Spirit of St. Louis Samoyed Club- Safety Sams

The Spirit of St. Louis Samoyed Club is dedicated to fostering, improving and nurturing the relationship of dogs to their human friends. To help promote safety and harmony, we are proud sponsors of the "Safety Sam Dog Bite Prevention Program", a seminar run for clubs, organizations and grade schools wishing to enhance their understanding of dogs and how to safely interact with them.

Biting is a tragedy on many levels for everyone involved, both physically and mentally. We feel dog owners and breeders share the responsibility for bite prevention. But we also strongly encourage all parents to educate their children about dogs, even if they do not own one. Consider a few statistics (provided by the CDC and the Humane Society): 50% of all children are bitten before age 12; most bites are by the family pet with no previous history of biting; nearly 1/3 of all homeowner's insurance claims involve a dog bite; nationwide there are 970 emergency room visits PER DAY every year on average due to dog bites; and almost 80% of all dog bites are preventable.

In the Safety Sam Dog Bite Prevention Program, we teach proven, basic techniques that minimize the chances of a child being bitten. We are available to speak to parenting groups, elementary schools, libraries or hospital outreach programs, scouting or church groups. The dogs in our program are therapy dog certified, obedience trained and well socialized to children. We are the original and most experienced dog bite program in the area. If your club, organization or school is interested in our Dog Bite Prevention Program, please contact our club through:

Charlotte Mielziner             or       Carolyn Herkstroeter
sidebysidek9@yahoo.com             herkcmw@att.net
636-441-8399                              314-867-4755

While there is no charge for the seminar, donations to the club are greatly appreciated to help reimburse for the costs of printed materials and to help further our message of safe children and dogs. Remember, when a dog bites, everyone loses. Prevention is the answer. Thanks for your interest!

Responsible Dog Owners:

Don't assume your dog won't bite. This is a dangerous attitude many pet owners have of their animals. All dogs, no matter how gentle have the potential to bite.

Spay or neuter your dog. Unneutered dogs are three times more likely to bite. They are more territorial, dominant, prone to growl, snap, or bite and are more easily distracted than neutered dogs.

Obedience train your dog. It confirms your place in the hierarchy, and gives you the basis to control your dog in any situation. Dog obedience classes also help you to understand your dog better. It often eliminates or minimizes dangerous behaviors.

Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive games with your dog, such as wrestling, or "siccing" your dog on another person or thing. You give the wrong message to your dog that it is OK to be aggressive back.

Know your dog. What overexcites him or puts him on his guard? Know his personal language. Learn to read his tail, eyes, ears and posture, this is how your dog signals you that he is trying to be dominant, aggressive or just play.

Keep your dog healthy with proper vaccinations and preventative care, such as Heartworm, Parvo, etc. A sick dog, or one that is pain will not be as tolerant as healthy dog.

Educate your family. It is very important to conduct educational sessions with your children on how to behave around the family dog. Dogs do not consider children on an equal par with you until they are about twelve years old. Children do not have the mental and physical maturity to understand the importance of leash laws and the dogs body language.

Do not tolerate any nipping or biting by your dog. Any bite is an assertion of power and must be dealt with. Call a reputable trainer immediately for preofessional assistance.

Keep your dog leashed in public. Dogs are far less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior while on lead, and if they do, you are better prepared to stop it safely.

Kids should follow these rules:
1. Never approach or pat a dog without asking the owner's permission. Even if you see a dog you know loose in the neighborhood, do not try to catch him. Go and tell a grown-up.
2. Once you've been given permission to approach the dog, talk quietly, walk up slowly, and present your hand rolled up like a fist for the dog to sniff. Remember, most dogs like to be patted on the neck or under the chin better than on their head. Never try to grab the dogs nose, ears or paws when you are petting him.
3. DO NOT hug or kiss the dog. The dog may think you are trying to hurt him.
4. DO NOT approach a mother with puppies. She will be very protective of them.
5. DON'T SCREAM AND RUN around the dog. This can excite him, or make him feel threatened.
6. Don't stare at the dog. To a dog, that is a challenge to a fight.
7. Leave the dog alone while he is eating or sleeping. If the dog gets a treat or toy that was not meant for him, tell the owner or another grown-up.
8. If you have permission to give the dog a treat, put the treat in the palm of your hand and offer it to the dog. Don't hold it in the tip of your fingers, because that can lead to nipping!
9. If the dog is in a crate (cage), a fenced yard, or in a car, never approach and put your fingers inside. If the dog is barking at you, just ignore him and keep on walking.
10. If a dog growls at you, don't run away or scream, it will only make it worse. Stand still, keeping your hands at your sides, or folding them across your chest, turn your head to the side. Remember not to stare at the dog!