CANINE HANDLING AND
SAFETY
Lindsay Y. Feerrar, CVT
LCCTC HIGH SCHOOL VET ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
There is a perfectly safe breed(s) of
dogs(s).
1.
2.
True
False
There is no 100% Safe Breed of Dog!
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It is less the breed of dog chosen and more the quality
of the source of the dog and how much time, effort and
positive training the family puts into the dog.
Knowing the best breed match (or temperament and
activity level match if you want to adopt a cross bred
dog)
Combine a good dog with knowing how to properly
train, maintain, socialize the dog and how to behave
around the dog are the real keys to living more safely
with a dog.
Akita V. Golden Retriever
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Akitas are a breed often said not to be great pets.
However, an Akita from a good and reputable
source and in a great home can be a better pet
than a Golden Retriever from a bad source and in
a family that is less than ideal.
My Dog will NEVER Bite!
1.
2.
True
False
Any Dog can Bite!
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Some dogs have a higher tolerance level through
the traits they inherited from their parents and the
dedication of the owner to proper training,
maintaining and socializing the dog.
All dogs have individual limits of what they will
and will not tolerate.
Bites can be Accidental!
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Bites do not just happen out of fear or
aggression, many bites happen when a human
and a dog are playing.
Any dog can bite, it is just a case of finding how
much the dog will tolerate before the bite
happens.
Only Certain Breeds are Dangerous!
1.
2.
True
False
There is NO Perfect Breed!
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Ironically, some breeds assumed to be dangerous
can actually be great pets if they are from good
sources and in good homes.
Just because a dog is cute and cuddly looking
does not mean it is safe.
Just because a dog looks big and tough does not
mean it is dangerous.
I can Approach a Dog at Any Time…
1.
2.
True
False
Think Before Approaching….
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Dogs can be possessive and territorial about
food, toys and sleeping areas.
A human grabbing at a toy the dog has, trying
to take food away, or who disturbs the dog's rest
is at greater risk of being bitten.
A well-trained dog should allow toys and food
to be taken away if needed, but even a welltrained dog may decide to hold on.
A Sleeping Dog….
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Sleeping dogs who are startled awake may nip. It
can be scary or threatening to a dog to be suddenly
woken up.
If you need to wake a dog, call his name, tap the
floor, but do not grab the dog. Wake him up
gradually.
Older dogs may have less tolerance than younger
dogs.
With age can come a lessening of vision, hearing
and the increase of aches and pains. All these can
affect just how much a dog will tolerate.
How Much a Dog has Been Taught to
Tolerate…..
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For example:
dogs not used to having their feet touched may
nip when you grab a foot.
Dogs not used to having things taken from them
may lash out.
It is Safe to Handle Puppies a Dog has
Recently had……
1.
2.
True
False
Maternal Aggression….
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Female dogs with litters may become quite
protective of them and not appreciate anyone
coming near, especially in the beginning.
Even if you know the dog well (even if your
family owns the dog), if she has puppies, use
extreme caution when approaching.
If Something is Cute or Funny, like a
Puppy Nipping my Fingers, it’s ok….
1.
2.
True
False
Just Because Something is Cute….
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Does not mean it is good.
Allowing puppies to play with fingers, toes, jump
on you and nip can teach a pup that these
behaviors are fine.
Now, when puppy is all grown up, these things
that were cute when a baby can be very
dangerous - even if the dog is just playing.
Have you ever seen how far an 80 pound dog
can send a small child sailing when the dog
crashes into the child?
A Small Dog can’t be Dangerous…
1.
2.
True
False
If a Dog Owner Says its ok to Pet Their
Dog, its ok….
1.
2.
True
False
Just Because Someone Says You Can…
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Does not mean it is safe!
If the dog is acting scared (backing up, trying to
escape, or shaking), do not feel like you can give
the dog a hug or kiss and soothe it.
The dog is scared. Scared dogs are more likely to
bite. Instead, step back and see if the dog comes
up to you.
If not, leave the dog alone!
Instincts…
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Dogs are born with various instincts.
Among them are: chasing, biting, selfpreservation, protectiveness/territorialism and a
desire to be part of a family.
Fight V. Flight
It is when we fail to work with or understand a
dog's natural instincts that we open the door for
trouble.
Aggressive/ Dominant….
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Dog will try to make himself
look big - hair on back and
shoulders raised and he will
be up on his toes
Ears will be pinned back
and eyes narrowed
Body will be stiff and tail
out straight or raised up
slightly
Teeth will be shown with or
without snarling
Fearful and Worried….
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This dog is somewhat
fearful and is offering
signs of submission.
These signals are
designed to pacify
the individual who is
of higher social status
or whom the dog sees
as potentially
threatening, in order
to avoid any further
challenges and
prevent conflict.
Fearful….
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Dog will cower down
and try to look
smaller
Ears will be pinned
and eyes averting
gaze
May show teeth
Tail will be tucked
and dog may back
away
Dog may be
shivering
Extreme Fear and Submission…
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Dog is indicating
total surrender and
submission
He is trying to say
that he accepts his
lower status
***Just because a
dog shows you its
belly does NOT
always mean he
wants it rubbed!!!
Happy and Playful…
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Ears will be pricked forward
and tail wagging
Eyes will be bright and
happy and mouth open
slightly but teeth covered and
dog may be panting
excitedly
Dog may be bouncy, circling,
yipping, mock growling
Dog may play-bow (lower
front end with tail high in the
air and wagging)
How Dogs Think and Reason…
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No matter what we would like to think, dogs are
NOT little people in fur coats.
Dogs can not think and reason like a human.
Dogs do not think about revenge.
They do not worry about the future or dwell so
much in the past. They live in the present here
and now.
However, past experiences help mold our dogs
into what they are. This is why training and
socializing is so important.
We Tend to put Human Emotions on our
Pets….
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Example:
Dog getting into the trash while owner is away
Dog looks guilty and is cowering
Ability to read body language not feel guilt
Dogs Do NOT Understand English…
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A dog is not born with the ability to learn a
language like a human
A dog can’t associate the word sit with the act of
sitting its hind end on the floor
Example:
We can teach a dog to “sit” by saying the word
pencil!
We need to teach a command without using words,
then once the command is consistent, add the verbal
que
Example: Clicker Training