February 2005
Volume 2 Issue 2
A non-profit organization dedicated to Dog Bite Prevention
Doggone Safe is the first federally incorporated non-profit organization in Canada dedicated to dog bite prevention education and victim support. Doggone Safe provides services in Canada, the US and around the world through its website and network of volunteers.
In This Issue New Product - Gotta Love these Stickers that you can have your name on!
Member Update
Case File - A Brave Child Saves Himself by Being a Tree
Coroners Report - Baby Swings may Induce Dog Attack
New Video - How to Speak Dog - Higher Res Version Posted
Tragedy Strikes a Doggone Safe Mentor
Upcoming Events
Click here to join the Dog Bite Victim Support Group - this is a forum for families of child dog bite victims to talk about their experiences and concerns, learn from and support each other.
Click here to join Doggone Safe or donate to the Courtney Fund
New Product - Gotta Love these Stickers...
We just love these stickers made by I'm Safe Productions. We just keep making more and more stickers. Can't get enough of these stickers! Kids and sponsors love them. They are cute and non-threatening, yet impart an important safety message. Stick them on the kid's shirts after a presentation or after they visit your booth at a show or after they visit your dog school. Other children and parents will ask what the sticker is for and then someone else will learn something and see the name of your business too if you have customized stickers.
These stickers are 2.5 inches in diameter and cost $20USD or $28CAD for 250.
Send us an email at doggonesafeorder@doggonesafe.com to order your personalized stickers. Or you can order stickers with the Doggone Safe logo if you don't want your own name on them.
Member Update...
Join Doggone Safe and become part of a growing movement of professionals dedicated to dog bite prevention education.
Welcome to new members and thanks to everyone who has sent in the Be a Tree license agreement. The member section of the website is still under construction - but will be up and running soon. Thank you for your patience. There you will be able to download the logos you are entitled to use, our new member wall certificate and latest updates to our marketing and sponsorship materials.
Case File - A Brave Child Saves Himself by Being a Tree...
This week's case file was kindly provided by Beth Wheeler of Marblehead MA
So... Jake, Frank & I were at our nephew's house to visit our newest grandniece - adorable. Our nephew and his sweet wife have a miniature greyhound looking dog (obviously not sure of the breed...). Anyway, Jake was having fun playing with Simon who seemed perfectly happy with the attention. Later in the evening, Simon was sitting with my Niece-in-law and Jake leaned in to kiss Simon on the head - something he does regularly with our dog...
Before the words of caution were out of our mouths... Simon let out a quick yet unfortunately quiet growl which Jake missed followed by a pretty decent nip to Jake's bottom lip. Jake jumped back (the dog followed barking) and Jake snapped into the Tree pose so fast I thought I'd seen him turn to stone. I couldn't believe he actually thought to do it - it had been over a year since we've had time to play Doggone Crazy. The dog immediately stopped barking, jumped back into his blankie and further trouble was thus averted. Jake began listing all of the things he should have noticed about the scene - pretending he was reading off of a Doggone Crazy card... dog in master's lap, ears down, growl...
Jake's lip is just fine. The 'bite' truly looks like a couple of needle pricks yet the boy learned a hugely valuable lesson. I'd bet he'll look A LOT more carefully for the signs next time he tries to cuddle someone else's dog!
Coroner's Report - Baby Swings May Induce Dog Attacks...
A US Coroner suggests that the movement of a baby swing may trigger predatory attacks by the family dog. Click here to read the news report. Jennifer Shryock of Family Paws gives this advice to expectant parents with respect to baby swings...
It is best to introduce baby swings and all baby equipment to the family dog prior to the arrival of the baby. Baby swings have all sorts of gadgets these days! They vibrate, make music and even rotate. It is important to know your dog's individual sensitivities and prepare him well ahead of time. Some points to consider with baby swings:
1. Once in motion some dogs find the natural desire to chase hard to control around baby swings.
2. The noise of a vibration device in the swing can make an irritating humming noise for some dogs.
3. Spinning objects that are meant to be visually stimulating to an infant may be enticing to a dog to catch.
4. Noises of the music may be irritating to some dogs sensitive ears.
It is important that family dogs learn how to behave calmly around all baby equipment prior to its use with an infant. Practice before your baby is home with a doll in the swing. Teach your dog how you want him to behave and reward positive and appropriate behavior. As always it is NEVER safe to leave a baby and dog unsupervised for any reason at any time. Find out more
This and other advice from Jen, a leading expert in the area of baby safety around dogs, is presented for parents and dog professionals alike in a new CD that is available from Family Paws.
New Video - Learn to Speak Dog - Higher Res Version Posted...
Doggone Safe has released a new video slide show that is available for free download from the website. The slideshow illustrates different dog body language signals and gives interpretation. There is also a video clip showing what can happen if we tease a tied dog and how to act in case of attack by a pack of Westies!
This can be shared freely and if you would like a high resolution version on CD or DVD we will make these for you at low cost.
A higher resolution version of this has been posted for those who may want to watch it on a full screen or use it in a presentation with a projector.
Click here to go to the video download page.
If you own a copy of the Clicker Puppy DVD, then you already have the Speak Dog video - it is a bonus track on the DVD
Tragedy Strikes a Doggone Safe Mentor...
Lisa Grey, a champion for the cause of dog bite prevention, behavior specialist, volunteer, social worker, trainer of service dogs, creator of non-profit Adolescents at Risk and K9s (AARK), Doggone Safe mentor and all around terrific person was with her service dog Java when Java was savagely attacked by a loose Airedale Terrier. Java was down as instructed by Lisa but was attacked anyway. Lisa was also bitten trying to save her dog. The owner of the loose dog left without helping. Click here to read more about this. If you would like to help Lisa, you can send an email of support to Lisa in care of joanorr@doggonesafe.com where these will be collected and submitted to Lisa's lawyer. Lisa herself has been overwhelmed with the whole experience and cannot accept any more personal emails, phone calls or visits as she is trying to help herself and Java return to as normal a life as possible.
Upcoming Events...
Here are some events at which Doggone Safe members will be speaking or at which Doggone Safe will have a booth. Please find us and say hi!
Feb 26
HRS Shelter - Richmond CA
Mar 25-27
International Centre, Toronto ON
Great Canadian Cottage Show
May 12-15
Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto ON
May 21-22
Charlotte, NC
Capital Parent and Kid Show
Apr 2
Nepean Sportsplex, Nepean ON
Oct 29-30
Kitchener ON
For More Information...
For more information about Doggone Safe and for useful tips about bite prevention please visit the Doggone Safe website. Any materials found at the site can be used at websites or in printed matter without permission (unless specifically noted) provided proper credit is given. A link back to the Doggone Safe site is appreciated.
Privacy Policy...
Doggone Safe will not share its mailing list with third parties