Experience shows us how loving and loyal a dog can be.<\/p>\n
Over the ages there are numerous examples of dogs placing themselves in the path of danger to protect their owners.<\/p>
Dogs have proven themselves in this department, showing bravery to the 10th degree in many different scenarios.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this being said, dog owners need to know how best to utilise these skills, while keeping their animals safe at the same time,\u201d said Jason Mordecai, managing director of 7 Arrow Security.<\/p>
Animals tend to have a sixth sense, often times these intuitive moments are what they translate from their owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt times we wonder why we feel uneasy, yet our dogs are barking wildly \u2013 they feed off humans\u2019 feelings and trust these more easily than we do.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most effective tool dog owners can use from their furry friends is to learn their different signals and barks,\u201d said Mordecai.<\/p>\n
Much like a human, each dog has its own mannerisms, body language and specific barking signals.<\/p>\n
Learning these barks, as well as your neighbours\u2019 dogs’ barks, can be the differentiating factor at either being notified to intruders or not.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past, we have responded to properties whereby owners have, in fact, gone to investigate why their dogs were barking and in turn opened the house up for the intruders to get in,\u201d said Mordecai.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your dogs are barking, please press your panic button or call your security company to come and investigate.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust your dogs, barking is an innate response for them, do not go out and investigate on your own, rather lock yourself and family up in your safe zone and wait for assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked where he suggested community members should keep their dogs during the night, Mordecai responded, \u201cThe best bet is to keep your dog in the house or to put them in a yard where they do not have access to the front perimeter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s much harder for a criminal to enter a house that\u2019s monitored by a K9 warrior, even one that stands as high as your ankle and is armed with a ribbon in her hair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dog poisoning has become a real threat in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
\u201cCriminals use a poison called Two Step or Temik which comes in the form of black granules, this is usually inserted into some form of meat,\u201d explained Mordecai.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, muscle tremors, seizures and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you think your dog has been poisoned think safety first,\u201d Mordecai urged.<\/p>\n
\u201cCall your security company as the suspects may be out there.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen notify your vet and get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another common problem faced by security companies is that of finding lost dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany times driveway gates are left open,\u201d said Mordecai.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a security issue for your home and for your fluffy best friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur officers have often picked up lost dogs with no collar or chip \u2013 this makes it very difficult for us to locate the dog\u2019s owner.<\/p>\n
\u201cA simple collar and tag is usually effective and has been responsible for saving a number of lost animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also recommend chipping your dogs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Animals can be chipped by your local vet.<\/p>\n
Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n