Dog Agression - Heed the Warning Signs

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As pet care professionals we must be aware that in the course of our work that we will sometimes work with dogs that demonstrate aggressive behavior. It is important that we are aware of the warning signs and can either avoid working with aggressive dogs by screening them out in client interviews, or at least know the best way to respond to aggression if it occurs.

Typically we associate aggression with particular breeds of dogs such as Pit Bulls, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. As a pet sitter I have worked with several dogs of these breeds that were very friendly and well behaved. I was surprised to read that most dog bite injuries are caused by small dog breeds. Unfortunately surveys have also shown that owners of small dog breeds are more likely not to perceive a dog as dangerous because of its smaller size. Really we are better off not to make any generalizations based on breed but to look for the warning signs in each dog we meet.

Aggression in dogs can be either genetic or learned. Some dogs are born with potential for aggression and due to the owners encouragement or in-ability to cope with the aggressive behavior it can become a problem. Other dogs learn aggression due to abusive treatment.

There are 4 forms of aggression behavior that dogs display:
Dominant - displayed by growling when someone gets close to food or toys

Territorial - displayed by barking at strangers who approach the dogs house or yard (the typical mailman tension!)Fear

Fear Based - displayed by a fear of strangers caused by lack of socialization

Predatorial - diplayed by chasing objects that move. This is most dangerous for small children.

Some of the behavioral warning signs of aggression that we should look for at interviews or when care for a dog include:

1) Dog shows shyness or fear, and crouches with tail between the legs

2) Dog has fur raised, ears erect, and tail high

3) Dog is un-naturally still and unresponsive

4) Dog growls or shows teeth

5) Dog stares with hard, fixed, glassy eyes and erect body posture

6) Dog stops eating or chewing when approached

7) Dog bumps you or refuses to move from furniture when instructed

At an interview or first appointment we should also be sure to ask the owner if the dog has ever bitten anyone. Be cautious with the dog if it has any history of biting.

If you are faced with an aggressive dog don’t make eye contact with the dog and avoid moving suddenly.  Stand very still and if you have any object handy such as a toy or paper place this object in their mouth.  If you are knocked down by the dog don’t move or scream.  Dog experts recommend that you should curl up like a turtle with face to the floor and hands over your head and wait until the dog moves away.

Please be cautious when accepting new clients and ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk by looking for the warning signs.

How to Guarantee Confident Customers

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Handshake In a previous post I talked about the importance of having a professional answering machine message on your business phone. It’s also very important to make a good impression when you first meet with a new customer.

Your first meeting may be at their home, or at your facility or storefront. You want to convey a friendly, professional and trustworthy image to be sure that they feel comfortable with you and confident of placing their pet in your care whether for a day, a week, or to give them a new haircut.

Here are some tips to guarantee a good impression:

Make sure your facility or office is clean and tidy. If you are travelling to a clients home ensure that you car is clean inside and out.

Be organized and have all the required paperwork at hand. Be confident and direct the conversation to ensure you get all the information about the pet that you need. Be sure to prompt the customer to ask questions so that they get their concerns addressed.

Display proof of insurance and business licenses in either in the storefront or facility or in a display book to show customers.

Collect emergency contact and veterinary phone numbers.

Ask about the pets medical history and any current concerns or unusual behaviors.

Have references and customer testimonials available.

Give customers an overview of your services so that they know what to expect at each visit.

Leave customers with a copy of your brochures and/or business cards.

Encourage them to follow up with you should they think of any questions after your meeting.

If they are leaving the pets in your care - let them know that they are free to call and check up on their pets while they are away.

Make sure you pay attention to the pets and interact with them to build a relationship.

All of these actions will put the customers at ease and give them reason to have confidence in your service. This will put you on your way to building a solid relationship with them and their pets.

Independence Day Wishes to all Pet Professsionals!

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I hope most of you are having a great day off! - I know for pet sitters like me holidays like this are our busiest time during theAmerican ribbon year. We can be thankful for all the great customers our service allows to enjoy their vacation time without the burden of worrying about their pets.

One of the things we should all celebrate today is the freedom that our professional allows us. Working with pets gives us the freedom to be with animals every day and share in their unconditional love.

Pet care business owners can also celebrate the freedoms that we have because we own our own businesses. As entrepreneurs we all have :

1) The freedom to work with whom we want - with our chosen staff and our ideal clients.

2) The freedom to work where we want-  be it a clients home, storefront, or office location.

3) Time freedom - we are able to decide how many hours we work and when we work.

Enjoy the time you have today with your family both human and furry!

Tax Deductions for Dependent Pets?

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There are several reports around the internet of a push to make your pet expenses such as veterinary care and food a tax deduction.  

The In Defense of Animals website has a form which can be sent in your congressman to urge them to consider a tax deduction for pets.  Here is their reasoning behind the tax deductions:

“Americans spend over $9 billion a year on veterinary care for their animal companions. Other expenditures such as food, shelter, and other necessities collectively cost billions of dollars more. People can claim children and other human dependents on their taxes and pay the government less. Yet animal companions remain ineligible for deductions, despite the fact that they depend on their guardians no less than children depend on their parents.

Increasingly, people regard their dogs, cats, and other animal companions as members of their families. The government should support animal guardians through tax breaks just as the IRS offers deductions for children and other dependents. I urge you to take a leading role in this by supporting a bill to amend the tax code to offer financial support to animal guardians”

When I first saw these articles I thought it was a great idea as a law like this could help increase the number of pets that are neutered/spayed each year and thus help curb the number of unwanted cats and dogs in shelters.  It could also prompt pet owners to spend even more on their pets - good for us pet care business owners!

But I agree with Elaine Vigneault that there are pros and cons of such legislation.  The law could prompt people to own pets just for the tax deductions.  

Fun Times Guide gives a list of some pet related items that can already be claimed as tax deductions.  

Tell me what you think about this proposed legislation by leaving a comment..

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