

As always, I welcome your thoughts and opinions. We don't have to agree as long as everyone is respectful of others :)
Becci

03/08/2022

Weʼre raising money to Help fund our efforts to help the most disadvantaged dogs in our area. We focus on those who cannot find the right help elsewhere.. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

16/07/2022

Information about heatstroke in dogs and cats including signs of heatstroke in pets and first aid for heat stroke in pets

16/06/2022

If you can't hold your hand on the hot pavement for longer than five seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. Take your dog for a walk in the early morning and late evening when it is cooler and make sure to pack a water bottle so your dog can drink occasionally. If you are concerned about your pet in the heat, call your vet right away.