Keeping Safe - Any Dog Can Bite

Under the right condition, any dog can bite!

It is important to recognize a dog's 'body language'. Body language is the way a dog's body looks and acts. Understanding body language will help protect you. Below are examples of different body language.

Learn to be a Mind-Reader!

Some of these dogs look friendly, but all of these dogs can bite.
Take some time to learn some body language and you will
understand more of what the dog is thinking.

This dog is intimidated.
He feels threatened and cornered.
Notice his tail.
Don't approach this dog.





This dog is worried.
He feels concerned about what will happen next.
Don't approach this dog.



This dog is aggressive.
He is ready to bite.
Don't approach this dog.







This dog is dominant.
He thinks he is the boss and in charge.
Don't approach this dog.








This dog is afraid. How do you know? Look at his tail.
He will do anything to protect himself.
He will not feel better if you try to pet him.
Don't approach this dog.



Take a good look at the dogs above and remember that if you get too close, they might bite. Be sure to notice their tails and the expressions on their faces.
Which dog do you think is the most dangerous?
The dog that is afraid is the most dangerous. Can you think why?


Another thing...
Even happy and playful dogs can bite. Play bites hurt as much as real bites. If the dog does not belong to you, please respect his space and leave him alone.




Don't leave babies alone with dogs.

Although your dog may be friendly, don't ever leave a baby alone with him. If you have a younger brother or sister, please stay in the room if your parents are not there.

Dog Tricks - Speak and Quiet

Puppy's 1st year - Starting out...

Remembering that puppies are babies, will help you to understand your dog.
A young puppy is just like a baby. This is easy to remember when your dog is little, but when he grows to be 75 pounds and is only 6 months old, this may be harder to believe. But dogs are really babies until they are about a year old. This doesn't mean they should get away with things. Dogs need routine and rules to follow to grow up right. Dogs should learn good manners and some obedience while they are puppies. Teaching them will always be easier while they're young.


It is VERY NORMAL for a young pup to chew, but he shouldn't chew on you! He will be chewing because he is getting new teeth, just like a human baby. When he tries to chew on you, give him toys and very large bones to chew on instead. A wet towel put in the freezer and frozen is good for your dog to chew on, if you supervise him. It helps your pup's gums feel better. When he 'bites' you, don't get mad, just have a bone or toy ready for him. Put it in his mouth and say, "Good boy!". This is very important. Too much discipline or harsh words at this age is not good.


The first year is the hardest year for dogs and for owners. The first year is the best time to start obedience training and teach your dog tricks, too. Dogs are like teenagers. They like to be very busy. They want to be adults, but aren't sure how. They might try adult things when they are too young to handle them.
Teach your dog everything you can think of. Your dog is probably very smart and needs things to do. Take him for lots of walks and play games. Spend as much time as you have learning how to train your dog. Your dog is ready to learn from the first day you get him.

Who's the Boss?
As your puppy grows up, he will need to know who is in charge. Who is making the rules? A pup will make up his own rules if no one is telling him what the rules are. Check out Who's the Boss for more information on teaching your dog the rules of the house.

What to do NOW:
Here are some very important things you should do
with your dog from a very young age.
Bathe your dog.
Brush your dog.
Trim his toenails.
Start socializing your pup as soon as he's had his shots.
Put a leash on him.
Brush his teeth (video).
Leave your pup alone for short periods of time (video).
While your young pup is eating, take away his food bowl, and then give it back.

Click on the ball to understand more about giving your dog a head start in good behavior!



Your dog is ready to learn when he is very young. Even puppies who are 10 or 12 weeks old can learn to sit and shake hands. At this age your teaching should be gentle and fun. Many trainers offer puppy classes for pups who are as young as 10 weeks old. This is great socialization where pups learn to play well with all kinds of other dogs.

Your puppy can start learning very early. But by 3-4 months old, you should plan on teaching him some fun commands and tricks. Make it fun! Don't be negative and discipline him too much. Your puppy will learn more if he enjoys the lessons. If you get frustrated, stop and play a game.

Teach him tricks and fun things. Take him lots of places and introduce him to lots of people.

Know a breed - the Parson Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are now known as Parson Russell Terriers. Their name was changed on April 1, 2003 by the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America, which is now known as the Parson Russell Terrier Association of America. Did you know that?

In England, Parson Russell Terriers were originally bred to hunt red foxes on the ground and under the ground. They learned to be very good diggers. These days Parson Russell Terriers can do many different activities. They participate in earthdog competitions, play ®Frisbee, compete in agility, and enjoy flyball. Many of these dogs still have their natural working ability and are entered in hunting contests, called field trials.

Parson Russell Terriers can grow up to between 12 and 14 inches tall, and weigh 13-17 pounds. Females are usually a little smaller than males.

These handsome terriers come in two varieties: a smooth coated and a rough, or broken-coated. The smooth Parson Terrier's hair is flat and hard, and it is thick. The broken coat is kind of wiry, and feels harsh when you touch it. This dog even has little eyebrows and a beard! Both smooth and broken-coated types have a double coat. There is a short dense (thick) undercoat that keeps him warm, and helps protect him in bad weather. The hair is mostly straight, and usually doesn't have any curly or wavy areas. Both varieties are pretty cute. Which one do you like best?

Parson Russell Terriers come in several different colors:
• white
• white with black or tan markings
• tri-color (white, black, tan)

Colored markings are usually on the head or base of the tail. Parson Russell Terriers will shed some. They need to be bathed regularly and brushed. The broken coated terrier needs a little more brushing than the smooth-coated dog.

Parson Russell Terriers need exercise very often. It would be a good thing to walk your Parson Russell Terrier everyday even if he has a yard. Parson Russell Terriers are active and like to play games like hide and seek, fetch, and other activities like flyball, and agility, tracking, and obedience.


Parson Russell Terriers are cheerful, kind, and gentle. They are very affectionate, too. They like kids and will make a good best friend. Parson Russell Terriers are playful and love to entertain anyone who will watch. They learn tricks quickly and love performing for an audience. They have lots of energy all of their lives and it's a good idea to give them things to do if they are left alone during the day.


Because Parson Russells were bred to hunt, some have a very strong instinct to dig. Your parents will want to protect their favorite roses in the yard. Some of these dogs also use their hunting instinct to chase or harass smaller animals like birds, rabbits, cats, mice, or rats.

Parson Russells are self-confident, which means they are usually not afraid of things. They are also alert, which means they notice things around them. Their fearless nature, confidence, and alertness makes them very good watchdogs.

Parson Russell Terriers are very trainable. They love you and they want to learn from you. When you get a pup, let him get used to his new home. When he is a little older, you can start to take him places.

It is a good idea to socialize your pup from an early age so he is comfortable in many different kinds of situations. This will make him a better companion for you.

Parson Russells are alert dogs and are very good at paying attention. This makes them fast learners in obedience. Teaching your dog obedience will help him become a good citizen and help him to have good manners.