Adopt-a-Dobe Rescue Society

The NACA Dog Show is in full swing at the Ottewell Curling Club and Driving Range in Edmonton. Come check out the show and buy some 50/50 tickets! We’re here until 5 today and from 8-5 tomorrow.

Offering your hand to an unknown dog to sniff is well-intentioned but misguided advice. Other human actions that many dogs find threatening are leaning over them and petting them on top of the head. Our body language is just as important as theirs when it comes to safe interactions.

Let’s talk about the “magica hand.”

Well meaning people reach out their hand so a dog can sniff and make friends. For some dogs, that is fine. For others, it is the fastest way to get bitten.

A reaching hand can:
• Feel invasive
• Reduce distance
• Corner the dog
• Predict restraint

Some dogs have learned that biting makes the hand go away quickly.

A better option:
Allow the dog to approach if they choose.
Ignore them until they initiate affiliative behavior.
Watch body language carefully.

And if:
🚫 You are unsure about what you are seeing
🚫 There is a bite history
🚫 Handling is not necessary

Walking away is the safest choice.

Preventing bites is often about reducing unnecessary pressure.


Dog Illustrations by The Drawables, Owned By: Liz V.

FOSTER FOUND! We are in urgent need of a foster home for this 2 year old girl. Her primary caregiver recently passed away and she is living in unsafe conditions. She did not show any aggression to people, even when a stranger (me!) had to pick her up and put her in a vehicle. She is fearful of the car as we suspect she hasn’t had much exposure and is fear reactive to other dogs. We need a foster without other animals or possibly with a calm, neutered male dog (she still needs to be spayed) who the foster is willing to doing gradual exposure to until she is comfortable. Preference to someone experienced with fear and reactivity as we will need to work on these behaviors. She is muzzle trained and we will give full training/behavior support. Located near Edmonton.