An Acme Pet Web Publication

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Issue #4 Volume #2

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Coverpage

Product Review


by Angela Gleason

A nylon disk is the perfect summertime toy for a dog that likes to play fetch. Nylon disks have several advantages over their hard plastic counterparts. First off, they are soft which helps to prevent injury to the dog's teeth and gums when they are caught in the air. Most nylon disks are designed to float, a feature that makes them perfect for use in water retreiving. The flexible nature of these products also makes them more easily picked up off the ground by the dog; a task which is very difficult for the dog to perform with a hard disk.

Nylon disks also seem to be more durable than hard disks, they can not splinter or shatter when the dog steps on or bites them. Most nylon disks can handle minor stress such as light tugging, however, they are not designed or intended for use as chew toys. Your dog's nylon disk should be reserved for use outdoors in retreiving exercises.

You can find nylon disks at most pet stores as well as through most pet supply catalogs. Nylon disks, such as "the Flippy Flopper" by BMB products, are available in several sizes to accomodate every size dog. Depending on the size you choose, you can expect to pay about $7-$15 for one of these disks. They also are available in a variety of colors, I recommend choosing a color that will stand out from the area in which you plan to use it most frequently so it is easier to locate.


National Dog Bite Prevention Week


Acme Pet joins campaign to spread the word on dog bite prevention

From June 10th to 15th, Acme Pet, in conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) is recognizing the second annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Joining the effort are the American Humane Association (AHA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Massachusettes Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). The goal of the week is to reduce dog bites in the United States by promoting responsible pet ownership.

The HSUS estimates that over 2-3 million dog bites are reported annually. Millions more go unreported. Sixty percent of all dog bite victims are children. The elderly, delivery persons and letter carriers are also affected. Last year, over 2,700 letter carriers were bitten while on the job - an average of 10 attacks daily.

Fortunately, dog bites are a problem that we can all help solve. Studies have shown that most dog bites are a result of irresponsible dog ownership. Unsterilized dogs are up to three times more likely to bite than dogs who are spayed and neutered. In addition, dogs who lack proper training and socialization, or who spend long hours chained in the yard, are much more likely to develop inappropriate behavior problems such as aggression. These factors remain consistent in dogs who bite, while other factors change from year to year, mainly due to shifting breed preferences among dog owners.

As dog owners, we can prevent dog bites by spaying or neutering our pets, prohibiting our dogs from roaming, training and socializing our dogs, and making them true members of our families. As parents, we can protect our children by teaching them safe dog handling techniques, and general respect for our canine friends.

In recognition of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Acme Pet is providing this information from the HSUS to further promote dog bite awareness and prevention.

Dog Bites: Common Questions and Answers

Q. What is the goal of National Dog Bite Prevention Week?

National Dog Bite Prevention Week, June 10-15, is a national campaign aimed at preventing dog bites in this country through promotion of responsible dog ownership. This cooperative effort, involving the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the United States Postal Service (USPS), local animal shelters, and post offices across the country, will feature the display of educational posters in 10,000 post offices. A flyer containing tips on dog bite prevention and safety will also be mailed to 125 million addresses nation-wide.

Q. How many people are killed every year from dog attacks?

An average of 9-12 people are killed every year from dog attacks. Children are the most frequent victims, accounting for up to 80% of all fatalities. The majority of dogs involved in both bites and fatalities are unsterilized and unsocialized animals; products of irresponsible pet ownership.

Q. What are the most common breeds involved in dog bites and attacks? What are the factors that contribute to whether a dog will bite or not?

The list of the top breeds involved in both bites and fatalities changes from year to year depending on the popularity of the various breeds. Although genetics do play some part in determining whether a dog will bite, factors such as whether the dog is spayed or neutered, trained, or socialized, play as much or even more of a role in the level of aggression present in a dog. For example, unsterilized dogs are up to three times as likely to bite than dogs who are spayed or neutered.

Q. What is your local rescue's relationship with the HSUS? Are you a chapter of the organization or affiliated with the HSUS in any way?

The HSUS, the largest animal protection organization in the United States, is not legally affiliated with local animal shelters, humane societies, SPCA's, or animal control facilities. However, the HSUS has a direct relationship with these agencies, and publishes guidelines and recommendations for their operation, as well as offering training to animal shelter personnel. The HSUS and local organizations work hand-in-hand on important animal protection issues.

Q. How can local laws work to prevent and reduce dog bites? Does outlawing certain breeds (breed specific legislation) reduce dog bites within a community?

The most effective "dangerous dog" laws are ordinances that place the legal responsibilty for dog bites and attacks on the dog's owner rather than on the dog. Laws that hold the owner accountable for the victim's pain and suffering, as well as mandating certain actions such as sterilization and training of the dog in question, do much more to reduce dog bites than outlawing certain breeds.

Breed-specific legislation unfairly penalizes dogs for their breed rather than for their behavior. Legislation that promotes responsible dog ownership and places accountability on the dog's owner is the only effective legislation in reducing dog bites. Multnomah County, Oregon is one example of a community with this type of progressive legislation.

Guidelines for drafting effective dog-control legislation are available from The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037.

Q. What can dog owners do to prevent their dogs from biting? What are some safety tips on avoiding dog bites?

  • Spay or neuter your pet.
  • Properly train and socialize your dog.
  • Do not allow your pet to roam.
  • Do not leave your pet chained outside for long periods of time.
  • Teach children how to safely approach and interact with dogs.
  • Learn how to read canine behaviors and body language.
  • Keep your dog on a leash, especially around strangers.
  • Learn how to control your dog when visited by letter carriers or other delivery personnel.
  • Spread the word to other dog owners.


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