Sherry’s Corner

Does Dog Bite Increase Indicate CGC Problems?

HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR DOG BITES NEARLY DOUBLE IN 16 YEARS –IS THE CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PROGRAM A FAILURE? This headline in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association should give all responsible dog owners pause.  The Canine Good Citizen program was created to prevent increases in dog aggression that were making headlines 16 years ago.  Since that time the CGC has become a benchmark for responsible ownership and well-behaved dogs.  Clearly, this has not been enough, because not enough about this troubling trend has changed. Statistics quoted in the JAVMA article parallel those reported by Drs. Alan Beck, Aaron Katcher, Randall Lockwood, Larry Glickman, et al. Bites are most frequently inflicted on the head and neck, with boys bitten more often than girls and most victims under the age of ten. Dog bites, like spay/neuter, seem to be perpetual problems. Over the years there has been a decrease in child-targeted dog safety education. The only visual education in dog bite education is the Blue Dog DVD distributed by the AVMA and coloring books for pre-school through second grade by Animal-Vues.  Even the insurance companies have stopped publishing coloring books and seem to putting their efforts into practices that exhibit some tendencies toward breed discrimination. The AKC’s answer to this has been “this is not a breed for the first time owner”.  It does not acknowledge that “all dogs bite”.

      The Hartford is now a sponsor of the AKC Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs.  The slogan is MAKING GOOD DOGS GREAT.  Perhaps now with the AVMA study the new slogan should be modified to read MAKING GOOD DOGS SAFE.  For more information on the Hartford sponsorship, visit akc.org/thehartford.

BEN UPDATE. I just received Bennett’s AKC registration. He is TINYWOOD’S GRAND RAGS TO RICHES.  His call name is “Bennett”. Today, AKC registration is available for almost all dogs in some limited form.  I have always encouraged breeders to register each puppy because I have felt that it not only supports the breed you love, allowing him or her the competitive opportunities needed to live up to his or her potential, but the organization, but the funds and practice strengthen the AKC, making it better able to speak for all dogs. Registration fees also help to support such programs as the Canine Good Citizen program, the AKC Canine Health Foundation, search and rescue teams as well as legislative efforts on the state and federal levels. However, the AKC’s alleged stand on the Pennsylvania dog law (puppy mills)  is giving me pause.  And, unfortunately, I also have reservations about the complimentary health plan since reimbursement is based on breed profiling and about the AKC CAR microchip program because the chips have not yet been standardized.  I also received a DVD titled “Our New Dog and You–A Beginner’s Guide to Dog Care and Training”.  One of the co-narrators is the very knowledgeable David Frei.  I wish his co-narrator had been a dog trainer like Pat Miller, Carol Lea Benjamin, Terry Ryan, or Pia Silvani rather than another AKC-affiliated spokesperson. 

Rabies Law, Younger Puppy Classes, and the Puffin Hunting Dog

      PA Senator Stewart Greenleaf has re-introduced a bill that would allow exemptions for mandatory rabies vaccination in cases in which the procedure  would negatively impact the health of a dog because of infirmity, physical condition or therapy regimen (determined by a veterinarian).  S Bill 590 has widespread support in the dog fancy.  However, there are many who oppose it.  Take the time to make your view heard. 

      Since Pennsylvania has one of the highest incidences of rabies among cats it would seem this bill would possibly even cause more harm because even if there is a low possibility of exposure to an unvaccinated animal–such as a cat–it would be necessary to give a rabies shot for protection IMMEDIATELY followed by booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks.

      With the abundance of free-roaming feral cats it would be impossible to protect a dog without an up-to-date vaccination–and remember, a low probability exposure is defined as one in which there is no direct contact!   

      Veterinary hospital staff oppose the bill, calling it a danger as well as expensive protection.  Also, some rescue groups already import puppies and dogs with questionable vaccination statuses and with all of the new breeds–6 more will be recognized this year by the AKC– entering the country, Pennsylvania could become a gateway for rabies.  Finally, veterinarians already vaccinate dogs with questionable DNA in rabies clinics.  Many of these look like and act like hybrids.

USE OF ARTHRITIS SUPPLEMENTS. Glucosamine and chondroitin are widely used to treat arthritis in humans and veterinary patients. Thus, it is worth considering that only very weak clinical trial evidence supports this practice.  Some believe the form has an important impact on effectiveness, with liquid being the most effective. On the other hand, the Nutramax-produced Cosamin DS and Cosequin have substantial clinical trials behind them and come in many forms. The clinical trial is available upon request.

PUPPY CLASSES. The AKC is offering a pilot program for puppies ages 4 to 6 months–designed to increase entries.  Offered at two shows so far, this class has drawn entries of 78 and 69.  Also under consideration–5th and 6^th place ribbons for group competition in which there are more than 12 breeds present.

THE NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND. During this summer show season, watch for a new breed–the Norwegian Lundehund.  The breed has 6 toes and originally hunted puffins.  I don’t believe we have Puffins in Pennsylvania so those who purchase them to live in our state will need to find an occupation for them.