Tips On Keeping A Dog SaferIn The City (NAPSA)—Basic training can makeall the difference when it comes to keeping your dog happier and safer in the city. Not everyone loves dogs, so it’s up to the urban dog keeper to present a dog who is well socialized and undercontrol. Experts say the well-trained city dog needs to respond to a minimum of four basic commands: “Sit-Stay,” “Heel,” “Leave it” and “Come.” When you're waiting at a traffic light, a dog in a sit-stay is out of harm’s way. And while walking nicely on a loose leash is enough for most forays, there are times when your dog will need to be at heel position, which keeps her under control at your side. The command “Leave it” is employed when it is necessary for Fido to avert his gaze from a distraction. Should the dog slip his collar or break his leash, a recall command (“Come”) could savehislife. Most, if not all, of these com- mands are taught in basic obedience/manners class. The ASPCA recommends contacting a shelter for a referral to a class near you. It’s also important to remember that dogs can be frightened by sudden loud noises, such as run- ning children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line skaters, to name a few. Be aware that such situations may demand quick and complete control on your part to prevent your dog from lunging or biting. For your pet’s safety, it might be best to leave him at home when he is not allowed to go into an establishment with you. A dogleft tied to a post or parking meteris The well-trained city dog needs to respond to four basic commands: “Sit-Stay,” “Heel,” “Leave it” and “Come.” an easy target for teasing or theft. Whenriding in an elevator, sit your dog in a far corner to avoid door dashing each time the elevator makes a stop. Hurry through lobbies or take freight elevators and back exits if the building rules mandate it. Never allow your dog to soil in front of the building’s entrance. If you have a young pupor dogin-training who can’t control him- self, be sure to carry paper towels andodorneutralizer. Many dogs enjoy the company of other canines, but always ask before allowing your animal to launch himself at another dog— for both their sakes. The sameis true regarding children. First ask the child or her parent, “May mydog say hello to you?” before allowing physical contact. Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humanesociety established in the Western hemisphere.To learn more, visit www.aspca.org.
