January 3rd, 2014 at 11:54 am
The Yellow Dog Project is a global movement that began in Alberta, Canada in an effort to educate the public to identify dogs that need space and to help dog owners promote appropriate contact of dogs.
If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon tied around its collar, it means that dog needs space. Although you should never approach any dog without asking permission, this ribbon indicates that this particular dog shouldn't be approached.
This does not necessarily mean a dog is aggressive, it could be for dogs that have issues of fear, pain from recent surgery, are a newly rescued or shelter dog, a dog in training for service, dogs that are in service or other reasons the owner may decide.
The Yellow Dog Project began on September 13, 2012 by positive reinforcement dog trainer Tara Palardy. She hopes the project will teach people appropriate ways to approach and make contact with dogs by always asking permission first, whether or not a dog has a yellow ribbon. When approaching a strange dog, both children and adults should always seek permission before approaching to ensure safety for all involved. If you see a yellow ribbon, you will know that dog has special needs and really should not be touched without permission.
“I started to teach owners how to deal with their yellow dogs and that's where this whole thing started – local. I had no idea thousands of people would join. I figured some friends, other trainers...but nothing global. And Surprise! Here we are,” said Palardy.
For more information visit:
View and follow The Yellow Dog Facebook page here.
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October 11th, 2013 at 10:46 am
Photo from http://finance.yahoo.com/news/crash-test-dummy-dogs-seat-231900414.html
Recently, the nonprofit center for Pet Safety in Reston, Va., joined forces with Subaru to test 11 pet safety belts to find out which restraints work well enough to earn a seal of approval from pet-advocacy groups and to help establish a standard for pet restraints.
In a government product testing lab in Virginia, the pet harnesses went through various crash tests using some of the world's first crash-test dogs, simulating a 25-pound terrier mix, a 45-pound border collie and a 75-pound golden retriever.
The results were not promising. Only one harness consistently kept a dog restrained in the seat: Sleepypod's Clickit Utility Harness.
Subaru said it will soon offer the Sleepypod's Clickit Harness as an accessory in its vehicles, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Why is this necessary?
Unrestrained pets can create a safety hazard. “Pet advocacy group Bark Buckle Up argues that unrestrained pets act like missiles in accidents, endangering passengers and themselves. In one calculation by motorist-advocacy group AAA, even a 10-pound unrestrained dog in a crash at only 30 miles an hour will exert roughly 300 pounds of force,” said The Wall Street Journal.
Injured or disorientated pets thrown from a car crash may become violent or obstruct rescue.
“Nearly 90% of U.S. pet owners say they travel with their pets, but few strap them in, despite recommendations from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and others. Some 17% of drivers surveyed in a 2011 AAA study admitted driving with a pet on their lap,” reports The Wall Street Journal.
For more information on Sleepypod's Clickit Harness visit:http://sleepypod.com/safety
Click here to watch a video of the testing.
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September 30th, 2013 at 10:26 am
Photo from Channel 5 News
Recently, a Connecticut lower court ruled that horses are naturally vicious animals in a case involving a boy that was bit on the cheek by a horse in 2006.
The boy was visiting the farm with his father who was buying plants, when he reached up to pet a horse name Scuppy and “the animal stuck his neck out from behind a fence and bit the child on his right cheek, removing a large chunk of it,” says an article on examiner.com.
The boy's father sued the farm's owner in 2010 but lost. The court concluded that there was no evidence that the horse had ever been aggressive in the past and the family could not positively say which horse had actually bitten the boy.
Later, a Connecticut Appellate Court overturned that ruling; finding that Scuppy, as a horse, was vicious and steps should have been taken to prevent injury.
Now, the case will be reviewed in Connecticut's Supreme Court, and if the decision is upheld, Connecticut would be the first state to consider horses a dangerous and vicious species.
What could this mean?
If this ruling sticks, it would make owning horses much more difficult. Insurance to own horses would become extremely expensive and would severely hurt the state's horse industry.
An article on Channel 5 News states, “Horse farmers and equine enthusiasts, who cite 2005 statistics saying that the horse industry contributes about $221 million a year to the state's economy in boarding, training, lessons and breeding businesses, are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the Appellate Court's decision. The Connecticut Farm Bureau and Connecticut Horse Council filed a friend of the court brief saying that under common law viciousness generally is judged individually according to age, breed and gender, not as an entire species.”
The Superior Court judge said the horse's owner testified that neither he nor anyone else had ever seen Scuppy bite a person before and that in 28 years, none of the horses at the farm bit or injured anyone.
"Cats have a tendency to scratch and horses have a tendency to bite, but the plaintiffs have failed to show, as they must, that the defendants were on notice that Scuppy specifically, and not horses generally, had a tendency to bite people or other horses," the judge ruled.
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July 2nd, 2013 at 11:32 am
The 4th of July can be an exciting, fun-filled weekend, but it also holds impending dangers. Follow these tips for driving, grilling, fireworks and pets to have a safe and fun holiday!
Pets
Don't forget about your pet's safety this weekend! Also, keep in mind that dogs may run away from their homes after being frightened by fireworks, so be weary of stray or frightened dogs this holiday.
Here are some tips from WHEC-TV to keep pets safe:
1. Keep picnic food away from pets: Did you know that avocado, chocolate, onions and garlic, fat scraps, raw meat, candy, and stone fruit pits can all be dangerous for dogs to consume? Be sure to keep all July 4th picnic food in spots where dogs can't access it. Keeping food in sealed containers can help, but smart dogs can open a food storage box. Since the biggest risk to dogs in the food department is licking plates of leftovers clean, be sure to put someone on used plate patrol. It also helps to keep picnic food trash in a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Avoid leaving open containers of alcohol around: Dogs also can get intoxicated! Just a little alcohol can cause vomiting and diarrhea for a dog. Dogs don't know that they'll get sick from lapping up that delicious cup of strawberry margarita that they found on a lawn chair. But you'll know when you've got a puking doggie! So be sure to keep alcoholic beverages out of reach of pets.
3. Keep dogs out of the road: Folks are traveling to and from parties on July 4th, often under the influence (even though it is illegal). With guests coming and going through the backyard gate, it's pretty easy for a dog or cat to get out. Perhaps keep pets indoors on July 4th? Or at least keep tabs on their whereabouts.
4. Firecrackers and pets don't mix: In addition to not shooting your own eye out, please keep pets away from fireworks and firecrackers. Also, some dogs get very scared of the loud booms of fireworks displays. Maybe leave the dog at home when you go to your local fireworks display.
1. Preparation
Arrange to have your dog in a place where there won't be loud fireworks displays — a friend's or relative's home or a doggie day care with which your dog is familiar. If it's an unfamiliar place for your dog, take him over there a few times in the days before the holiday so that it won't be a surprise when you take him there on the Fourth.
2. Accommodation.
If you cannot take your dog to a place away from fireworks, then have a travel kennel at home for her to feel safe in. if you're not going to be home, have a friend or sitter there to keep your dog company and take her out to relieve herself every four hours.
3. Acclimation
The best way to prepare your dog for fireworks is to make sure he's comfortable with the sound in advance. While this is a simple process, it can take time — possibly three or four months of playing the recorded sound of fireworks for your dog at an increasingly louder volume before he eats, before a walk, before affection and play, and condition him by association to hear the sound and interpret it as something good. While you can try this method over only a week or two, in such a short time span it should only be used in conjunction with one or more of the other tips. In any case, play the firework sounds.
4. Sedation.
If you do find it necessary to use medication or a thundershirt to calm your dog during the fireworks, remember that you must introduce any such tool at the right time, conditioning your dog to understand that the medication or thundershirt is there to bring them to a calm state. This means that you must bring your dog to that calm state first, and then introduce the tool — before the fireworks and the anxiety begin. If she is already at an anxiety level of 8 or 9, then her mental state will overrule the medication. If she is already breathing heavily, then the thundershirt, which is designed to slow her breathing, won't work. A tool is an intellectual thing we use with a dog's instincts. The challenge is knowing how and when to connect the two.
5. Communication.
If you are going to be with your dog during the fireworks, sending the calming message that they are nothing to worry about will also help him to relax. Remember, though, while humans communicate with words, dogs communicate with energy, and will look to their pack leader for clues on how they should behave. If you're not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then he will learn to be less concerned as well.
If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog, please don't hesitate to contact us for FREE advice, call 1-800-708-5433!
Driving
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated that 540 traffic fatalities and 57,800 injuries may occur due to motor vehicle collisions this 4th of July weekend.
It also is estimated that 196 lives may be saved this Independence Day holiday period by buckling up, and an additional 135 lives could be saved if all wore seat belts.
Here are some tips from the NSC to stay safe this holiday weekend:
- Refrain from using cell phones while driving.
- Put your cell phone on silent or in the glove box to avoid temptation.
- Safely pull over and put the vehicle in park to take or make a call.
- Always wear a safety belt – every trip, every time.
- Make sure every passenger is wearing his or her safety belt before you begin your drive.
- Have children sit in the back and use the proper child safety seat or booster seat.
- Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, especially during hot weather.
- If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver.
Grilling
Every year people in the U.S. are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these steps from the American Red Cross to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
- Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
- Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.
Fireworks
The safest way to enjoy the 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them follow these safety tips from NSC:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks – older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
- Light fireworks one at a time, in a clear outdoor area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
- Do not aim fireworks at another individual and never place any part of your body over a firework.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire, and do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Here are additional tips from the Red Cross:
- Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
- Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
- Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Happy 4th of July! Have fun and be safe!
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June 3rd, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Did you know that 50% of all dog bite victims in 2012 were 8 years old or younger? Did you also know that 79% of all children killed by dogs in 2012 were 2 years old or younger?
To help prevent dog bites, children can learn to “be a tree.” Dogs are often stimulated by sound and movement, so teaching children to be still and calm, like a tree, may help both children and dogs stay calm in a new or stressful situation.
According to be-a-tree.com, “Most dogs do not intend to scare or bite people, but they do like to investigate new people. Most dogs will chase a person who runs and will get more and more excited the more the person runs. Shouting or screaming is also exciting to dogs and can frighten some dogs. Being still and quiet is the best way to show a dog that you mean no harm and that you are not going to play with him or threaten him.”
How to "Be a Tree":
- Stop.
- Fold in your branches (hands folded in front).
- Watch your roots grow (look at your feet).
- Count in your head to the highest number you can and then start back at one until help comes or the dog goes away.
"Trees" are boring to dogs. A dog will just sniff at a child/tree and then go away. No matter what the dog does, it is important for the child to stand still, avoid eye contact (by looking down at his/her feet), and stay quiet.
Be a tree in any of these situations:
- A strange dog comes near you (even if he seems friendly).
- Any dog is making you feel uncomfortable, worried or scared.
- A dog is chasing you.
- Your own or a friend's dog is acting too frisky or excited.
More safety tips from the CDC:
To help prevent children from being bitten by dogs, teach the following basic safety tips and review them regularly:
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Do not run from a dog or scream.
- Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
- Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
For more information visit:
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February 26th, 2013 at 10:14 am
Last Thursday the Maryland House pushed forward a bill that will hold all dog owners, no longer specifically pit bull owners, liable for injuries caused by their dog.
Last spring the court ruled that pit bulls were “inherently dangerous,” and although this new bill does put more responsibility on dog owners than previously, this is somewhat of a victory for pit bull owners as it no longer singles out a specific breed. In the past landlords along with dog owners were responsible for damages and injuries. As a result some landlords were demanding tenants give up their pit bulls. Such breed-specific language in the bill outraged several animal rights groups as it affected only one specific group of dogs, (Maryland House unanimously approves dog bite legislation, Kate Havard, Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/md-house-unanimously-approves-dog-bite-legislation/2013/02/21/b9276146-7c3f-11e2-a044-676856536b40_story.html).
This new bill contains no breed-specific language and no longer makes landlords liable for the actions of their tenant's dogs.
Another change this bill brings is in the courts; the dog owner will have to prove that their dog is not a threat to others whereas previously the plaintiff was responsible for proving the animal was dangerous.
Now the bill moves on to Maryland's state senate where it is believed it will pass with no protest.
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February 19th, 2013 at 9:55 am
Some dogs should not be approached by strangers and/or other dogs, and The Yellow Dog Project is trying to get the word out on a safe and easy way for owners to illustrate their dog's need for space.
The Yellow Dog Project brings awareness to the general public that some dogs should not be approached for different reasons, such as the dog is currently being trained, recovering from a surgery, is being rehabilitated or gets scared or reactive around other people or dogs.
The project encourages owners to place a yellow ribbon on their dog's leash if he/she is an animal that needs more space. It will act as an indicator to others that this dog should not be approached. That's why it is important to spread the word about The Yellow Dog Project so when a yellow ribbon is seen on a dog's leash the message gets across.
For more information on The Yellow Dog Project and to show your support visit
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February 18th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Farmers Insurance will no longer provide dog bite liability coverage for three specific breeds: rottweilers, pit bulls and wolf hybrids.
California resident and owner of two pit bulls, Dawn Capp, was amazed that insurers were not notified of this change; she found out through a friend. Capp feels that the company is “discriminating against me and my dogs, not based on our individual responsibility level or risk level, but just because my dog happens to look a certain way,” (Farmers Insurance no longer covering dog bites for certain breeds, KCRA.com, Claire Doan).
The company is not cancelling any policies, but rather requiring a signature on the company's new exclusion waiver of liability coverage for dog bites. Refusal of signature then terminates the process of policy renewal.
Farmers is one of the final companies to implement such a change in dog bite coverage, making it difficult for owners of these breeds to find insurance. As Nicole Mahrt Ganley, member of the Association of California Insurance companies, explains “companies need to manage their books. So, if they've seen an increase in claims from dog liability of certain breeds, they may decide (they're) not going to cover that as much,” (Farmers Insurance no longer covering dog bites for certain breeds, KCRA.com, Claire Doan). In 2011 California alone had 2,400 dog bite claims, which added up to $92.7 million paid, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
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February 11th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Last week citizens in a Wichita neighborhood received letters stating that they lost their mail delivery privileges due to excessive dog bite incidents.
Neighbors in the area must now pick up their mail at the post office. Residents have been given two alternative options; either establish curbside mailboxes or permit a central mailbox be installed for all resident mail to be delivered.
Although several residents feel they are being targeted, the post office states that Wichita has one of the highest recorded number of dog bites and attacks in the area, which includes Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
The post office is not permitted to report which resident's dog it was that bite a carrier on Monday, but neighbors believe they know who as the suspected household, which owns two dogs, was required to install a curbside mailbox.
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