Everyone loves a trip to the dog beach, but there is always that one person who doesn’t seem to quite know the rules. 14 ways to avoid being “that guy:”

Forget Food. Do not bring your lunch — or any food at all — to a dog beach. You will be swarmed by dogs and probably lose your sandwich. Dogs can be worse than ants at a picnic.

Laugh. Do bring your sense of humor. You might get peed on or step in a pile of poo. Consider it good luck and move on.

Be realistic. If your dog is shy, don’t expect other dogs to respect that. Dogs will be dogs.

Don’t leave luck to your lady. Do not bring a female dog in heat to the beach unless you want trouble and puppies.

Walk like a man. If your male dog is not neutered, watch him closely — other dogs may want to challenge him.

Anger management. Do not bring an aggressive dog to the beach. If your dog gets into a scuffle, leave the beach immediately.

Poop patrol. Pick up after your dog, and nicely let other owners know if their dog has left a “present” on the beach.

Be prepared. Bring extra poop bags and towels, plenty of water, and a canine first-aid kit.

Adults only. Avoid bringing children to a dog beach, as they may be knocked over, scared, or injured.

Baywatch. Not just a great show from the 90s, but a practical activity too! Watch your dog at all times. This is not soggy-doggie daycare.

Sharing is caring. Don’t bring a toy to a dog beach unless you’re OK with other dogs playing with it and possibly losing it.

Bring your shades. Provide your dog with shade and lots of water on hot days.

Stay cool. If the sand burns your feet, it’s burning your dog’s paws, too. Run to the shore or carry your pooch.

Cover up. We aren’t talking about your clothes (although we do recommend staying more covered up then you would at the human beach.) Sunscreen for dogs? Yes! Apply sunscreen made specifically for dogs to their noses and ears. Rinse your dog off with fresh water after a day at the beach. Repeat!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of dog bite victims are children. In addition, the CDC says that 12 to 20 people die annually from dog attacks.

The AVMA estimates that of the children under the age of 18 who have been bitten: family dogs are responsible for 30% of the bites, while the neighbor’s dog is responsible for another 50% of the bites. Never assume because the child and dog know each other that they are fine together.

Whether you have a dog or not, take a minute to read over these helpful tips to preventing dog bites from Heidi Ganahl, CEO and founder of Camp Bow Wow. We all encounter dogs almost daily.These 10 tips might just save you a trip to the hospital. It might also save your dog’s life – many times an offending dog will be euthanized.

Pet Personalities. Dog owners should always understand (through training) their dog’s personality and limitations. Owners should not put dogs into situations where they feel anxious, nervous or afraid – this is a recipe for a dog bite encounter. Most aggression is fear-based and most bites are preventable if the owner takes some time to understand their dog.

Pets and Socialization. Socialize your pet at early stages in his development. This will allow your pet to feel at ease around people and other animals in social settings. Socializing your dog can have a tremendous effect on his interactions both at home and in public. Newly socialized dogs become calmer, friendly, affectionate, and can adapt better to a new environment.

Training Techniques. Train your dog or hire a professional to do so. Basic commands such as “Sit” and “Stay” help dogs understand what is expected of them. Training can also be incorporated into fun activities that establish the owner as an authoritative figure, yet strengthen the bond between owner and dog as companion and friend.

Space and Body Language. Respect the dog’s space. Never stand over a dog or stare at the dog while hovering above him. This is a direct threat in the dog’s language and may provoke a bite because the dog is afraid or intimidated.

Pets and Children. Children are the most common victims of dog bites. Never leave a child under 10 years old alone with a dog, no matter how much you trust your four-legged friend. Children should always ask before petting a dog, and parents and dog owners should observe and supervise the interaction between dog and child with even the most child-friendly dog.

Children and Aggressive Behavior. Children should never get in a dogs face or grab the dog in an aggressive way. Dogs tend to give warnings when they are uncomfortable and may bite in response. In most cases, children aren’t able to pick up on these signals and can easily get hurt.

Dogs in Chains. Never chain or tether your dog in the backyard or any other area. Dogs who are chained up feel increased levels of stress and protectiveness. A dog that is confined and feels threatened will defend himself and is more likely to bite.

Security in Public. Pet owners should always use a leash to ensure that they are able to control their dog in public settings. If the pet becomes excited or anxious for any reason, pet owners should draw him near and gently pat his head or rub his fur to calm him down.

Security at Home. If your home has a fenced yard, make sure gates are always secure. This will prevent Fido from running off into public spaces and interacting with others without your supervision.

Pet Health. A healthy pet is a happy pet. Make sure that your dog visits a veterinarian annually, receives proper exercise, and is vaccinated against rabies and preventable diseases. Remember, how your dog feels affects how he behaves.

View the DogChannel behavior center for more signs and corrective actions for dog’s that bite. More>>

The following are tips provided by the CDC on what to do if you or your child is bitten:

Rinse the bite area with soapy water.

Elevate limb(s) that have been bitten.

Apply antiseptic lotion or cream. Watch the area for signs of infection for several days after the incident.

For deeper bites or puncture wounds, apply pressure with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding. Then wash the wound, dry it and cover with a sterile dressing. Don’t use tape or butterfly bandages to close the wound.

It’s a good idea to call your child’s physician because a bite could require antibiotics or a tetanus shot. The doctor also can help you to report the incident.

If your child is bitten severely, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room.

When going to the emergency room, advise the personnel of:

a. your tetanus vaccination status

b. vaccine status of the dog

c. who the dog owner is; and

d. if the dog has bitten before

Remember, vigilance is key in any situation where your dog is around other people and animals. Never assume you know what your dog is going to do – that’s like assuming you know what the person next to you is thinking or going to do – it’s a recipe for disaster.

Some dogs will pee a small puddle (sometimes more) when they greet people, particularly if the person moves to pet them. Some dogs do this whenever anyone greets them, but often the leakage problem only occurs with certain individuals or with people who have a certain appearance or voice tone.

It is fairly common in young puppies who have less control over their bladder and are easily excited, though it usually goes away as the dog matures. Some dogs, however, continue this habit into adulthood. This behavior tends to be more common in female pups, but it can happen with males, too.

Why dogs pee when excited

When a puppy becomes overexcited, or when something frightens her, it’s normal for the pup to release a few drops of urine. Not all puppies do this, but many do. It happens because overexcitement or fear may cause the pup to momentarily lose control of the muscles that close the urinary bladder, which allows a small amount of urine to escape.

This is a physiological response to excitement and is not under the pup’s control. She might not even realize it’s happening until she feels a sensation of wetness.

Why this dog behavior is a problem

Cleaning up puddles every time you greet your dog can be frustrating and distressing to owners. The first reaction is often to scold a dog for the behavior, but it is not the dog’s fault. Punishing a dog for this behavior is useless and cruel, because the dog cannot control the leakage.

Scolding or showing disapproval can make the dog more anxious and cause the problem to get worse – sometimes turning a temporary age or health-related behavior into a long-term nervous habit.

How to keep your dog from peeing when excited

Reduce the initial excitement. The most common trigger for urination while greeting is loved ones arriving home after being gone for several hours. To reduce the dog’s excitement, walk into your house without greeting her. Put down your purse or other items you’re carrying and put your coat away. Delay greeting her until about five minutes after you’ve arrived home.

Keep greetings low key. Speak quietly and calmly when you greet your dog. Don’t immediately bend down to pet her, as “looming over” a dog in that way can trigger them to urinate. Instead of reaching for her, just put your hand where she can come to it for petting. Pet her under the chin, not on top of the head. Teach your visitors to do the same.

Greet outdoors. If your dog tends to pee when you first say hello to her, say hello outdoors. This way the dog will be urinating where there’s no need to mop it up. That will reduce your own anxiety about the possibility of a wet greeting and you’ll relax a bit – which can help reduce any anxiety your dog might have learned to feel about greeting time.

Health check. Though usually outgrown by six or seven months of age, this behavior can linger into adulthood. Sometimes health issues, such as urinary tract infections, can cause delayed bladder control, so if your dog is over five months old and still piddling when petted, let your veterinarian know. If it’s a health problem, it needs to be treated medically. Most often, though, there are no health issues causing the problem – it’s just a case of too much excitement.

Like the winners of the Miss America contest or the Nobel Prize, the pageantries and celebrations of the World’s Ugliest Dog did not end when he stepped off the stage.

The two-year-old Chihuahua-Shih Tzu mix named Peanut won the big trophy and the admiration of his peers at the Marin-Sonoma Fair in Petaluma, CA last week, but that was only the beginning of his journey.

Last night, Peanut and his owner Holly Chandler were guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Kimmel, who was familiar with the tough road that Peanut, a rescue dog and burn victim has traveled, wanted to make sure he could give the little dog an experience that he would not soon forget: a makeover.

Kimmel’s initial take on Peanut was that “he’s either the World’s Ugliest Dog or the World’s Prettiest Rat.”

In the montage, Peanut is put through all the essentials of a makeover: grooming, accessories and wardrobe. When Kimmel finally brings him on stage, dressed in a multicolored polka dot bowtie and his hair expertly combed, Peanut looks like a star.

Kimmel gave Peanut some sound advice: “I hope this doesn’t change who you are…it’s what’s on the inside that counts.”

He looks beautiful, doesn’t he?

There isn’t much you can change about Peanut to make him into a different dog. A bowtie and combing doesn’t change much about the pain and suffering this friendly dog went through to get to where he is.

A makeover is a nice gift, but truthfully Peanut should be proud to be who he is. You do you, Peanut. We love you just the way you are.

Peanut and his human live in Greenville, South Carolina. They entered Peanut in the contest in order to raise awareness around the subject of animal abuse.

Few of us cheer when our dog digs up our garden. However, we should keep in mind that if a dog has digging genes, in many cases we humans developed that natural trait to serve our purposes. It’s not the dog’s fault our objectives have changed.

While all dog breeds have some instinct to dig and may scratch or dig at the floor, carpet or bed, as he looks for the perfect spot, there is no doubt that some dogs take their digging a little more seriously than others.

See which dog breeds are most likely to dig and find out why they do it.

10 Dog Breeds Who Love to Dig

Hard Core Diggers

These dogs dig like it’s their job because at some point it probably was their job.

1. Dachshund

Hound Group. The German-bred Dachshund used his short but dogged legs to burrow deep into the earth, creating tunnels through which he hunted badgers and other prey. Today, the breed still follows his nose and instincts; he’s likely to dig up flower beds in an attempt to excavate the rodents in his yard. More About Dachshunds>>

2. Bedlington Terrier

Terrier Group. The Bedlington is a natural hunter with a penchant for pursuing rodents and vermin. The Bedlington may resemble a lamb in appearance, but the similarities end there. Tough and persistent, the powerhouse Belington digs with vigor to reach rabbits or rats. More About Bedlingtons>>

3. Cairn Terrier

Terrier Group. A small, active terrier native to Scotland’s Western Highlands, the Cairn was used in packs to control fur-bearing vermin. Like most terriers, Cairns tend to be diggers and are vigilant in their search for underground rodents. Did we mention the word terrier comes from Latin and means “earth dog?” More About Cairn Terriers>>

4. Beagle

Hound Group. Like many scent hounds, Beagles will dig in the yard for in-ground prey, but they may also dig out of the yard to follow the scent of above-ground prey. Bred for generations to track, a Beagle will take on any digging project to accomplish his mission. Although bred in England’s temperate climate, the breed also sometimes digs to cool off. Or perhaps that’s a smokescreen. Maybe the merry Beagle digs when there’s a shortage of rabbits to chase and a corresponding shortage of fun. More About Beagles>>

5. Miniature Schnauzer

Terrier Group. Bred in Germany working on farms and pursuing vermin, the Miniature Schnauzer still rids its home and property of rats and mice today. The Schnauzer’s drive to exterminate rodents may drive him into the ground. The resulting dirt and holes are the downside. On the upside, unwanted visitors won’t be able to set up housekeeping in the family’s residence for long.

6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Sporting Group. Though originally bred to be a tough hunter, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also may moonlight as a digger. His high energy level, drive to hunt, and desire for company make him an excellent sporting companion. In fact, he’s often called the “4-wheel drive of hunting dogs” because of his ability to excel on any kind of terrain: briars, underbrush, field, and water. With great talent, however, comes great responsibility (for the owner, at least!). If left without a task, the Griff may channel his 4-wheel drive skills into the ground.

Fair Weather Fans of Digging

It’s not a mater of whether or not these dogs like to dig, it’s simply a matter of weather.

7. Siberian Husky

Working group. Dogs bred in cold climates such as the Siberian Husky may dig for a warm, underground sleeping area during winter. But your garden isn’t safe in the springtime either; they also dig for cool spots when they’re hot. Their double coat offers insulation from both heat and cold, but who can blame them for supplementing what Mother Nature gave them.

8. Alaskan Malamute

Working group. The Malamute is a legendary freighting dog of polar expeditions, to keep warm in the snow, they often dig to burrow themselves into a warmer underground sleeping arrangement. While the Malamute has adapted well to warm climates, they prefer the winter months and keeping their temperature pleasant, so it’s not uncommon to see them digging into the earth on a hot summer day to stay cool.

Dogs Who Weren’t Bred to Dig, But Might Do it Anyway

They aren’t professionals, but that won’t stop them from trying.

9. Australian Shepherd

Herding group. The Australian Shepherd wasn’t bred down under, but rather here in the United States. Nor was he bred specifically to dig. But he was bred to work all day alongside his owner. Developed to maintain high energy, an un-exercised Aussie may dig up gardens or under the fence in an effort to cultivate his own work and sense of fulfillment.

10. Border Collies

Herding group. Border Collies are high-energy dogs, having been bred to cover many miles a day in their native Scotland. Border Collies require and thrive on activity, so be prepared to keep them occupied and if you don’t, be prepared for them to occupy themselves. Border Collies are known for excelling at many jobs, if you give them a change they might add landscaper to their list.

Most people allergic to dogs are allergic not to dogs themselves, or their fur, but to the dog’s dander or saliva. Fur can harbor other allergens, like pollen and dust, that trigger allergies, though. Generally speaking, some dog breeds are worse for people with allergies than others.

Big Dogs

Saint Bernards, hounds and bulldogs are known for excessive drooling. If you’re allergic to dog saliva, avoid these breeds. German shepherds, Irish setters and English springer spaniels have lots of hair, which means more dander is produced and released into the air. Such dogs require regular baths and brushing, which allergic people should avoid.

Small Dogs

Some dogs are prone to allergies, like Boston terriers, Shih Tzus and Lhasa apsos, which means they may suffer dry skin, itchiness, watery eyes and extra mucous output; these allergy symptoms may stir up your own allergies. West Highland white terriers are prone to seborrhea, which causes their skin to renew quickly, increasing the dander produced. Dog breeds like the Pekingese and pug have skin folds that require regular care and produce dander.

Basic Tips

Avoid dogs who require frequent grooming, have double coats, are prone to allergies, have skin folds, are known droolers or produce excess dander.

Photo by Leonard Ortiz of The Orange County Register. Toby, a therapy dog, who got screened this year and was found to have a tumor that was removed, restoring his sight to normal.

Free eye exams were given in May as part of an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists campaign designed to honor their public work. Nearly 29,000 service animals have been examined over the seven years of the National Service Animal Eye Exam Event, the ACVO reports.

Nearly all the patients examined this year were dogs employed as guide, handicapped assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, or registered therapy animals, but horses and a donkey were checked as well. Over 250 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists participated in the event in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, looking for everything from eye redness, squinting and cloudy corneas to retinal disease, early cataracts and other abnormalities.

“Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals,” says Stacee Daniel, executive director of the Meridian, Idaho-based ACVO. “Our hope is that by checking their vision early and often, we will be able to help a large number of service animals better assist their human friends.”

Success was measured not only by what the ophthalmologists did or didn’t find but also by the response of the animals’ owners. “Special thanks go out to the service animal owners who posted notes of gratitude on our Facebook page,” Daniel says. “Those kind words help our ophthalmologists and sponsors know that they made a positive impact, thus making them more likely to continue to participate in the future.”

Sponsors included Mount Laurel, N.J., drug compounder Stokes Pharmacy, medical device maker Welch Allyn Inc. of Skaneateles Falls, N.Y., and other industry partners. Exams are provided to active working animals certified by a formal training program or organization and those enrolled in a program.