10/09/2023
This doesn't have much to do about dogs but it gets right to the point. It also pinpoints my belief that my dog doesn't want to have strangers come up and pet him any more than I do. We both get grouchy when that happens. And yet when a dog bites in that situation, everyone says it is unprovoked. But it would be provoked if the dog is leashed and therefore can't leave. And if the dog in this scenario were to try to hide behind me, many people would say, "oh the poor boy is afraid." And then they might pursue the dog with utstretched hands ready to fo**le the dog to reassure him there is no danger. But the dog would interpret this as a pushy attempt to grab him...and bite. Just as we warn people not to invade the space of wild animals, and we have laws against strangers fondling us and especially our children, dogs should not have to endure the same from strangers. So it is your job to do their talking for them. You can start to politely say not to pet your dog. If the person persists then you may have to be rude. With persistent people I just tell them, "Go away! My dog doesn't want to meet you." That usually works. Socialization doesn't mean that people should push into your dog's space. Nor does it mean that you should allow you enthusiastic dog to push into their space. Only you can prevent a potentially negative or aggressive event to scar your dog and bring the authorities to your door.
Respect your dog like you would respect a wild animal.
Pennsylvania’s popular elk viewing season is HERE! As a reminder, here is an elk petting chart. Don’t pet the elk!
Pennsylvania’s elk range offers a unique opportunity to view Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and for the safety of the animals, too. While visiting Pennsylvania’s wild elk range, be Elk Smart with these four principles:
1. GIVE ELK SPACE.
Keep a distance - of at least 100 yards - between you and the elk. Never approach them. Elk are wild animals that are unpredictable and sometimes aggressive, especially during the fall breeding season. Cows are also known to defend their young when they feel threatened.
2. NEVER FEED ELK.
Not only is it illegal to feed elk in Pennsylvania, but it teaches them to associate people, cars and/or homes with food. This could cause them to approach people looking for more. Feeding also promotes the spread of infectious diseases by having them unnaturally congregate into small areas.
3. DON’T NAME ELK.
Characterizing elk, or any wildlife, by naming them degrades their wild essence. The very reason people are drawn to the elk is their unaltered independence from humans. Personifying elk as humans takes away from their truly wild nature.
4. DO YOUR PART.
The welfare of the elk herd is a shared responsibility. If you see someone being disruptive or careless, whether intentional or not, kindly ask them to stop or report it. We all have a duty to ensure the safety of people and the long-term welfare of the elk.
Learn more about Pennsylvania elk and places to view elk here: https://bit.ly/3BkzFVi
