How Do You Prevent A Pet From Attacking?
Michael Smith and his wife from Kentucky faced a horrifying experience shortly after the birth of their son.
The family's Native American breed dog snatched 4-day old Alexander James from his crib and ran away with him in his mouth like a baby cub. "AJ" survived, but suffered punctured lungs, broken ribs two skull fractures and dozens of cuts and bruises.
Animal officials say cases like this can happen, but there are things families can do to help prevent them.
Cindy Rarrit from Animal Control says, "Education, training, if you have a pet, getting to know your pet. I hear so many people say, 'my dog would never bite.' They're still an animal and they still are going to be predisposed to certain behaviors."
Certain behaviors, can be overcome through obedience classes. And when families bring home a new addition, making sure there's a good understanding between the dog and the newest member of the household.
Manager of PetCo, Jerry Barlow says, "Be it a new baby, anything new in the household. Small animals, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits...you have to make that dog aware, over time, that that animal or that baby is now part of the pack. The dog has to know that it's supposed to be here and what it is."
This can be done by introducing certain smells like baby powder, formula and diapers to the dog early on, keeping a watchful eye and teaching good examples, by coddling, kissing and showing affection to the new family member in front of the dog. Allow the dog to smell the baby and acquaint itself right away.
And don't forget that even if you're getting exercise with a new baby in the house, your dog may not be getting what he or she needs. That's where a walk around the block or a dog park can come into play.
Baby proofing your home by fencing off your baby's bedrooms also helps by showing your dog where it is and isn't allowed to roam.
Barlow also wants to remind folks that it's important to make sure your dog stays cool enough and is getting enough water, because if the dog is uncomfortable, it may become more prone to acting out.
