Springtime fests, like the upcoming Mill Fest, might not be such a party for dogs and their owners, as local animal care providers caution students to take extra measures to protect their animal companions and party guests.
Athens County Dog Warden Jeff Koons said that students often underestimate the responsibility of owning a dog.
It's a big investment; dogs need a lot of care and attention
probably more than a kid.
Large parties, like the fests, can agitate or confuse pets, endangering party guests, said Sarah Filipiak, a certified dog behavior consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
There are some dogs that (parties) would be their idea of a blast but kind of like people dogs have different personalities
she said.
Filipiak works with a program called Best Pets Dog Training, which provides in-home and residency training, group classes, agility training and behavior consultation. The program specializes in puppies and aggressive behavior, with about half of the cases involving aggression, she added.
There are three lines of defense when trying to prevent dog aggression.
When shopping for that perfect pet, an owner should research where the dog came from by learning about its breeders and parents, Filipiak said.
Most dogs aren't bred with personality in mind
but looks
said Filipiak.
Secondly, the owner should socialize and train the dog early when it is between six to 12 weeks old.
By the time the puppy is 12 weeks old
it needs to have met one hundred people. During that time its brain is learning about what people are. Most of the world to dogs are strangers
says Filipiak.
Thirdly, the owner should teach the puppy not to bite by making sure the dog is comfortable with being held.
However during fests, Filipiak said she advises pet owners to keep their animals in a quiet room where they won't be disturbed to keep the dog from potentially explosive situations.
I usually put (my dog) in the basement downstairs
says John Gedeon, a senior studying theatre production. She'll stay when people she knows are here
but when random people show up she gets stressed.
