With the recent spate of dog attacks in other centres, local dog obedience trainer Ian Stewart has some timely advice for dog owners and for those who may find themselves under attack.
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Mr Stewart said there can be multiple reasons why dogs attack and he wouldn’t hazard a guess on what motivated the recent tragedies. Making sure animals are securely contained when they’re not being supervised and basic obedience when they’re out and about, however, are the starting points.
He doesn’t feel a dog can be judged by its breed, with even some poodles being aggressive in his experience. Within any breed there can be dogs more prone to aggression, and a lot of it comes down to how well they’ve been socialised.
“If they spend most of their lives chained up they can go mad once they’re let off,” he said.
“Some dogs bite out of fear, some because they’ve been abused.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to always have a dog on a lead when you’re out. It may not be your dog that’s the aggressor, but at least you have some control if your dog is on a lead.”
Mr Stewart said if it’s socialised with others a dog is less likely to have issues. As part of his obedience training he makes a dog weave through a line of other dogs not allowing it to sniff, and makes sure the dog knows he’s in control.
“You’ve got to be the alpha,” he said.
“Dogs need a pack leader.”
He recommends muzzling a dog when it’s out until the owner is confident that the dog won’t bite, put to check the design of the muzzle and make sure it’s not fitted too tightly so that the dog can pant.
Before a dog is allowed to run off-leash Mr Stewart said the handler should be confident of the dog’s recall, in that it will always return if called, even if involved in an altercation.
“And when it does return don’t punish it,” he said.
“Reward it.”
Mr Stewart said treats are a good way to reinforce recall.
Should you find yourself in a situation when a dog is attacking a child, Mr Stewart said all you can do is place yourself between the two and use any weapon to hand – be it a shopping basket or rolled-up newspaper or anything – to beat the dog back.
He said dogs yapping in yards is a sign of boredom and dogs need exercise, so it’s important they can be taken out safely and with confidence.
“It’s not rocket science. It’s about responsible ownership.”
