‘Marley and Me’ Behaviour Danger Warning
Boisterous ‘Marley’ behaviour is annoying and potentially dangerous, say vets. A three-step formula to help dog owners prevent anti-social habits such as jumping up has been recommended by vets.
With over-zealous pets currently in the spotlight thanks to films such as ‘Marley and Me’, leading veterinary charity PDSA has announced its simple formula to avoid the nuisance and potential danger of boisterous dogs.
- Sit! Teach your dog to sit and use the command when it looks ready to jump.
- Ignore: Turn your back and ignore your dog if it jumps up.
- Treat: Reward the dog immediately if it acts appropriately.
“Poorly behaved dogs are annoying and can pose a real danger to people, particularly children or the elderly,” said PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury.
“Something as simple and well-meaning as jumping up when greeting can have serious consequences. An elderly relative of mine actually broke her hip when knocked over by a large dog.
“We need to focus on what we do want the dog to do, rather than what we don’t. So make them sit rather than jump. And if they do, then reinforce this action with an immediate treat.”
Elaine continues: “Owners have a responsibility for their dog’s behaviour and must consider the effect it has on others particularly when out in public. Common problems involving dogs include nuisance barking, chasing, jumping up and aggression. To avoid these problems, owners should train their dogs, using reward-based methods, early in life.
“Small and medium dogs that jump up should be completely ignored until they stop, then given praise for stopping. For larger dogs, where ignoring jumping is not practical or safe, a head halter can be used to gently turn the dog away when they are about to jump up. When they are calm they should then be praised. If owners need assistance with these techniques, they should ask their veterinary practice for further advice.”
Owners should also be aware that their pet’s antisocial behaviour can lead to a fine or even imprisonment.*
A leaflet, ‘Dogs – Consideration for Others’, is available now and forms part of a range of Responsible Pet Care information leaflets produced by PDSA. Other topics include First Aid, Vaccination and Neutering. The leaflets can be downloaded at pdsa.org.uk or are available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide. Copes can also be obtained by calling freephone 0800 917 2509.
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* If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place or injures any person while out of control, then its owner is guilty of an aggravated offence under the ‘Dangerous Dogs Act’. A person found guilty of an offence may face imprisonment or a fine, and the courts may disqualify the offender from having custody of a dog for any period.
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I just wish people would finally understand that a dog which misbehaves or is vicious acts that way due to lack of training and attention from the owner. I think it is very unfair to stereotype a breed and to also have an animal put down when, after it's name, it is an animal.
They have instincts and teeth for a reason, if people cannot understand that having an animals such as a dog, and not training it or bonding with it then it will become unstable and even attack.
Though this is clearly not the case with all animals, they shouldn't be put down because of human faults.
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