October 2005
Volume 2 Issue 9
A non-profit organization dedicated to Dog Bite Prevention
Doggone Safe is the first federally incorporated non-profit organization in Canada and the US dedicated to dog bite prevention education and victim support. Doggone Safe provides services in Canada, the US and around the world through its website and network of volunteers.
In This Issue Kid's Feedback on Be a Tree
Member Update
Doggone Safe in the Media
Recommended Products
Case File - Lost Doggie
Be a Tree Presenters - Sponsorship Ideas
Be Doggone Smart at Work Program Hits the Road
Doggone Safe at Pet Expo in Newfoundland
Spotlight on the Season: Halloween and Hounds
Painting Beagles Help Doggone Safe
Upcoming Events
Our Sponsors
Join the Dog Bite Victim Support Group - this is a forum for families of child dog bite victims to talk about their experiences and concerns, learn from and support each other.
Kid's Feedback on Be a Tree...
Here are some comments from kids and some drawings they made in their end-of-year books for each other. Thanks to Montana's mother, who is a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, for taking the Be a Tree program to her daughter's school and for sharing these drawings and comments. The kids were so impacted by the program that they mentioned it in their messages at the end of the year. Click to see the full pictures and messages.
I liked it when your mom came in to show the class how to behave with dogs because now I am OK around them!
The Be a Tree thing was fun. I thought it was good
Do you remember when your mom did the be a tree thing? It was fun learning how to be safe when a bad dog comes near you.
I thought it was Awesome when your mom came in for that be a tree thing now I am not so afraid of big dogs.
Member Update...
Join Doggone Safe and become part of a growing movement of professionals dedicated to dog bite prevention education. Get some free bookmarks when you join - while supplies last.
The Member section of the website is now on-line. If you are a Doggone Safe member and have not received your password - please send an email and your password will be sent to you.
Topics covered on the member page are:
Members-only Yahoo discussion group for presenters - discuss presentation issues and ideas with other members and program creators
Logo Usage - download member logo versions for use in print and on on-line
Member wall certificate - download the member wall certificate that you can personalize and print
Sponsorship Proposal - view the Doggone Safe sponsorship program description
Educational Give-Away Materials - order free materials to give away at your presentations or public events
Send us information about any community events you will be attending so that we can include these in the newsletter and on the website.
Give-a-ways you can order:
Bookmarks - free (you pay for shipping)
Fridge magnets - $0.75 each
Stickers - with your logo printed on them ($20 USD; $28 CAD for 250 stickers)
Be Doggone Smart at Work web page update:
New material for promoting the Be Doggone Smart at Work program is now posted at the website. Click to check it out.
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Program Power Point demo - with sample videos
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Program demo in PDF form - without video
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Testimonials
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Articles
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Handouts
Doggone Safe in the Media...
In print
This photo of Anne being a tree caught the attention of the editor of Canadian Family magazine and is shown in the fall issue along with the Doggone Safe Be a Tree message.
Our goal is to spread the Be a Tree message so that all children know what to do when faced with a strange, excited or scary dog. We are very pleased that the message has been included in two nationally circulated magazines in Canada - Puppy Basics and Canadian Family.
If anyone has any connections with other Parenting or Dog magazines please send us an email and help us get even more attention.
On the Radio
Recommended Products...
Living with Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar.
This is a must-have resource for families with kids and dogs. All ages and stages of dogs and children are covered with practical tips for keeping them both safe and happy.
"This is a wonderful book. Useful, useful, useful information - all the main points in an extremely easy-to-read style. As a trainer and mom, Colleen sees the full picture" - Dr Ian Dunbar - founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Click on the link to buy Buy this book from Dogwise and help earn commission for Doggone Safe.
Dogs and Storks CD - Everything you need to know to prepare the family dog for life with kids.
Produced by Jennifer Shryock, Doggone Safe US Vice President, parent, educator and dog behavior specialist. Learn more and read testimonials.
Doggone Safe is now a KPCT Affiliate. Any orders placed at the KPCT site within 30 days of visiting that site via a link from Doggone Safe will generate commission for Doggone Safe.
Click on the recommended products to the right to order or get more information.
If you want to learn the newest clicker techniques from the experts and get hands-on practice, then come to a Clicker Expo. These expos are a ton of fun and the environment is very positive. Doggone Safe president Joan Orr will be there as a faculty member. Be sure to introduce yourself and say hi!
There are special discounts available for the Minneapolis Expo - Find out more
Case File - Lost Doggie...
This is a true story - names have been changed
Mary and Sandy were walking down the road to visit another friend in the neighbourhood, when Mary noticed that another neighbour's dog was following them. Scruffy was a friendly dog that hung out with the kids when they played at his house with his kids. Everyone in the neighbourhood knew Scruffy since his family took him for walks on the leash every day and he liked everyone to pet him. "Scruffy shouldn't be out here on the road, he might get run over or lost", said Sandy as she took the dog's collar to guide him home. Suddenly Scruffy went stiff and stopped panting and the girls could see the half moon of white in his eye. "Let go of his collar and stand still", said Mary. The girls had learned from playing Doggone Crazy that the dog was indicating that he was not happy and might even bite. They had forgotten that they should just tell an adult, rather then trying to take Scruffy home, because he was a well-known dog to them that had always been friendly.
Dogs often do not generalize well and may not act in their normal way in an abnormal situation. Scruffy was friendly when he was on leash on walks with his family and friendly when the kids were at his house, but he was anxious when a child took his collar when he was loose on the street. Kids and parents should be aware that a dog that is friendly in one situation may not be in another situation. Scruffy may be comfortable with children on his own property and when on-leash with his owner and uncomfortable with a child trying to lead him in an unfamiliar situation (loose on the road with none of his own family present). Kids should tell an adult if they see one of the neighbourhood dogs loose and should not approach it or try to help by taking it home.
Be a Tree Presenters - Sponsorship and Promotion Ideas...
The Doggone Safe presenters Yahoo list has been abuzz with ideas for promotion and sponsorship for the Be a Tree Program. Here is a list of some of the suggestions for organizations that may sponsor, give media coverage or may be a good place to do a volunteer program or a paid program:
Potential Sponsors:
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Local banks
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Local Rotary Club or other service clubs
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PTA or PTO groups
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Recreation Centers
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Local Pro Sports Teams
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Local Community-Minded Businesses - 2 or 3 could co-operate and share the cost
Groups that may host a free or paid program:
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Girl Scouts
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Private Schools
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Neighborhood Associations
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Breed and dog training clubs
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Daycare facilities
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After school care facilities
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YMCA
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Local Toys R Us and Babies R Us (free - call to find out when the next Baby Days or community info day is)
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Local home school groups - search the web or ask your local community services office
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Local vets and pet supply stores
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Church groups
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Mother's groups
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Animal shelters
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4H Club
Promotion ideas:
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Local magazines, newspapers and radio
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Bulletin boards in libraries, stores and community centres
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Local cable company - call them to suggest they come and tape a session (get permission from the school first)
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Contribute articles to local newsletters - don't throw them out - find out how you can submit an article - you can use any article found at the Doggone Safe website (unless otherwise noted) or in the newsletter as long as you give credit and include the Doggone Safe web address
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Go to local networking groups and show them the Be a Tree program - your chamber of commerce may have a list of these
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Join Toastmasters and give a speech about the Be a Tree program - this can be an excellent networking group
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Volunteer to do a presentation in return for a free booth or table at local events
If you have any questions about how the sponsorship program works and what the options are for presenting the Be a Tree program on your own or on behalf of Doggone Safe, please visit the Be a Tree reference centre - where every question that has ever been asked is answered.
Doggone Safe members can visit the members only part of the website to download press releases, letters to the principal a sponsorship proposal and more. Send an email if you are a member and do not have a password. Members can also join the private Doggone Safe presenters Yahoo group.
Be Doggone Smart at Work Program Hits the Road...
The Doggone Safe worker safety training program, Be Doggone Smart at Work program will be delivered by program co-creator Teresa Lewin in Kingston ON and in Bermuda in coming weeks. Teresa has traveled to other locations and has been delivering the program locally. This is a paid program and generates income for Doggone Safe that can be used to fund the Courtney Trempe Memorial Fund for Dog Bite Victim Support as well as day to day operations and shipping costs. "It feels really great to be able to bring in money for the organization", said Teresa.
We are very pleased with the response to this program and by the fact that employers are willing to pay travel expenses and program fees to bring this training to their workers. Teresa will provide training to another Doggone Safe member while she is in Bermuda. We will be developing an on-line training program, but in the meantime Teresa can travel and train local presenters personally. In order to maintain a high quality and credible program, presenters must meet the criteria listed below. If you would like to try to bring this program to your area, please visit the Smart at Work web page and view the resources there that can be used to interest companies in the program. Please view this first prior to contacting us.
If you have questions about your qualifications, do not have a written resume or would like to discuss becoming qualified, please contact Jennifer Shryock. If you would like help in marketing the program locally and having Teresa come to your area to do one or more presentations and provide training for local presenters (items 3 and 4 below), please contact Joan Orr.
Qualifications for Certification as a Doggone Safe Be Doggone Smart at Work Presenter
1) Be knowledgeable about dog behavior (submit a resume detailing education and experience). Doggone Safe will recommend on-line courses on a case by case basis that you can take if necessary to meet this requirement. Provide 2 professional references familiar with your work (veterinarian, dog trainer, behaviour consultant etc).
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2) Have experience with giving presentations or teaching (provide 2 references with contact information) or join Toastmasters and provide evidence of participation if you have no public speaking or teaching experience, or send in a videotape of yourself doing any type of public speaking or teaching.
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3) Observe a Be Doggone Smart at Work presentation delivered by a licensed presenter OR attend a live training session given by Doggone Safe OR participate in an on-line training session given by Doggone Safe (coming soon)
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4) Attend a live OR on-line Q&A session with program creators Teresa Lewin and/or Jennifer Shryock to go over answers to difficult questions that workers have asked in past sessions; address any questions that the would-be presenters might have.
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5) Join the Doggone Safe presenter Yahoo group (must be a member to access this group)
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6) Be a Doggone Safe Member in good standing
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7) Sign the Be Doggone Smart at Work License agreement (currently under review)
Doggone Safe at Newfoundland Pet Expo ...
Doggone Safe Eastern Canada Co-ordinator Tonji Stewart shows off her display at the first ever Pet Expo in Newfoundland.
Tonji put on some Be a Tree sessions for visitors to the show and was a big hit with kids, parents and show organizers. This gave Tonji the opportunity to give visibility to Doggone Safe and to herself.
This show gave Doggone Safe a free booth in return for Tonji presenting the Be a Tree sessions in the demonstration area at the show.
Many shows will give free or low-cost booth space to non-profit organizations, especially if they get a free demo in return. These events provide terrific opportunities for networking, allow some money to be raised through product sales and allow Doggone Safe members to raise their profile in the community.
Contact us with the details if there is an event like this in your area that you would like to attend on behalf of Doggone Safe
Spotlight on the Season: Halloween and Hounds...
Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running, spooky children in masks make many dogs uncomfortable, nervous and frightened.
Halloween costumes are fun and are meant to disguise our normal appearance. Dogs do not understand this change in appearance and may become frightened. Costumes that change the way a person walks, stands, or their general appearance may cause a dog to react differently than usual even with those they know.
Keep in mind that children on Halloween night are excited and doing their best to be scary. This is not a fair or safe situation to put even the best of dogs in. Even the normally terrific tolerant family dog can find this night hard to handle.
Along with costumes being frightening to a dog there are some that may become interesting too. Swords, tails and dangling things may be fun for an excited dog to chase and toddlers certainly won’t appreciate that. To the left is a photo of a costume with very enticing antennae.
Every child and every costume is a new opportunity for different reactions from the same dog.
I recommend setting up your dog with their own private Halloween bash in a safe quiet spot with a yummy treat of their own. Here are some tips to help make this safe haven most comfortable.
- Stuff a food dispensing toy with yummy mush and freeze it until it is "Halloween" time.
- Use a fan or radio for white noise. Something consistent is best.
- Be sure the blinds are down or the dog is not watching kids coming and going by the window. This will only frustrate him and allow him to practice barking and carrying on at the window.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Put candy in a safe spot.
Sometimes dogs are stolen, poisoned or injured by Halloween pranks. Keep your dog safe and sound inside your home.
Be safe and aware and have fun!
Painting Beagles Help Doggone Safe...
Piper is the mascot for North Atlantic Petroleum
See more paintings by the Painting Beagles - mention Doggone Safe if you buy
The Painting Beagles of Newfoundland, Tuig and Piper (above) have been clicker trained by owner Tonji Stewart to wear a painting paw and create works of art. Tonji and the Painting Beagles were featured on CBC television in Canada earlier in the year.
At right is Tuig creating a painting called "Flight". Sadly, Tuig is completely blind and will never see his own work. "I started painting with Piper, to raise money for an eye operation for Tuig. He was adopted from Beagle Paws rescue and although he will not see again, he can be made comfortable with surgery", said Tonji.
Now Tuig is doing his own paintings and with clicker training has learned many other behaviours that make his life more interesting. Below is the framed "Flight" that was donated to a charity auction for a women's shelter.
Mention Doggone Safe if you buy a painting and a donation will be made to the Courtney Fund.
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| "Flight" by Tuig | Tonji shaped blind Tuig to ride a trike | "Bluebirds in Flight" by Piper |
Upcoming Events...
Here are some events at which Doggone Safe members will be speaking or at which Doggone Safe will have a booth. Please find us and say hi!
| Oct 13 | Kingston ON - St Lawrence College - Kerry Vinson | |
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Ruff Spots - Christmas in the Pumpkin Patch |
Oct 15 | St David's Church, Elizabeth St, Holyrood NF - Tonji Stewart |
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Boxer Bash - Carolina Boxer Rescue |
Oct 22 | Wilmington NC - 705 Anderson Dr - Jen Shryock |
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The Community Vet Clinic |
Oct 23 | Clarenville NF - Tonji Stewart |
| Oct 27 | Toronto - Seneca College - Kerry Vinson | |
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Oct 29-30 |
Kitchener ON - Joan Orr and Teresa Lewin |
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| Nov 4-6 | Minneapolis MN - Joan Orr | |
| Nov 27 | King City - Seneca College - Kerry Vinson |
Our Sponsors ...
Thanks to our sponsors. Their generosity and community spirit help us to spread the Doggone Safe educational messages more effectively.
Trade show booth sponsor; educational material sponsor
Adopt-a-classroom sponsor - St. John's Newfoundland
Bookmark Sponsor
For More Information...
For more information about Doggone Safe and for useful tips about bite prevention please visit the Doggone Safe website. Any materials found at the site can be used at websites or in printed matter without permission (unless specifically noted) provided proper credit is given. A link back to the Doggone Safe site is appreciated.
Privacy Policy...
Doggone Safe will not share its mailing list with third parties