I confess there are rare moments when, after seeing the same issues played out again and again, I can’t help but add to my list of pet peeves. The two other blog posts of peeves: Pet Peeves, and Top Ten Summer Pet Peeves dealt with the minor – and sometimes major – annoyances of dog training like useless ceiling fans, perilous retractable leashes, and Pitbull profiling.
Feel free to agree or disagree with me about these:
1. TOO MANY TOYS
Pet supply stores will curse me, but dogs get as overwhelmed and easily bored with an abundance of toys as American children do on Christmas morning. Box, basket, or bin up every last one of your dog’s toys. Each day, dole them out two at a time to him first thing in the morning. Take them away in the evening and surprise him with two “new” ones the next day. You’ll get a chuckle at his sudden renewed interest in last year’s Tug-a-Jug.
2. DOG-NAIVE CHILDREN
Why is the rate of dog bite-related injuries that need medical attention highest for children ages 5 – 9 (CDC Dog Bite Prevention)? Because kids don’t know that inside that cute, furry critter is a set of steak knives. Child and dog, face-to-face, are at bite level, and the worst can and often does happen. So parents, please supervise your children while they learn how to behave around dogs.
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