Preventing dog bites in children

Recently here in the United Kingdom, there have been numerous incidences of children being bitten, mauled, or far worse than that, killed by a dog. Some of these dogs were the family pets and the children, members of the family. There needs to be guide lines for persons owning a dog and especially having one around small children. Presenting your family with a dog as a pet, is a serious step, and these adults should take full responsibility to insure that the dog is well trained, and the family members are instructed as to the do's and don't's of behaviour around an animal such as a dog. Most of these malicious attacks can be avoided if proper steps are taken. I have prepared a list of what I consider proper steps to be taken to insure your family members are not subjected to any of these attacks, be it your family dog or a complete stranger's dog.

1. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or with pups.
2. Never pet a dog without letting him see and sniff you before hand.
3. Always ask permission to pet a stranger's dog.
4. If you see the owner cannot control their dog, simply walk away.
5. Never approach a dog behind a fence, in a car, or tethered on a chain.
6. Never tease a dog in any manner.
7. Never approach a strange dog you do not know or a dog who is not with his owner.
8. If a dog starts running towards you or attacking you, don't run away, stop, stand still, walk away slowly, facing the dog, not making eye contact.
9. If you are attacked, give the dog your jacket, a book, or whatever you may have handy.
10. If attacked, stop, curl up in a ball like a turtle, cover your head with your arms and hands.

British police with German trained Alsatians

Police in Britain are now learning German after forces started importing dogs from Germany due to a shortage in the UK. They are more efficient and obedient than our own Alsatians.

Success in a trial by Derbyshire Police has brought in teams from Berlin and the trainers are very impressed with the new arrivals. Among the words handlers are learning are "sitz" for sit, "aus" for let go and "hol" for fetch. One of the handlers said it was quite fun learning a new language. "It's amazing how quick they are to respond as soon as you utter a German command, but when you say 'let go' in English they look at you like you are crazy. As soon as you say "aus" they drop what they are holding immediately." The dogs are now being sent to 17 forces. A quarter of all those in the East Midlands are German. Other forces using them are Cheshire, City of London, Gloucestershire, Devon, Cornwall and Essex.

The breeders in Germany use a strict regime and the dogs are tested for tracking, search, and protection abilities. This is very important in the making of a dog working for the police force.

This information came by way of the Daily Mirror.

Disaster Search Rescue Dog Training in USA

Can you imagine there are at least 230,000 sites listed on Google search for Disaster Search Rescue Dog Training in the United States of America? I was especially interested in one in Wisconsin, a very comprehensive site pertaining to disaster search rescue dogs. I have been interested in the canine species all my life. I was a professional handler for showing dogs in conformation, and traveled all over the states showing various breeds. It is an exciting occupation if one enjoys competition. Several handlers were also into disaster search dog breeding. I admire the work these Search dog handlers do with their charges, and enjoy any articles or books about rescue dogs.http://leersburg.com/