Updates On 1st Sep 2014

Dog Bite Prevention Tip #7 (a fortnightly feature by SPCA)

- WATCH OUT FOR POTENTIAL DOG FIGHTS

In this photo, what may have started off as play between the 2 dogs has escalated into a potential bite or fight situation. Note the whale eyes in both dogs. The bigger dog has bared its teeth in warning, but the smaller dog continues to chase and nip at it. Neither dog has the loose, wriggly body language that shows they�re enjoying the interaction, instead, they�re stiff. The smaller dog also wears a choke chain, which may suggest that a punitive form of training may have been used on this dog.

Be polite to a dog. Learn to read its body language and monitor how your dog plays with another. Intervene if you see play escalating into a potential bite or fight situation. Take steps to help your dog be comfortable in every day situations, through force free, reward-based training. Avoid putting it in stressful situations that are unnecessary and inappropriate.

A dog seldom bites �out of the blue�. It usually starts with the dog communicating its discomfort in being in a particular situation through a display of stress signals, e.g. turning away, lip licking, yawning, shaking off, closing its mouth, stress panting, growling etc. When these signals are repeatedly ignored but we continue to put the dog in that stressful situation, the dog reaches its limit of tolerance, and bites in an attempt to escape or protect itself. Inappropriate training methods, such as the use of punitive or aversive techniques, often escalate the problem. Punitive or aversive training techniques include the use of choke chains, prong or pinch collars, shock collars, alpha rolls, neck jabs, harsh verbal reprimands, and flooding the dog through prolonged exposure to a situation.

If your dog shows signs of aggression, and you�re not sure what to do, please consult a qualified trainer or behaviourist to help you and your dog. This tip is crafted by Dr Kang Nee (a certified professional dog trainer who works with us to help the dogs in our shelter) of cheerfuldogs.com

Source: https://www.facebook.com/spcasingapore/photos/a.283797778154..

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SPCA Singapore

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Singapore) is the first registered animal welfare organisation in Singapore. The two main objectives of SPCA Singapore are: to promote kindness to animals and birds, and to prevent cruelty to animals and birds.

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