Denise Holmes is a local pet behavior counselor who owns Ain’t Misbehavin’. She trains animals and also answers pet questions sent in by NWA moms for us here on Motherlode. Denise has been training for 25 years and is passionate about pets. To send her a question, email it to: mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Here’s the latest question — a really difficult one:

Dear Denise,

Our 8-year-old husky just tried to bite my 4-year-old’s face. He grazed her leaving one small puncture under her nose. I don’t know what to do with him but he can’t stay here anymore. I don’t have a single extra penny right now and I’m at a complete loss. I’m shaken up and so upset. Please give me some advice!

Dear Mom:

This is such a tough question that I wanted to answer it right away. Truthfully, there is no ‘right’ answer or course of action, and as a trainer who has had to help clients deal with this issue, I can tell you that every situation and every solution is different and very personal. Ultimately, you must do what is right for you and your family, and only you can make that decision.

Though you have already decided the dog can no longer stay with you, and I have no intention of trying to change your mind, I do want to address the bite from a behavioral perspective. It is not uncommon for a child to be bitten in the face by the family dog. Sometimes it’s because the child is in the dog’s face, but often it is because that’s where the bite was intentionally applied.

From the canine perspective, this is correction. A dog will apply a corrective bite to a puppy or other dog at the muzzle or to the back of the neck, which is why children are often bitten in the face. This is NOT an attack; if it had been an attack there would have been a lot more damage. My guess is that your husky outweighs your child and was most likely close enough that had he wanted to actually BITE your child, he very well could have. It is likely that the child was doing something that the dog deemed inappropriate and was trying, in dog language, to correct the behavior. I do not say this to excuse the behavior, but simply to explain that we are not dealing with a vicious animal or dangerous animal.

Now, to answer your question as to what to do with the dog. Since you have decided the dog can’t stay with you, I would seek out someone to take the dog temporarily. In the meantime, you can contact a breed rescue. Breed rescue is your best chance of re-homing this dog appropriately, and based on the information in your email, I do not think this is an irresponsible option. Breed rescue will carefully evaluate the dog and the new home before making a decision to place it.

A dog that has bitten a child doesn’t stand much of a chance in a shelter; the age of your dog makes that equation worse. As for a no-kill facility, it is just my opinion, but I don’t like them. Jail is no way to live your entire life, and this is a dog that has known love and a family. If an appropriate/temporary home can not be found, or a rescue located, and you are convinced the dog can not stay with you, then please, do right by this animal that you have loved, and escort him from the world just as you have led him through it. It will be very hard, but do not make him go alone.

If your dog is a bit of an escape artist, this collar might be the perfect fit. I like the way the dog’s name and phone number is printed onto the collar itself so there’s no way to miss it. Sometimes those engraved tags that hang on a dog collar can get loose and fall off. (That has happened a couple of times with our dogs’ ID tag.) So this is a great solution.

You can order the one pictured above from the L.L. Bean catalog, and it’s available in lots of colors. Click here or on the photo to get more info from the catalog website. In its customer reviews, this product got four out of five stars. Cost is $18.95. Hope this helps keep your furry “babies” safe by helping them find their way home if they ever get lost.

Denise Holmes is a local pet behavior counselor who owns Ain’t Misbehavin’. She trains animals and also answers pet questions sent in by NWA moms for us here on Motherlode. Denise has been training for 25 years and is passionate about pets. To send her a question, email it to: mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Here’s the latest question — for wintertime:

Dear Denise,

What are some games our family can play with our dog this winter while we’re all cooped up in the house?

Dear Mama,

There are lots of fun things you can do with your family and your dog this winter that will not only entertain you, but reinforce good behaviors and keep Fido’s mind working. The first game is what I call ‘puppy ping-pong.’ This game teaches your dog to come when called and everyone can play, even young kids.

I have done this with children as young as two or three, but I usually have them sit in my lap or stand in front of me, and you will have to remind them to use their ‘big kid’ or ‘outside’ voice. Here’s how to play: each member of your family takes a few treats and spreads out in the room. One at time, you will each take a turn calling your dog to come. Kids can get excited with this one, and dogs confused, so make sure Fido has finished chewing, and you know who will call next. To advance this game, you can add a sit to the come. To advance further, move around the house or even hide. Hiding is great because it teaches your dog what is called a ‘blind recall,’ which means your dog will come even when he is out of eyesight. Remember, though, if you are hiding, you will need to keep calling until the dog finds you.

If you have more than one dog or wish to invite friends with dogs of their own, you can play a game called ‘My Dog Can Do That.’ Available through Amazon.com, this is a fun board game that allows each player in turn to draw a ‘trick’ card. The player then has 30 seconds to get his dog to do the trick. The tricks range in difficulty, but the game is more fun than hard.

Lastly, one of the best suggestions I can offer is teaching tricks. It’s always fun to see what you can get your dog to do using positive reinforcement and a little encouragement. My favorite ‘game’ to play with any dog is ‘Fun with a Box.’ I especially enjoy using it with dogs that have been abused by other training methods or those that don’t have a lot of self confidence. This game encourages mental and physical flexibility and gives the dog courage to try something on its own. For details on getting started visit www.clickertraining.com and search “101 Things to Do with a Box.” All you will need is a clicker, some treats and a little imagination.

Have fun!

Ain’t Misbehavin’ CDP, Inc
www.LoveTrustTeach.com
“You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery

 

Denise Holmes is a local pet behavior counselor who owns Ain’t Misbehavin’. She answers pet questions sent in by NWA moms. Denise has been training animals for 25 years and believes she has the best job around! To send her a question, email it to: mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Here’s the latest, just in time for Christmas:

Dear Denise,

My 4-year-old daughter has been begging for a new kitten for Christmas. I’m tempted, since I know it would be such a thrill for her to wake up to such a wonderful present on Christmas morning. But I’m also worried that she’s not ready for a pet. Bad idea or not?

Dear Mama,

Thanks for the question, and the opportunity to share my thoughts on two topics: pets as Christmas gifts and pets for children.

The holidays are a hectic time and the introduction of a new pet into the home should be done carefully. With all the hustle and bustle, and unwrapping of ‘other’ gifts, the pet will likely get lost in the shuffle (if not out the door with the guests), and not get the attention it needs to settle into a new home with ease. If you are set on getting your daughter a kitten for Christmas, I’d suggest a photo along with a cat bed, toys and bowls, and the promise that after the holidays, you will go together to pick out a new kitten at the shelter. This will also help ensure that kitten likes your daughter and is tolerant of 4 year old behavior.

As for your other question, is she ready for a pet? Probably not. A four year old child is not mentally mature enough for something so complicated. I would guess that you are still helping her get dressed in the morning and reminding her to brush her hair and teeth. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a pet; it is a great way to help children learn empathy and responsibility. I work with many ages of children who are helping care for and even train the pets in their home. It’s a great experience. Just keep in mind that you will be the one doing the work of cleaning, feeding, and grooming. So, the real question is “Are you ready for a pet?” If so, then a photo and a promise ought to be just perfect! If not, I’d get a Gund instead.

For more pet tips and weekly updates, join my fan page, Ain’t Misbehavin’ on Facebook.

Thanks, Mamas, and happy holidays!

Note from the mamas: If you think your child is ready — or if you are! — check out these two cuties. They’re 9 weeks old and were dropped off at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter without a mother. Right now, foster mom Brooke Eldridge is taking care of these two guys named Charlie and Oliver. The lighter one is Charlie and he has seven toes on each front paw! The darker one is Oliver and both are described as “very sweet”. Call the shelter at 479-444-3456 for more information about these kittens or other pets that are available for adoption right now.