Become a ‘Dog Whisperer’ Train as a Pack for Better Results
Your whole family adores your dog — but not the barking. This issue can lead to feelings of frustration, and the more frustrated you get, the more your dog barks. It’s their only way of communicating, and they’re telling you, “My needs are not being met.” As Cesar Millan, the original “dog whisperer,” explains, “A barking dog needs exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order.” EXERCISE Part of the barking issue may be due to pent-up energy. According to the humane society, “A tired dog is a good dog and one who is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration.” If you already take your pup on a morning walk, try adding in an evening walk. You could add it to your child’s chore list and help get out some of the kid’s pent-up energy, too. It may also be beneficial to practice
obedience exercises and games that challenge your dog. DISCIPLINE To put a stop to the behavior, you’ll first need to change any of your behavior that’s reinforcing it. Any attention your dog gets when he’s barking — even yelling, “Rover, stop!” — teaches him to keep going, because you’re rewarding him with attention. Wait until your dog has stopped barking to give him any sort of attention, including looking at them. “To be successful with this method, you must wait as long as it takes for him to stop barking,” advises the Humane Society. AFFECTION Of course, your dog needs love and attention to thrive — a lack of it could contribute to barking behavior. Reinforce
silence by giving your dog a treat and an encouraging pat when she demonstrates good behavior, like not barking. “Our pups want to work for our attention,” Cesar Millan reminds us. “Allowing her to do that and to see your happiness is, to your dog, the biggest reward of all.” To make your training program successful, consistency is key. Enlist the help of the whole family to stick to the principles. Together, you can foster a calm, peaceful home where you and your dog happily coexist.
THEY HAVE A CASE Strange Workers’ Comp Cases That Paid Off
Workers’ compensation cases are usually straightforward. Even if some employers or insurance companies try to deny it, it’s usually obvious when an employer needs to take responsibility for a work- related accident. But there are times when the situation falls in a gray area. Here are a couple cases that might surprise you. SIDE OF FRIES Fast food may not be healthy, but it prides itself on being speedy. It was this speed that resulted in the manager of a Virginia McDonald’s injuring herself while on the job. Under pressure by her employer to serve customers more quickly, when an order of french fries slipped from her hand, the manager dove to catch them before they could hit the floor and have to be remade. The quick bend-jerk-twist movement she had to perform to rescue the fries resulted in a painful neck injury. The manager filed a workers’ comp claim, and because the unusual movement was done to “advance employer’s business,” the court ruled in her favor. SECRET SHOPPER GONE WRONG In 2011, the office of the West Kern Water District in Taft, California, was robbed. A masked man approached the cash register with a paper bag and a note that read “I have a gun. Put your money in the bag.” After the man fled with the money, three
district managers walked in to announce
the robbery was a test staged by the general manager.
The goal was to test the female staff on how to respond to a burglary. Instead, the clerk, Kathy Lee, was shaking, sobbing, and nauseous.
Traumatized from believing her life was in danger, Lee spent four months on medical leave and sought counseling for nightmares, depression, and insomnia. Lee sued for emotional distress and assault and was awarded $360,000 in damages. Would these cases play out the same way in Illinois? It’s possible. Workers’ comp laws vary from state to state, but all employers have a responsibility to provide their employees with a safe work environment. If you are injured while on the job, don’t hesitate to call 815-726-9999. Learn your rights and how to receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
2 www.blocklaw.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker