lick pick - pet insurance
Dogs are like people, some of them just need their space. It does NOT mean they are aggressive, dangerous, vicious or bad dogs. It does present a challenge if you want to take your dog out in public. Some people will say if you have a dog with issues they should never be taken out in public. The general public has little if any idea as to how or when it is appropriate to pet a dog. Some children know to approach slowly, with your approval. They generally will hold a hand out which is how they are taught. Unfortunately, many children will bolt towards your dog without any notice, drop to their knees and then they are face to face with the dog. If you have a larger dog, children will sometimes slip up from behind and try to hug the dog or even launch onto the dogs back, as if to ride the dog like a pony. For small dog owners, sometimes a child will simply go and pick up the little dog without first asking permission. Many states have strict liability laws wherein neither your dog nor you have any defense, regardless what the victim did. You are held responsible for any injuries. In some states, there may be some consideration as to the part a victim played in the incident. However, the trauma of going through an event like this is just as time consuming as it is stressful. So what can you do? There is the “Yellow Ribbon Project” whose goal is to create awareness and educate the public. If you see a dog wearing the color yellow or a yellow ribbon, you will know that this dog needs to have its space. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of this program. Even worse, attorneys are using it in lawsuits. They state the dog owner had knowledge that their dog was bad, and therefore they are an irresponsible dog owner for allowing the dog in a public place. What to do? Evaluate the situation. If there are any triggers you know will upset your dog, you should leave. Keep your dog on a very short leash. A stroller may be an alternative for small dogs so they can go in the back of the stroller, where there is less exposure to crowds. Be aware that anyone can walk up and stick their hand into the stroller. DO NOT put your dog on the extension leashes. They can be 10 feet away in seconds if the lock doesn’t hold. You cannot control your dog from even 6 or 7 feet away and things happen too fast. If your dog is uncomfortable in a crowded area, you may have just set them up like a time bomb. People do seem to recognize “Spike Collars,” even on a 4 pound dog. It is almost a universal signal that your dog is “bad.” No doubt a plaintiff’s attorney will use the same logic as with the “Yellow Ribbon Project.” A Spike Collar can just as easily be just a Fashion Statement! Recently, I saw a dog owner in a parade with her dogs in a cart. As people would approach she simply held up her hand in the universal hand
sign for “STOP.” It was very effective. You do not have to allow people to pet your dog. You CAN NOT always control what they will do if they approach your dog. If your dog injures a person or another animal they are usually impounded. They can be kept there until a judge allows their release. If you get your pup back after an incident, often they will be required to be muzzled. Dogs can be taught to wear a muzzle and there is a number of different types. With patience, the dog will become used to it and happy. They will learn the muzzle means they are going out. That may not matter, since some dogs are never allowed out in public for the rest of their life. The kenneling fees in “Doggy Jail” accrue daily. There may be a special kennel you will be required to build for your dog and the total of All these expenses can literally run into the thousands. In many areas, insurance may be required. The policies average around $300 to $400 annually, but the fees will be higher if your dog has a “Rap Sheet.” One last consideration, most of my conversations start with “My dog is 1-14 years old,” “They have NEVER had an incident!.” “I need insurance because my insurance company has dropped me, or my state, county or city requires me to carry Dog Liability Insurance.” Don’t let them drop “YOU.” Be Prepared!
Deborah J Turner, CPCU, AAI President, Dean Insurance Agency, Inc
230 N Westmonte Drive, #2100 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 407-865-7477 ext 101 www.dogbitequote.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator