Mitakuye Oyasin
By Robert Forto, PhD

Mitakuye Oyasin in Lakota means “we are all related” or loosely “as one”. I cannot help to think that today’s historic inauguration of President Barack Obama should bring us closer together as a nation, to make us stronger, to make us the most powerful nation in the world.

But as I look deeper into the eerie eye of politics and the intrigue of the Washington elite I ask myself: “will there really be change as Obama promised or will he alienate the people of this great country and mock our personal ideals and values in his rise to power?”

What brings me to this point, with all the pomp and circumstance that took place this day, with the two million people attending this historic event that will go down as an event like no other, is how Obama approached the whole thing.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Obama. I am interested in his approach and I am interested in what he wants to deliver. I am also a registered Independent. I am not some whacko 15-percenter-partisan-only Democrat or Republican. I vote only after a comprehensive, exhausting research of the candidates and their policies. Did you know that only fifteen percent of the people of this country vote strictly for the political agenda? The rest of us, the true mortal souls, vote for our principles and our beliefs.

What I don’t like is how Obama wrapped himself around Lincoln. Don’t you recall that Obama “chose” not to wear a flag lapel pin and was asked about it in his campaign because he said he was wrapping himself in the American flag? You were not wrapping yourself in the flag President Obama; but you are making a monument out of a man in your references to Lincoln. In using his bible for your oath into office, the train ride to Washington, in the countless pictures of you at the Lincoln memorial. What has Obama done with his approach to this inauguration and the inclusion of the symbolism of one of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln? Obama has wrapped himself around a monument. Not Lincoln the man, but Lincoln the monument. Not the man that he was, and Lincoln was a great man, a great president, a great leader, but Obama is assuming the mantel of the monument of Lincoln and that makes me mad and I don’t want to be.

I remember the events of September 11, 2001 vividly and I know, of course, that these events changed history. It prompted every American to become patriots of our great society and our great nation and we chose to show our pride by placing American flags in our front yards and we wore flag lapel pins on our suit jackets and our coats, among other things. We were proud to be Americans and we rejoiced in the fact that we were a nation of one again. I wrote about this Americana in a research paper while I was earning my doctorate. It was titled The Churchill Controversy (Madison University 2001). I have since researched this more and have changed my views on my opinions of the time but that is not the point. This inauguration brings me eerily back to those days and weeks after 9/11 when we as a nation wanted to feel good again. When we wanted to have something to hold on to, when we wanted to have something to sink our teeth in and say “We are all related!”

But in a campaign where Obama said over and over and over again was not about race, was not about creed and was not about being black or white, the events of today made it clear to me that maybe there was an undercurrent of this that followed through the veins of this great historic event. We took a simple man, Lincoln and made him a rock star and that is not right. Obama skittered in on Lincoln’s coat-tails because he thought that was the right thing to do. I guess he thought that would make America proud again. He thought that it would bring us closer together. He thought that his Lincoln references would heal old wounds. But did they?

But while President Obama is making a mantle of Lincoln does he have the courage to stand by his convictions that we have heard so well in his eloquent MLK-esque speeches and his political promises to bring us closer together or will he choose to parlay the responsibility after it is too late?

Does Obama have the courage to stand up and fight for what he believes in or will he succumb to the same old Washingtonian politics that we have gotten so used to? I don’t want to be mad. I want to be supportive. I want to see this nation overcome our paralyzing weakness in this media-biased, fear based, economy and have the fortitude to stand by our convictions and become One again. I want us to become a nation of equals, a nation of strength and moral values that people all over the world will recognize. I want to be able to look back on this event when my grandkids are in history class and say, yes we triumphed and we are a stronger nation for it.

But I don’t know if that is possible. I think our nation is fractured. I think that we want change. I think we expect it but is Obama the right man for the job or his he just shadowing a monument?

Obama has made himself a mantle to Lincoln and he has become President of the United States. Obama is no longer a man. Obama as President has the responsibility to correct history. Is he up for the challenge? Where Bush is no longer President, he is now just a man. For the past seven years Bush has done everything in his power to keep us safe. That has been a tremendous feat. I am sure he has lost sleep over it. Say what you want about Bush and his failed policies, his ignorant approach to the Iraq War, but one thing you cannot deny is he cared about our safety. But that is now on President Obama’s shoulders. Is he prepared for that burden? Former-President Bush’s job is done. Will he sleep better tonight? I hope so.

Back to our Lakota reference: I have spent many a day in a sweat lodge. I have said many prayers for my friends and my enemies. I have suffered in the inpi for past wrongs and have asked for forgiveness. And when I leave Mother Earth’s womb we are Mitakuye Oyasin, we are all related. So tonight I ask that you say a prayer of thanks for anything that George Bush did do. I ask that you say a prayer of healing for anyone who might feel angry today that they may be their best person possible, and I ask you for a prayer for our military leaders and our troops that they may have bravery, courage, and honor, and one last prayer for our new President that he may have vision.

As actor, Denzel Washington said today, “It’s not about what the President says or does, it’s about all of us”. And I hope we all come out of this: Mitakuye Oyasin.

_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto has a doctorate in Communications and is routinely published in local and national publications. He can be reached through his website at www.inekaproject.org

Move Over Cesar...The Dog Doctor Radio Show is Here!

Move Over Cesar... The Dog Doctor Radio Show is Here!
by Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director and the owner of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I am an expert in canine aggression and a canine behaviorist.

Starting on Saturday January 31, 2009 at 9:30 am MST we will be premiering a new radio show on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/. The shows focus will be on canine training, working dogs, and canine sports.I chose to promote my show on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ for several reasons; first radio time, even on AM radio is very expensive, about $1600.00 a hour on a low range signal. and besides does anyone really listen to terrestrial radio anymore? Especially at 6 am on a Saturday morning?

Second, I want to reach a wide audience with The Dog Doctor radio show and being on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ it will allow us to reach a world-wide audience and we will have a call in number for people to call in with comments and stories of their dogs.

Third, Cesar Millan, better known as The Dog Whisperer, and his national show on National Geographic has nothing on me. I have been doing this for 19 years and I have seen the worst and been bit by the best! With all due respect to Cesar, I do not have the luxury of a staff of hundreds and a full scale production team.

Cesar and his show, books, videos, flashcards, website, and everything else (he is a marketing genius!) have done wonders for the dog training industry and for canine trainers everywhere and any trainer that would "knock" him is nothing but foolish. Sure I have tested many of his methods and have had mixed results but by having him in our living rooms every Friday it has got to be good for business. And it has!One thing that Cesar and his resounding success has brought to us as trainers, well, at least my training school anyway, is that dog owners are expecting what they see on T.V. and in a limited amount of time and effort and that just is not the case. When I tell prospective clients that their aggressive dog will take "X" number of sessions, sometimes months, and "X" number of dollars, sometimes thousands, I inevitably hear, Cesar did it on his show last week in just one session. Ah...the magic of television! Of course all of us live in a immediate gratification culure and we want it all and we want it now (with as little effort as possible of course). I mean do you really like to diet or sweat to the oldies at the gym? No way, we just to be fixed, right?

I digress, back to my reasons for the radio show: fourth. I want to entertain. I am a musician. I was oh so close to being a rock star and signing that huge record deal back in the hey-day of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and the rest of them but I decided to follow a different path and became a professional musher (dog sledding) instead. Now ten years later I am itching to be behind the mic again. Sure it is not in front of thousands in Thunder Bay Canada, on the Fourth of July (if you followed by band Rainmaker you would know) behind a radio mic will suit my desires. I am an Internet geek at heart. I was the first person on the Internet in my neighborhood in the 1980's when the public Internet consisted of Dow Jones reports (I was 12!) and bulletin boards and a $700.00 phone bill (sorry mom).

The Dog Doctor radio show will entertain, I promise. I have more dog stories than Jack London and I have dealt with dogs that make Marley look like an obedience champion! Our show will have weekly guests and call-in's from all over the world. And with it being an Internet radio show their are no filters. Just raw, un-interrupted radio. (what!!..move over Howard....ah, not quite, at least not yet).

Fifth, all that aside, I am an expert. I have worked for 19 years to hone my training techniques and my philosophies. I have tried them all from clickers to touch free to shock collars, and I know what works. I routinely travel throughout North America to offer training sessions to those requesting my services and we have placed service dogs all over the country. I routinely speak on canine aggression and I am a qualified expert in canine aggression for both plaintiff and defense counsel. I can navigate you through the service dog maze and I can teach you how tro become a certified dog trainer. I am the real deal folks and I am the dog doctor. I have even been given the moniker of The Dog Ninja, but I don't think that would be a good name for a radio show do you?

So, I urge all of you to listen to us live at Denver Dog Works or on the Internet at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ starting on Saturday January 31, 2009 at 9:30 am MST. If you miss us you can always download it to your i-pod and listen to The Dog Doctor radio show while you are at the gym (please refer to the paragraph 6 above).We will also keep the discussion alive with a forum at http://myforum.robertforto.com/ and http://www.personalbordofadvisors.com/ and on these forums we can take your questions, comments and complaints if you have them, for future shows.

So, move over Cesar, The Dog Doctor is here!
____________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of The Ineka Project and Denver Dog Works in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com/

Have You Winterized Your Dog?

Have You Winterized Your Dog?
By Robert Forto, PhD

Cold weather brings its own safety and health concerns for both people and dogs. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s well-being during the winter. Remember the following precautions to help keep your pet comfortable, healthy and safe all season.

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

Provide Plenty of Food

Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep the body temperature regulated, so additional; calories are necessary.

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Dry

Rinse your dog’s feet and dry them completely after a walk. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly or bag balm may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. Dog booties also work well.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow.

Keep Your Dog Warm, Dry and Away From Drafts

Adequate shelter is a necessity. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold. Place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

Watch Out for Winter Hazards

Cold: Do not leave your dog outside for long periods of time. Wind-chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings, and dogs are susceptible to frostbite on their ears, tails and feet.
Ice and Snow: Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog outside. Your dog could slip or jump in a frozen lake, river or pond and get seriously injured. Snow can muffle scents and your dog can easily get lost.

Carbon Monoxide: Do not leave your dog alone in the car. It gets too cold, and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.

Antifreeze: Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, antifreeze is highly poisonous and can be lethal.

Winter Sports

There are many winter sports that you and your dog can do together. Hiking, snowshoeing, skijoring, jogging, camping, cross-county skiing, mushing or dog sledding and more. Please make sure that you have your dog checked out by your veterinarian and it has a clean bill of health. It you plan to take part in any winter activity please train your dog accordingly and enjoy the snow! Denver Dog Works specializes in canine sports and we can help you and your dog achieve your goals together.

If you would like to schedule a no-cost evaluation to discuss winter sports with your dog please give us a call at 303-752-2818 or email at train@denverdogworks.com

Citation: http://www.akc.org/
_______________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com/

A Christmas Puppy? Maybe Not.

A Christmas Puppy? Maybe Not.

So you are thinking of getting a puppy for Christmas? Think twice. The idea of giving a puppy to a child for the holiday comes from the right place. You imagine the child’s reaction: an excited shriek, followed by cooing and exclamations of joy and appreciation.
Unfortunately, the scene you envision is exactly the reason that I do not recommend giving a puppy as a gift.
There is a lot involved in pet ownership that not everybody thinks of when they have intentions on getting a pet for Christmas. Who will be taking care of this pet? Are they willing to exercise their pet daily (walks)? How much time are they going to be spending with it? Where are they going to keep it when they are at work or school? Are they planning on taking the time or expense grooming their pet? Are they going to have them spayed or neutered? Are they going to have them properly vaccinated? Finally, what would they do if the pet had behavior problems? What are they planning to do if there was a medical situation that involved major, expensive medical treatment? If you can answer that you are dedicated in caring and being financially responsible for that dog, than by all means, get one.
But there is a lot of responsibility involved in caring for one that should never be taken lightly. I see so many people that have dogs that pay absolutely no attention to them. I have a client with I believe, five dogs. Two are very aggressive dogs that she cannot handle. And she is thinking about getting a Golden Retriever for her son for Christmas because he is afraid of the aggressive dogs.
I have three dogs myself. I take the time to be with them through most of the day and love them all. I have taught my ten year old daughter responsibility from the time she was a toddler and still would never consider giving her a pet at Christmas. Our animals are part of the family, but in no way can she ever be trusted to be responsible or accountable for them alone. A child cannot take all mentioned above and decide, Yes, I really want a pet. Most kids cannot be responsible for themselves, much less a pet. Do they make enough money to feed and care for them? No, you will. Buying a pet for our kids for Christmas without proper consideration is a gift that might well turn into a nightmare. Realistically and sadly, Christmas puppies tend to be older puppies at the pound a few months later, or that nearly year old dog getting euthanized because someone bought a dog as a "toy" for a child that has no legitimate responsibility for that animal and loses interest. Also some people have no clue that dogs grow and get bigger also will require training and they bring them to me at arm’s length saying, “Fix my dog!”
Still have your heart set on the idea? Consider gift wrapping an I.O.U. in the form of a book on dog care, a greeting card picturing a puppy, a photo of the dog you're considering, or even an ID tag.
Then, after the excitement of the offer has passed, you can discuss logistics. Is this really what they want? Is he or she really willing to make lifetime commitment to the dog?
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works. He specializes in canine aggression and behavior problems. He can be reached via his website at www.DenverDogWorks.com

Holiday Pet Safety

Holiday Pet Safety
By Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I am asked all the time about holiday dos and don’ts from pet owners. While I always offer an article right around Christmas about training Christmas puppies I thought it would be wise to offer some tips to pet owners on holiday safety before the season’s festivities reaches a crescendo. While most of this is common sense, it is the little things that we overlook during this busy time of the year that can turn a joyous season into a nightmare for your pet if you do not take some steps to ensure their safety.

The holiday season can get pretty hectic, and with the decorations and extra goodies around the house, there is a lot your pet can find to get into. Here are a few safety tips to help keep your pets safe and happy during the festivities:

Christmas trees
Firmly secure the tree in its stand and consider wire or twine ties attached to the wall to help secure the tree. You’ll want to make sure the tree doesn’t topple over if, or more likely when, kitty tries to climb the tree.

Dogs and cats will often try to drink water from the reservoir in the stand. The sap from the tree itself may irritate your pet's stomach, and preservatives added to the water may be toxic. Devise a cover to fit around the base of the tree—even a towel wrapped around the trunk covering the stand will do.

Research also shows that the chemicals used in producing artificial trees contain chemicals that can be harmful or even fatal if ingested by your pet. While there are many pros and cons to having a natural versus an artificial Christmas tree, this fact alone should make the decision a little easier.

Ornamentation is very attractive, especially to kittens, cats and puppies, but may be deadly. The tinsel, ribbon and glitter can cause intestinal blockages. Protect your pet by placing these items high enough to be out of reach. Packages under the tree may offer the same threat—the ribbons are just too hard to resist, and your pet may end up chewing on them while playing.

Those wonderful goodies
Holidays are the time for lots of baking, and receiving of baked gifts. These items smell just wonderful to your pet. Your dog may help himself to the candy, cookies, or part of the holiday meal if you are not looking. Eating people food may lead to indigestion, diarrhea, or worse. Remember, items containing chocolate and/or raisins can poison a dog, even if it is a small amount.

Remains of the holiday meal left on countertops, tables, and even in the garbage will entice your pets. If there is a way to get to it, be assured your dog will certainly try. Bones from turkey, a roast, or ham may splinter if eaten. Older garbage may even contain enough bacteria to poison a pet. Be careful where the trash is held while waiting to be disposed of.

And of course I don’t need to remind you that begging at that table can cause major behavior problems in the future…

Other Decorations
Plants, especially poinsettias, are often used for decoration in November and December. Some of these plants contain toxins that can irritate your pet’s gastrointestinal tract if chewed on or eaten. Eating enough of some plants may poison your dog or cat. In some cases it may be the leaves, in others the stem, berries, or roots. Your veterinarian or behaviorist can help guide you, or you can do a bit of research at the library or online to see if any of your holiday plants may be harmful to your pets.

Toys
On Christmas morning when all of those toys are being played with (and soon forgotten, I might add) they contain many hazards for pets. Small toys, balls, marbles, board game pieces, BB’s from the Red Rider BB gun with the compass in the stock, and electric cords are all dangerous to your cat or dog.

Taking a few minutes to set some family guidelines and spot potential safety hazards could keep this holiday season from having serious consequences for your four-footed family member.

In the coming weeks Dr. Forto will be publishing and article on training Christmas puppies. His position is that you should never give a puppy for a Christmas present but thousands are given as gifts each year. In this article Dr. Forto will discuss when to train your dog, how to properly care for him and who should be in charge. Just remember that shelters are full of dogs that were once bundles of Christmas morning joy that grew up too fast and were not trained. Dr. Forto and his certified trainers at Denver Dog Works are here to help.

This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian or behaviorist for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets.
________________________Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at www.denverdogworks.com

Canine C.P.R.

Canine C.P.R.
By Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. We specialize in canine sports and working dogs. Our training school is not like any other in the Denver area. We train your dog after he already has manners (well, we train for that too) and provide you and your dog fun and challenging avenues to build the human-canine bond. It is my opinion that every dog needs a job to do. Whether that job is competing in agility, working as a service dog, hiking in the mountains with you, just being a couch potato, or just fetching the morning paper, they need something to occupy their time. With that, dogs can get themselves into trouble, sometimes life-threatening, and you should know what to do in case of an emergency. Denver Dog Works is one of the only schools in Colorado that teaches a canine first aid and C.P.R. course. It not only teaches you how to respond in an emergency, but certifies you too!

In this article I am going to talk about canine cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation. Knowing this procedure could mean life or death for your best (furry) friend and I will attest I have used it several times on dogs over the years and it does work. I am sure that many of you have been certified from time to time in human C.P.R. at your local Red Cross chapter if you were a life-guard, a boy/girl scout, a babysitter, and myriad other jobs, but did you ever think that your dog may need this life saving procedure too? The steps in canine C.P.R. are very similar to the human counter-part but I do not advise you to expect that the techniques you learned when you were a scout will just magically come back to mind when your dog is in dire distress.
I urge all of you to read this article and sign up for our course in canine first aid and C.P.R. it could be the best decision you ever make for your dog. For more information on upcoming classes check us out at www.denverdogworks.com or give us a call at 303-522-1727 anytime.

As I said before, providing C.P.R. to a pet is very much like giving C.P.R. to a human. The same steps are followed:

A. Airway
Is there an open airway from the mouth to the lungs? Can you feel any breath passing in/out of the nose or mouth? Check the mouth by opening the jaws and pulling the tongue forward, and look for any blockages or foreign objects. Remove any foreign objects and check again for breath. If the airway is still blocked, and the mucous membranes (gums) are blue, then you may need to perform a Heimlich-like action to loosen any object that may be farther back in the throat.

B. Is the animal breathing on its own?
If no objects, food or mucus are obstructing the airway, you may begin artificial respiration. Lay the animal on its side, and gently tilt the head back. Pull the tongue forward. Close your hands around the muzzle to form as airtight a seal as possible, and place your mouth over the nostrils of the pet’s nose. Blow 4-5 breaths rapidly, then check to see if the pet begins to breathe on its own. Smaller pets will need more breaths per minute (20-30) than a large dog that requires only 15-20 breaths per minute.

C. Circulation
Can you feel a heartbeat or pulse? An animal that is alert and responsive, even if it can't get up, will not require compressions. If there is no heartbeat, then you may begin chest compressions. Lay the pet on its right side, find the point of the pet’s elbow and place it against the ribs. This is where your hands need to go. Compress the chest 1/2 to 1 inch (slightly more for a giant breed or really large dog), and provide a breath every 5-6 compressions (have a second person do the breathing if available). Check for a pulse. Repeat the process if no pulse or heartbeat is detected. Transport the pet to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible; if after twenty minutes your efforts are not producing results, then you have done your best under difficult circumstances.

This article is provided as a general overview of the topic and not meant to be used as instructions at the time of an emergency for your dog. If you would like more information on our canine first aid and C.P.R. classes please give us a call. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets.
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. He can be reached by phone at 303-522-1727 and through his website at www.denverdogworks.com

Dog aggression and Biting

Dog Aggression and Biting
by Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I specialize in canine aggression and have worked with violent dogs for most of my career. In this article I would like to explain to the average pet owner that dog aggression is serious business and most likely your trainer that you worked with in basic obedience does not have the experience to deal with this very serious problem that is often a life and death situation for your dog. If your dog is aggressive or if you know of one, I encourage you to give me a call and we can develop a treatment plan that will allow you to manage the situation in a scientific way not by bribery, treats, or yank and crank methods that so many inexperienced or under-educated trainers attempt to use.
Statistics
There are approximately 65 Million dogs in the US. 1
Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households (or 40.6 million) own at least one dog.1
Of the approximately human 25 deaths by dogs per year, half are to children. 3
Injury from bites are highest in boy children from ages 5-9. 3
In 2001 an estimated 368,000 dog bite injuries were treated in emergency departments. 3
Dog bites rank second (after baseball/softball) in annual emergency room incidents for children. 3
The majority (80%) of dog bites incurred by persons aged 18 and younger are inflicted by a family dog (30%) or a neighbor's dog (50%) 4
Why are dogs aggressive?Dogs are predators. Aggression is a survival skill required by all canines. The difference is dogs who can justify aggression and those who misjudge it.
What counts as a "bite"?The courts have held that a dictionary definition of a "bite" shall be used. A typical definition of "bite" is "to seize with the teeth so that they enter, grip or wound."2
To quantify the degree of severity, Dr. Ian Dunbar, has created the following chart/guide on bite "levels". Each of the six levels are bites and all, even number one, are an indication you and your dog need qualified, professional help quickly. Dr. Ian Dunbar's Six Levels (degrees) of Bites:Level 1: This bite does not touch the skin. The dog is air biting or snapping. Level 2: This bite makes contact with the skin, but doesn't break the skin. Pain and bruising may result, but no abrasions will be visible. Level 3: This bite ranges from a one to three punctures in a single bite with on puncture less than ½ the depth of the eye-tooth (fang) with or without some tearing. Level 4: The dog is putting great pressure into the bite. 1 to 4 puncture wounds with or without tearing, more than ½ the depth of the eye tooth. This is usually accompanied with bruising and likely to require medical attention. These injuries suggest the dog grabbed and shook what was in it's mouth. Level 5: Multiple level 4 bites. This dog is usually beyond the ability to reason and may feel his/her life is threatened. Level 6: The dog has killed.
Why do dogs bite?
Dogs bite for many reasons. Over the past two decades it has become "trendy" amongst dog trainers and behaviorists to attempt to resolve and eliminate dog aggression. However, scientific data on a cure still eludes the profession. Too many variables exist and too many trainers are not well versed canine ethology to remedy the problems which develop.
Do all dogs bite?
All dogs react differently to stimulus (very exciting or scary situations). The four most common stress responses in dogs are: fight, flight, freeze and fool around (if you've ever owned a Golden Retriever, you've experienced fooling around!) Typically most dogs will simply leave when the stress gets to be too much.
This may be why some dog's appear obstinate. Imagine telling your off leash dog to lay down while he's at the dog park in the mist of many bold dogs at play. This may seem very threatening to him and he may disobey you not to be "bad" but rather to avoid use his "flight" instinct to avoid confrontation with the other dogs. If he doesn't lay down and you attempt to physically force him, he will be forced to make another decision of how to deal with his stress because you didn't let him "flee" (flight) instinct. Instead, he may move into "fight" mode and defend himself by snapping at you as you force him to lay.
Biting can also result when the dog is highly aroused/excited when chasing people along a fence line or from a tie out/chain. When the dog is restrained his natural "prey drive" or instinct to chase can occur. Problems can result when the dog is restricted from chasing. This is called "barrier frustration" and it can (and does) occur commonly though most dogs don't bite. Bites usually occur when the dog's owner/handler attempts to physically control the dog. The dog is so aroused, he indiscriminately bites the person. This is called "displacement aggression" and is quite common.
Which breeds are most likely to bite?
According to the CDC, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls were involved in 60% of the 27 dog bite fatalities that occurred in 1997 and 1998. Rottweilers were involved in ten deaths, and Pit Bulls were involved in six.5 This certainly doesn't mean other dogs produce fatal bites, but it is a reminder to be aware that most large powerful breeds can cause more severe injuries than small dogs. Keep in mind that it is mixed breeds and not pure bred dogs are the type of dog most often involved in inflicting bites to people. The pure-bred dogs most often involved in bites are German shepherds and Chow chows. 6
In a study reported by a retired professor from California State University at Chino, Robert Plum, it was found that one dog in 55 will bite someone seriously during the course of a year. With respect to breed differences in the tendency to inflict serious injury, Plumb estimates that when a pit bull bites a human, one in 16 (e.g. 1/16) will inflict serious injury; this contrasts with a ratio of 1/296 Dobermans, and 1/156 German shepherds. Certainly more studies and research is needed.
Warning signs of aggression and biting may be possible:
Any health change or long term health problem (especially dysplasia) Anxious or hyper behavior (fear of new or certain people or places) Biting or a history of biting (past behavior is a predictor or future behavior) Growling (growls are warnings take them as such) Guarding (things or people) New behavioral changes Obsessive fence/kennel running/chasing Severe separation issues Uncontrollable lunging at people or dogs while on leash Is my dog likely to bite? The list of breeds most involved in both bite injuries and fatalities changes from year to year and from one area of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed. However, if your dog is obedience trained, maintains a social life (regularly gets out of the house & yard), is neutered or spayed, healthy and is female, your dog is less statistically likely to bite. BUT, that doesn't mean he won't. After all, anything with teeth can bite!
I'm thinking of keeping my biting dog. What should I know?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites accounted for about one-quarter of all claims on homeowner's insurance, costing more than $321 million in 2003. In 2002, the latest year for which numbers are available, the average claim for a dog bite was $16,600. You should consult your insurance company for any restrictions they may have against future claims.
Sources: 1. American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2003-2004 National Pet Owners Survey cited by the HSUS. 2. Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1993) at p. 222. 3. CDC MMWR Weekly 6/4/03 Nonfatal Dog Bite--Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments --- United States, 2001 4. Beck AM, Jones BA. Unreported dog bites in children. Public Health Rep 1985;100:315--21. 5. CDC; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Dog-Bite-related Fatalities - United States, 1995-1996 (MMWR, Vol. 46/No. 21, May 30, 1997).
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Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at www.DenverDogWorks.com or by phone at 303-522-1727