Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to interview Jeremy Cohen of Boston Dog Lawyers.
Yes – your dog can have a lawyer. Or, more accurately, you can hire a lawyer to advocate for you and your dog.
It’s a sad fact that many dogs are often destroyed because poor laws and policy deem them to be dangerous. Jeremy thinks we can do better and has a range of trainers, behaviorists and other experts he can call upon to represent an alternative position.
Couples who haven’t married legally may find themselves fighting over ‘ownership’ of their pet. Custody battles are another area of the practice.
Jeremy is profiled in my column this month in NZ Dog World magazine.
I particularly like Jeremy’s simple to understand bite prevention tips:
Boston Dog Lawyers – Bite Prevention Tips
Never allow your dog to be alone with children under age 12
Integrate your dog into your family and don’t segregate it
Follow the leash law
Use the leash when entering and exiting the car
Exercise your dog daily
Post signs if dog is aggressive
Keep current with licensing and shots
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 
I like your tip to maintain the leash law. That way your pet won’t be a liability when they’re out and about. As much as you may trust your pet, you don’t need to take that risk.
Yes – sound advice. I see dogs in my massage practice that were injured because ‘they’ve never done that (run after a rabbit, etc.) before’ I support the establishment of more off-leash areas in cities and towns to support dog owners in getting their dogs the exercise they need in a safer environment.