My Service Dog Was Attacked, What Should I Do?
We've all been there: you're out for a walk, and you see someone approaching with their dog. Do you cross the street? Or do you keep walking, hoping for a friendly encounter? For service dog handlers, these everyday scenarios can be fraught with anxiety. While most dog owners are respectful, there's always the risk of encountering an aggressive or untrained animal. This article will provide practical tips on how to protect your service dog during an altercation and ensure your safety. During the Attack: Stay Calm: This might be the hardest part, but staying calm will help you make the best decisions for your dog and yourself. Do Not Engage: Yelling or trying to physically intervene can escalate the situation. It's best to focus on de-escalating and protecting your dog. Create a Barrier: Use your body, leash, purse, or any available object to create a physical barrier between your dog and the attacking dog. Distract the Other Dog (if safe): If possible, try to distract the attacking dog with a loud noise or object, such as clapping your hands or yelling "No!" Call for Help: Shout for help from bystanders or anyone nearby. Once the Attack is Over: Assess the Situation: Check your dog for injuries as quickly and calmly as possible. Look for bleeding, bites, or signs of shock. Move to a Safe Location: If your dog is injured, move to a safe location where you can assess their condition further. Contact Emergency Personnel: Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may need to call animal control or seek veterinary help immediately. Reporting the Attack: File a Police Report: Even if your dog seems okay, filing a police report will document the incident. Contact Animal Control: If the attacking dog's owner is unknown, animal control can help identify them and enforce leash laws. Contact Your Service Dog Trainer: Your trainer can offer support and guidance as you navigate this stressful situation. They may also be able to help you with any necessary retraining after the attack. Additional Tips: While not required, carry a Service Dog ID Card: Having this readily available can help educate bystanders on your dog's legal status. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Try to avoid situations where your dog might encounter off-leash dogs or overly aggressive animals. Practice De-escalation Techniques: Train your dog to remain calm in potentially stressful situations, like encountering another dog. Resources: The United States Service Dog
3 Ways to Sharpen Your Service Dog’s Tuck Sit and Why It Matters
Image and video from Precision K9 Work The trusty sit – a cornerstone of dog training. But for service dogs, a basic sit might not always cut it. The tuck sit, where your dog balances on its front legs with its rear end tucked neatly underneath, offers several advantages for working canines. Let's explore why a strong tuck sit is important for service dogs, and how you can help your furry partner master it! Why the Tuck Sit Matters for Service Dogs A service dog's job is all about focus and balance. The tuck sit promotes both: Stability: A tucked rear end provides a more stable base, which is crucial for tasks like bracing or providing balance support. Focus: Maintaining a tucked position requires core engagement, which helps your dog stay attentive and ready to work. Body Awareness: The tuck sit improves proprioception, a dog's sense of body position, which is vital for navigating tight spaces or uneven terrain. 3 Training Tips to Refine Your Dog's Tuck Sit Lure and Reward: Start with your dog in a regular sit. Hold a treat near your dog's nose, slowly moving it forward and up between its legs. As your dog shifts its weight forward to follow the treat, click or verbally mark the behavior and reward it. Gradually, offer the reward only when your dog achieves a full tuck sit. Platform Play: Use a stable platform like a box or step. Lure your dog onto the platform with a treat, encouraging it to step up with its front legs first. This naturally positions your dog for a tuck sit. Reward the complete posture. Gradually decrease the platform height as your dog gets comfortable. The "Chin Rest": This variation helps with core strength and balance. With your dog in a sit, hold a treat just above its nose, encouraging it to reach its head up. This will naturally shift its weight forward, engaging its core. Click and reward when your dog maintains a stable tuck sit while reaching. Remember: Be patient: Building a strong tuck sit takes time and repetition. Keep training sessions short and positive. Focus on quality: It's better to have a few well-executed repetitions than many sloppy ones. Make it fun! Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Use high-value treats and plenty of praise to keep your dog motivated. By incorporating these tips into your training routine, you can help your service dog develop a rock-solid