Is your dog a public nuisance?

These are the local laws where I live.  Does your dog need some training to avoid being a public nuisance?

A dog shall be deemed a public nuisance for any of the following reasons (but not limited to):

1) If such a dog is found to be at large;

2) If such dog shall persistently and prolongedly bark or howl;

3) If found without wearing a license and a vaccine tag as required by Section B of this bylaw;

4) If found in a schoolyard, public or private recreation area, store, or shopping area except that a “seeing eye” dog (or other certified assistance dog) under the care and control of its owner shall be deemed to be exempt from this provision;

5) For having bitten or attacked any person;

6) For having killed or maimed or otherwise damaged any wild or domestic animal;

7) For chasing a domesticated animal, pedestrian, or vehicle on a way to which the public has a right to access within the Town;

8) For damaging or destroying property that does not belong to its owner or keeper;

9) Except that a police dog acting in the line of duty shall not be considered a public nuisance;

10) Except that a dog being used as a so-called “hunting dog,” which is being supervised as such by a person demonstrating the ability to control such dog so that it will not be a threat to public safety, shall not be considered a public nuisance;
 
Source:  Town of Norfolk Animal Regulations

Leashrly Life local dog parks

If you're in the Leashrly Life area (Norfolk, Massachusetts) you may want to check out these great places to have some fun with your dog.  Thanks to http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/massachusetts.html for this great information.

• Foxboro Dog Park is located off Mill St in Foxboro behind the baseball field. You must show your license to get in and your dog must be registered in the town you live in. There is a pond area with a beach for the dogs to swim.  You'll need to bring your own fresh water.

• Gilbert Hills State Forest is located in Foxboro and Wrentham. There is swimming for dogs in several water holes and brooks.  Trails run throughout the park.  Dogs can be off leash but motorized bikes share the park as well.  They do have a hunting season as well. Heading south on Route 1 from Walpole, enter Foxboro, take left onto High Rock Road.

• Beaver Pond is located at Beaver Recreation Area on Beaver St. in Franklin. It has a small pond with a beach and several walking trails.

How are a Dog Trainer and Dog Walker alike?

Both can help you with behavior problems.


According to Andrew Daigle of the Dog Training Advice and Tips website, “Lack of exercise is the root cause of many behavioral problems among dogs.”

In other words, just like us, dogs need exercise for physical and mental well-being. Not only that, but regular exercise expends the energy that might be used to chew shoes or create holes in furniture.

Daigle recommends 60-90 minutes a day of walking for your dog, divided up into morning and evening sessions. If you’re like me, you don’t have that kind of time every day, or your schedule varies too much to build in a regular routine.

Although it is ideal to set your dog up with a professional obedience trainer at about 16 weeks old, any dog can benefit from a regular walking routine. That’s where your local dog walker comes in.

Dog walkers can vary from the teenager next door to a seasoned professional. Either way, you’ll get what you pay for. Can’t afford it? Can you afford to replace that $100 pair of designer shoes? Can you afford to spend every morning and every evening tied to the other end of a leash? Your time (and your dog) is worth enough to hire someone to help you keep your “best friend” in the best shape possible.

Not to say you shouldn’t spend time with your dog from time to time... but a little help once in a while can go a long way to make your relationship with your dog a pleasure rather than a burden. Let Leashrly Life help you take better care of your dog, with dog obedience and dog walking available.

Spending time with your dog II

Here are some more ideas on quick things you can do with your dog to make her feel special:

Teach a trick. The internet is full of fun and easy tricks you can teach your dog. Some can take a matter of minutes to learn. Your dog will appreciate the time you spent with him, and you’ll look cool in front of your friends when you show off your new trick.

Work on obedience. Just a few minutes a day reinforcing commands your dog knows is time well spent. Have your dog hold a “sit” for you or put him in a “down” while you are watching TV. Not only does it place you as pack leader, it keeps your dog’s mind stimulated.

Give a treat. Your local butcher has lots of uncooked bones with small bits of leftover meat and lots of flavor. There are lots of healthy, tasty treats you can give your dog. My dog loves her frozen ice cubes made from chicken stock. Be sure you are careful about giving high-fat, high-calorie treats to dogs that are overweight.

For more tips on working and playing with your dog, visit http://www.leashrlylife.com/.

Are you spending enough time with your dog?

Ever feel like your beloved friend isn’t getting enough of your attention? I do. As much time as I spend walking her, stroking her and taking her out for a hike or a swim, I sometimes feel like I’m not a good owner. Here are some quick ideas on things you can do with your dog to make him feel special:

Brushing. Some dogs love to be brushed and others simply tolerate it. In any case, brushing your dog is not only a good hygiene habit, it’s another way of showing him you care. Tender stroking of his hair feels good so try to be gentle especially if your dog isn’t one who seems to like it. The more you do it, the more comfortable and enjoyable it becomes for him.

Talking to your dog. While we know our dogs don’t understand complicated language, they do understand words. More importantly, they understand tone. By speaking softly and gently to your dog, he knows you are there and are being a good friend to him. Don’t be afraid to talk calmly to your dog. You will only put him at ease! (Note: If your dog is frightened or alarmed, you should not speak to him in a soothing way. This will only encourage your dog to be more frightened or alarmed. It is as if you are saying “that’s right. You go ahead and be scared. You should be scared. Good dog.” If your dog is afraid of a sound, for example, simply ignore the frightened behavior and go about your business. Your dog will learn by your behavior that there is nothing to be frightened about.)

Playing with your dog . I know we don’t always have but a few minutes a day, but playing fetch or keep-away is so much fun – not only for our furry friends but for ourselves as well. Throw the ball, tie a string around a toy and when your dog runs to get it, snap it away from her, toss a stick, or chase her around the yard to get her moving.

Dog diseases to watch for

Distemper

A dog with distemper will have a fever spike of 103-105 degrees. A second spike may occur with loss of appetite, listlessness, watery discharge from eyes and nose and a dry cough may accompany these symptoms. The dog will have seizures and may have hard pads on its feet.  It is a very serious condition.

Hepatitis
This condition effects the liver, kidney and the lining of blood vessels. Dogs with hepatitis may have a fever and won't eat. There may also be passing of blood or he may vomit blood. The dog's belly may be tucked up and there is a swelling of the liver. The eyes may be sensitive to light; there may be bleeding gums, jaundice and/or "blue" eyes (cloudy cornea).

Rabies
There are two types of rabies - Vicious and Paralytic. Animals with vicious rabies will act boldly and attack. Those with paralytic rabies have trouble with muscle coordination, will have excessive drooling and act "dumb." The law requires owners to have dogs vaccinated for rabies and it should be done when the dog is  12 -24 weeks old.

Parvo Virus
This is a common condition that might be found in puppies from 6 - 20 weeks old. Symptoms include profuse diarrhea with mucous or blood, depression and/or lethargy, vomiting and a "tucked-up" abdomen. Dehydration develops very quickly so seek medical attention immediately. Untreated Parvo Virus results in a sloughing off of the intestinal lining.

Corona Virus
The signs of Corona Virus may be varied. There may be acute diarrhea or no signs of diarrhea. Diarrhea often times is yellow/orange in color and is foul smelling. Dogs will display a loss of appetite, depression and vomiting. Dehydration is also common.

Leptospirosis
Dogs can pick this up from drinking water from puddles and streams. If left untreated it causes liver and kidney damage. Severe jaundice is usually present and fever, lethargy, depression, muscle pain, diarrhea and blood in the urine can also accompany it. If the virus gets into the blood stream it will cause the kidneys to swell and shut down. People can also be affected by this disease.

Lyme Disease
Dogs get this by being bitten by a deer tick. Symptoms include a sudden onset of lameness, and swollen joints that are painful to the touch. If left untreated Lyme disease can affect everything including the heart, limbs, etc.

Ringworm
Ringworm is recognized by a scaly, crusty circular patch. Dogs tend to lick and scratch at the infection site. The patch is identifiable from the red circular rind and hair loss surrounding the area. Humans can also be affected by ringworm.

If you're not sure if your dog is sick, but he or she doesn't seem or act "right," err on the side of caution and make an appointment with your vetrinarian.  Your intuition may save your pet's life. 

Save your pet's life: bloat

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus - commonly known as Bloat

Bloat is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment. If not treated immediately it can quickly take your dog's life.

This ailment is commonly seen in deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes. It is caused by an intake of gasses and fluids that aren't released. It often happens by eating too quickly, gulping water, and/or strenuous exercise after a meal.

Gasses and excess fluid trapped in the stomach expand, causing a distention (bloat) of the stomach, which is readily visible from the appearance of the dog. The distention of the stomach causes it to flip possibly a full 360 degrees and the spleen may rotate. Symptoms may include:

• Restlessness
• Distended abdomen
• Glassy eyes
• Unproductive retching/dry heaves
• Excessive panting
• Salivating
• Arrythmia
• Pale gums and mucous membranes

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, take him to the vet immediately. Even after surgically releasing the gasses, the dog may need to undergo extensive surgical therapy to return the stomach to it's original position as well as treatment of shock symptoms. Many dogs never fully recover, and may die of complications stemming from bloat. Ongoing therapy is often needed.

In order to prevent bloat from happening, feed your pet smaller meals, broken up over the course of the day particularly if you have a large, barrel-chested breed like those mentioned above. Avoid exercising your dog immediately after eating and limit water after exercise to avoid gulping.

Once bloat happens, it is common that it may happen again. Owners of deep-chested breeds that have a history of bloat may consider having the stomach stapled to abdominal muscles to prevent future problems. This preventative step should only be taken under the advisory of one or more veterinarians.