5 New Years Resolutions for your Dog 1.

5 New Years Resolutions for your Dog 1. Walk Your Dog - Making a goal to walk your dog everyday will help you and your pet get into better shape. By using a control walk, you will be reinforcing your dog's place in the family. 2. Obedience Training - You know what to do, but are you being consistent? Resolve to spend 5-10 minutes every other day brushing up on your dog's obedience skills. While you are at it, come to a few tune-up classes and really flex your alpha muscles. 3. Annual Exam - Just like people, dogs need to have an annual check-up to make sure that everything is working properly and that there is nothing going on beneath the surface. Since symptoms can go unnoticed, a visit to your veterinarian's office might be the key to catching something early. If your pet has not seen a veterinarian in the last year consider making an appointment for its physical exam. 4. Socialization - If your dog isn't given the opportunity to be around other dogs, then problems can arise. You might notice barking when you are out for a walk when they see another dog. This can escalate into something more, so it's always a good idea to allow your dog to socialize with other pets as much as possible. 5. Helping a Rescue Organization- What a great New Years Resolution! Rescue organizations are always in need of volunteers, food and blankets, or monetary contributions. You can celebrate your dog by giving to an animal welfare organization.
Maryland court nixes cross breeds in pit bull liability ruling

Maryland's highest court has removed cross-breeds from its strict liability ruling on dog bites caused by pit bulls.

Maryland's highest court has removed cross-breeds from its strict liability ruling on dog bites caused by pit bulls.

The Maryland Court of Appeals made the change on Tuesday in response to a request for reconsideration.

The court's decision still holds owners and landlords liable for pit bull bites. Plaintiffs in civil lawsuits won't have to prove the animal's prior violent behavior for the owner or a landlord to be liable for damages.

However, the opinion written by Judge Alan Wilner concedes that the initial ruling went too far by including cross-breeds.

The judge writes that the definition of cross-breed is unclear. He notes it's uncertain whether a cross-bred pit bull is limited to the offspring of two pure-bred dogs of different breed or includes succeeding generations bred from cross-bred parents.

Charlotte Dog Boarding Kennel |