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.
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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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