Dog Bite Safety Essential Knowledge For Defusing Dog

Dog Bite Safety Essential Knowledge For Defusing Dog Aggression

Bull Terrier Cross, Female Young boy attacked in Thames 2004

What can you learn from this presentation? n n You could do everything right and still be bitten The better understanding you have of dog behaviour – the more control you have of the situation*

We will cover Different motivations for an attack n The dogs ability to evaluate the situation n The “do’s” & “don’ts” when encountering an aggressive dog n Tips and interesting information n What to do when someone is bitten n Reporting the incident* n

ARE DOG BITES ON THE INCREASE? Council records indicate that dog attacks are Decreasing Hospital records indicate that dog attacks are Increasing ACC records show more claims for dog attacks*

A DOG’S MOTIVATION MAY BE AFFECTED BY; n Stringent laws n Building intensification (smaller sections) n Media hype and miss-reporting n Community response*

HIERARCHIES Dog packs have a dominance hierarchy which is never static. Displays of aggression are met by responses of submission. This ensures that interactions do not result in a physical confrontation and harmony is maintained in the pack. If this balance is not maintained it would have a major impact on the success of the group. This type of social structure functions smoothly with animals of the same species because displays take several forms, vocal, postural and chemical. We do not understand many of the displays and can easily miss them or misinterpret them and respond inappropriately. The dog may then interpret this as a challenge and attack as a result. Many victims claim that the attack was unprovoked. Truth be known, they probably missed a display or responded inappropriately. *

One Theory Why Dogs Bite Their Owners Promoting a dominance hierarchy between humans and dogs may create a dysfunctional relationship. This could result in a frustrated and unpredictable animal. Perhaps a more balanced strategy is to teach dogs that there is no hierarchy between them and humans. We don’t want to promote: n Challenges for position n Top dog syndrome n Enhanced guarding behaviour *

GENETICS n All dogs have the same set of genetic behaviours, but with different stimulus thresholds at which the behaviour is exhibited*

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON BEHAVIOUR • Training • Method of restraint • Socialisation • Supervision • Sterilisation • Diet The criminal and social background of the owner has more impact on behaviour than genetics***

1999, American Pit Bull Terrier, Male

FIRST DISPLAY A sequence of ritualised displays without attack Not all dogs can display the body language of an attack because of the effects of selective breeding*

FIRST RESPONSE STAND STILL n Diffuse the situation n Use anything as a Shield not a weapon* n

Motivation Maternal Aggression • Never underestimate the protective instincts of a mother • Phantom pregnancy • Hormonal changes • More wary of strangers • Nesting behaviour***

1993, Bull Terrier Cross, Male

Motivation Predatory Behaviour • Prey drive (reflex or instincts to chase) • Neoteny (juvenile characteristics in adulthood) • Movement activated*

Motivation Territorial Aggression • Confinement • Encouraged to guard • Dominance promotes territorial behaviour*

Motivation Fear Aggression • Perception of a threat False Evidence Appearing Real*

Motivation Hyperkinetic • Hormonal imbalance • Testosterone*

Motivation A Learned Behaviour When you back down to a display of aggression you reinforce the behaviour The dog concludes this strategy works!*

SENSE OF SMELL n Up to 100 times better sense of smell n Can smell a bitch in season 2 kms away n Up to 200, 000 scent detecting glands n Advanced area of the brain n Sense of smell so sophisticated it is beyond human comprehension *

EYE SIGHT • Up to 10 x more sensitive to movement • Can see a hand waving a mile away • Poor resolution • Rods, Cones, Tapetum*

HEARING • Up to 28 x more sensitive • Ability to manoeuvre ears individually • Pin point the direction of a sound • Ultra-sound / Infra-sound*

When a dog displays aggression n Don’t Approach Even if the aggressive display subsides, DON’T APPROACH*

AN AGGRESSIVE DOG • STAND STILL until the evaluation is complete • Remember the dog’s sensitivity to movement is heightened • Movement will trigger predatory behaviour, adding an additional motivation to the aggression. • Keep the dog in front of you • Be wary of a dog scent marking and scratching the ground. This is a sign of high aggression*

AN AGGRESSIVE DOG • Watch out for a dog that is leaning forward with one paw raised. • Barking – the lower the tone the more aggressive • Screaming or squealing can trigger a predatory response • Back away if the aggression doesn’t subside within 20 -30 seconds or the dog keeps advancing • Remember Watch your back. Dogs will usually try and attack you from behind*

KEY POINTS n The main trigger for an attack at this point is the speed at which you move n Give the dog plenty of opportunity to back off n If the owner is around, ask them to lock the dog away n Don’t trust the owner when they say “he won’t harm you”***

2001, Bull Mastiff, Male

CONTINUING ON • Be as fluent in your movements as possible • Don’t take your eyes off the dog at any point • Don’t stare directly at the dog • Don’t approach the dog, let it approach you • If the dog does approach you, don’t pat it and don’t say anything • If the dog approaches you barking, then the communication has already started*

TIPS • Don’t be fooled by a wagging tail • Tail elevation indicates the state of arousal • Ears up and forward show a confident dog • Ears back and flat show a fearful dog • Allowing scent investigation*

Common Mistakes • • • Reaching into a vehicle to pat a dog Approaching a leashed dog Patting a dog when you just shouldn’t have bothered Not realising there was more than one dog Under estimating the length and strength of the chain Being too confident around a known or familiar breed Acting aggressively Acting submissively Wearing a large and dark hat Wearing dark sun glasses Using repellents / high frequency*

INTERESTING INFORMATION ABOUT DOGS n Dogs don’t get lock jaw n There about 600, 000 dogs in NZ n Estimated we spend $225 million PA in NZ on dog food (2002) n 50% of dog bites result in scars (Bergen & De Hoff, 1974)*

When Someone is Bitten n n n Confine the dog or move the person to a safe area Stay calm Minor wounds can be washed thoroughly with warn soapy water and covered with a plaster For all wounds - seek medical advice because dog bites often become infected. The Dr will usually prescribe antibiotics and a tetanus Serious wounds – apply pressure with a clean towel to control the bleeding. Seek medical treatment If possible, keep the injury elevated; this helps to stop bleeding and slows swelling. Return to the Dr if you develop a fever or the wound becomes red & swollen. *

Report the Incident Where a dog acts aggressively, even if the dog does not bite n Advise colleagues of incidents and keep records n Expect a service. Something can always be done, even if only to advise the owner of the potential danger n Request that you be advised of the outcome* n

Sample Certificate

Dog Bite Safety Evaluation 1. What should the first response be to an aggressive display from a dog? Stand still 2. If you are carrying something and you are confronted by a dog, what should you do? Use it as a shield and not as a weapon 3. What should you do before approaching an aggressive dog? (trick question) You should not approach an aggressive dog. 4. If a display of aggression does not subside within 20 – 30 seconds, what should you do? Slowly back away, being careful not fall or make any sudden movements. 5. Explain the effects of eye contact. A dominant dog may consider it as a challange…………. . A fearful dog may consider it as a threat………………. . 6. What does a wagging tail mean? The dog has a willingness to interact 7. Why is a restrained dog still a risk? Restraints have been known to break. A restrained dog has a limited means to retreat / escape Name: Date: