Pets in the paper – columnist says Vick should play
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Berry Tramel: Give Vick another chance.
- Butterflies spread their wings at zoo. (Oklahoma City)
- Animal adoption event set. (Midwest City, page 2d)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
A new year, a new chance at life
The Michael Vick dogs are America’s dogs. I learned that from Molly Gibb, an Oklahoman who helped rehabilitate one of the pit bull terriers rescued from Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels. I’d never really thought of it that way, but she’s right. When the case became so public, everyone who’s ever loved a dog felt sick. We imagined our dogs inside those kennel walls, inside those fighting rings. And when those dogs were saved, we looked at our dogs with renewed joy and hope. Even the ones who were hurt the most – beaten, starved, mangled – could find a way to overcome.
Sports Illustrated has written a wonderful story about Michael Vick’s dogs in light of the new year. One of the dogs – Sweet Jasmine – is featured on the cover of the Dec. 29 issue. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, check it out. It’s worth reading.
If you haven’t had a chance to read about Molly Gibb and Alf, you can do so here. He’s an amazing pup, and Molly’s an impressive trainer.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Swallow killer sentenced
Gregory Owen will pay a $6,500 fine and serve 100 hours of community service. If you remember, Owen was charged in the deaths of 187 cliff swallows at Lake Hefner. The birds are protected by federal migration laws.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these stories in The Oklahoman today-
- - Tulsa police wonder how no one could hear family dog mauling baby.
- - Beekeepers buzzing over insect’s demise. (Great Britain)
- - Racers get ducks in a row. (Woodward)
- - Two face complaints in treatment of dogs. (Jay)
- - All dressed up! (features photo contest)
- - Proper socialization helps curb aggression.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- - Cubs remain zoo’s pride. (Oklahoma City)
- - Mother charged in son’s mauling. (Tulsa)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Tulsa mom charged in son’s mauling death
An update to the death of an infant who was mauled to death by a Lab puppy: his mother has been charged with second-degree manslaughter.
Read past blogs about the case:
- - Authorities euthanize dog that bit, killed baby.
- - Tulsa mom accused of neglect in dog mauling death.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
OSU Veterinarian on Call
I just got a puppy as a gift. I have a friend whose puppy became an aggressive dog as it got older. Is there anything I can do to prevent this in my puppy?
There are many reasons why a dog would become aggressive. In all instances, the events surrounding the incident must be carefully examined.
For example, if a burglar entered the house and the dog bit him, he’s a hero. Now if the same dog bites your son’s friend as he enters the house, the dog is vicious. From the dog’s perspective these are very similar events; a stranger is entering the territory it claims.
One of the common reasons people are bitten by dogs is a fear reaction. If a dog is uncomfortable with a situation it normally seeks to escape that situation. If escape is impossible, it may choose to become aggressive. This is the classical fight or flight choice all animals demonstrate.
We can help our dogs avoid this problem with proper socialization. This means that as a young puppy, from 2-4 months old, we positively introduce it to all types of situations.
We reward the puppy when he is comfortable and explorative; ignore him if he seems fearful. Sadly if a puppy is not exposed to situations it may be fearful of these things as an adult.
Another common reason for dog aggression is problems with the dominance order within the “pack.” Dogs and humans have very similar social rules, but not identical. Things we normally do for our dogs, such as letting them demand affection, food, walks, etc, may actually reinforce that the dog has a higher social status than the person.
If the dog believes he has the dominant position, he will react accordingly. In dog terms, this gives him the right to defend his social position and its access to resources it grants. So, taking a prized possession, like the sock he has, is not allowed by someone of your lower status.
Usually overt aggression is the last resort; warnings such as growling or snarling usually work. But if these warnings are ignored, a bite is legal within “dog law.”
We avoid these dominance problems by constantly reminding the dog that it has a lower status than the person. We reinforce this by asking the dog to submit, usually simply sitting, before it receives anything; food, toys, affection, etc. This is much like teaching our children the magic word, please.
Like all problems with your animals, a veterinarian has the knowledge and experience to help advise you. Your veterinarian can help you select the proper pet for your home, how to raise that animal as a well adjusted member of your family, and help diagnose and treat any problems that arise. Please consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet’s behavior.
This column is provided by the faculty of the OSU Veterinary Hospital. The large volume of questions does not allow us to directly respond to specific email questions so please watch for your answer in the column. Email your questions for the column to dvmoncall@postoffice.cvhs.okstate.edu <mailto:dvmoncall@postoffice.cvhs.okstate.edu> and watch for your answer.
Michael Vick due back in court
Pet Show’s least favorite person, Michael Vick, is due back in court. He’s facing state dogfighting charges after his conviction of federal dogfighting crimes. So he’ll have to leave federal prison to go back to our. Pet Show says hooray!
Want to see one of the survivors of Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring? Check out Alf, who lives here in Oklahoma.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Texas couple sentenced in mauling
A Texas couple who owned dogs that attacked and killed a 7-year-old boy will spend seven years in prison.
They’re the first to be convicted under a new Texas law that holds dog owners responsible for violent dogs.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Texas couple convicted of allowing boy’s mauling death
A Texas couple have been convicted of “attack by a dog resulting in death,” a new felony in that state that holds dog owners responsible for the actions of their dogs.
Four dogs owned by the couple, Jack Smith and Crystal Watson, killed a boy May 18. They face up to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors have to prove four elements to convict someone of the new crime: the attack was unprovoked, the attack happened somewhere other than the owner’s property, the owners failed to secure the dogs and the defendants own the dogs.
What do you think of the new law? The pro: negligent dog owners who put dogs and people at risk can be prosecuted. The con: responsible dog owners could get caught up in a bad situation. Good idea or bad idea?
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
