National Dog Bite Prevention Week

  In reading the newspaper yesterday, I learned it is National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  Dog bites are not something I have thought too much about, as collies are such great family dogs and have very tolerant personalities.  I do know not to fully trust any dog or consider any dog, even my own collies, "bite proof" but generally our dogs are not in situations where they feel threatened and more likely to bite. But with the arrival of our granddaughter, who has started to have interactions with the dogs and has reached a "grabby" age, I'm more aware of behaviors that can result in a bite.
  I have always felt it's my responsibility to keep my dogs out of harm's way.  We have double fencing around the kennel and locks on the gates, not only to help prevent accidental escapes but to discourage visitors from entering without our escort.  We have a lot of walkers and joggers on our road so the play yard is set back far enough that someone would be trespassing on our property to visit the dogs.  We also don't let the dogs in the play yards unless we're home most of the day to keep an eye on things.  We enjoy including a dog or two when we attend dog friendly events, but if it's extremely hot or we think the crowds will be especially heavy, the dogs stay home.
  Many of the tips that the AVMA give for preventing bites have been part of our dog training regimen anyway as it is not just good, common sense, but helps the dog as a whole:  socialize the dog as a young puppy, don't let the dog get teased or feel threatened, use a leash in public and keep control of the dog.  Check out the AVMA website for more tips and information!