!44: Ducane Grills Purchase: January 2012

!±8± Preventing Dog Attacks - A Dog Trainer's Perspective

Are you worried about a dog attack? Does a neighborhood pooche make you nervous? You can reduce your risk of attack if you know how. Just by following a few simple procedures, you can reduce your anxieties and feel better about the bully in your neighborhood.

Background on Dog Attacks

Let's start off by saying there are relatively few attack dogs. The majority of canines will appear aggressive but, in fact, are only defending their owners/property. Therefore, if you can learn how not to threaten a dog, then your likelihood of being attacked is much less. You will be able to walk around with the peace of mind, you will be okay.

What about those few hounds, which actually are attack dogs? Sadly, there is little you can do about these dogs. However, if an attack dog is in your neighborhood, chances are you have not seen it. Otherwise, you would have been viciously attack already by the mongrel. If this is indeed the case, call animal control and report the attack.

Invading Perceived Property

Dogs are territorial. Even the friendliest of dogs will growl and bark if someone is perceived as a threat. However, neighborhood bullies may "guard" the yard, the neighbor's yard, and part of the street.

DO:

Avoid the area when you can Walk on the other side of street Carry a dog whistle to blow in case of threat Carry mace in case of actual attack

DON'T:
Run - this will invoke the dog's natural chase Look the dog in the eye - aggressive dogs see this as a threat Talk to or taunt the dog - especially those behind a fence

Encountering a Roaming Dog

Most roaming dogs have only escaped their yard. They are out and about trying to see the neighborhood. Most likely, they are following scents and just looking to play. Therefore, most loose dogs are nothing to worry about. You can either try to call them over or walk away.

However, if you see a roaming dog that barks or growls, then turn around and walk the other direction. It is best to avoid the dog altogether. When you get to a safe location, call animal control. The dog is likely injured or hungry and that makes for a dangerous dog. Remember, most dogs do not attack without provocation. Therefore, your best bet is to leave the scene.