An 82-year-old woman, Savitri, was fatally attacked by her pet dog and suffered serious bites to her abdomen and neck. She died on Wednesday during treatment at a trauma center in the Qaiserbagh area of Lucknow. This unfortunate incident raises many questions about why pets attack the very owners who train and raise them.
Is it because pet owners, in most cases, when selecting breeds, ignore the temperament of the pet they bring home. Additionally, people who live near aggressive pet breeds are not well equipped with knowledge about the special training needed for breeds like Pit Bulls. In the above incident, the dog of said breed attacked its owner to death.
Dog care and training go hand in hand. Even if you think of your dog as a member of your family, you can’t turn your back on the fact that he is, after all, an animal and that he would behave in a certain way.
Some dog breeds are considered aggressive and require special training. In some cases, people love owning fancy dog breeds as a “fashion statement” when they don’t pay much attention to the special care these breeds need. It’s not entirely about the breed of the dog, it’s about proper care and training. Many breeds have special training requirements.
If you want to bring home a pet and make it part of your family, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
dogs are social
Dogs of all breeds are among the most social animals. They have excellent “people skills” and they enjoy being around other animals and humans. The more they interact with people, the better their mind works and they stay calm and composed.
According to a research-based article, Dogs in the service of human health and well-being: a biopsychosocial approach“Through the processes of domestication and natural selection, dogs have become adept at socializing with humans.”
In reality, it’s disheartening to see most people keep their pet dogs confined to a particular area, away from people. These dogs become very tired of their solitary state and tend to develop overtly aggressive behavior.
treat them well
Dogs sometimes require special treatment. Once domesticated, they must be given a special place and their limits must be defined. Meeting their needs is considered a motivating action and dogs are very reciprocal towards those who treat them well.
According The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)“The safest and most effective way to deal with an aggression problem is to implement behavior modification under the guidance of a trained professional. Modifying a dog’s behavior involves rewarding him for his good behavior, so you’re likely to be more successful if your dog likes praise, treats, and toys.
Adequate training
Training is very important, especially if you live with a dog breed that is considered aggressive. The root cause of any untoward incident involving a dog is; human behavior itself. The very concept of being a “dog lover” is misunderstood. Domesticating an animal goes against its basic nature, which is meant to behave untamed. With proper training by a certified dog trainer, the dog’s behavior can be corrected according to the home environment. It’s like sending your child to school. It’s for them and your benefit. A well-trained dog would know the areas where he is allowed inside the house and how to behave.
According Importance of Puppy Training for Future Dog Behaviorpublished in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, “Adequate socialization is necessary to produce a well-balanced, well-adjusted dog.”
Some important tips to keep in mind:
- Always keep the dog in a well ventilated and cool area of the house
- Make sure the dog has access to drinking water at all times
- Do not keep the dog on a leash or confined at all times
- “Potty training” is a must
- If you walk your dog, always have a “poop scoop” with you
- Let your dog meet your friends, relatives and acquaintances
- Most dogs love children, let them around toddlers
- Make sure your dog understands and responds to your commands
Above all, correct your own behavior. If you are disciplined, your dog will replicate.