Derbyshire Area News - Derby and South Derbyshire Ramblers

Derbyshire Area News—Winter 2012/13DEALING WITH DANGEROUS DOGSKate Lee-D&SD Chair - has sent in this useful information for if you are ever confrontedby a less than friendly dog. One hopes that it will never happen but being aware ofhow to react is helpful—after all, unless you are comfortable with dogs, would youknow how to react?A few weeks ago I was contacted by a walker who had been attacked by a farmer’sdog (an Alsatian) on a local footpath. His companion had the presence of mind to puthis map holder in the dog’s mouth as it came to bite, which it dutifully did. With theproliferation of aggressive-type dogs as pets and dog attacks on the increase, it setme thinking about the best way to behave if ever faced with an aggressive dog.Here’s advice I’ve sourced from veterinary surgeons and the RSPCA.If a dog runs towards you but is not barking or growling, it may just be checkingyou out and after a quick sniff to determine you are no threat may leave you alone.Stand still and let it sniff. Do not try to touch it, or make sudden movements, butspeak reassuringly. Keep standing still and it will lose interest and leave.If it is barking or growling, it considers you a threat and will be unlikely to leave.Study a dog's reaction to you. If it stiffens up, holds it tail high, snarls and stares atyou then be on your guard. If it shows its teeth it may be safest to go no further.Stop walking towards the dog. Stay calm (slow and deepen your breathing).Make no sudden movements: Stand still and put your hands in pockets becausethey like to get hold of something,Never run because the dog will always overtake you. Move away slowly anddon't make any sudden movements. Do not turn your back, stand sidewayslooking slightly away watching the dog out of the corner of your eye.Avoid eye contact because it is confrontational. Don't approach the dog.Speak in a friendly, confident manner re-assuring the dog you mean no harm,to lessen the dog’s fear. Do not yell or scream or try to shoo the dog away.Stay on your feet and do not corner yourself.If the dog attacks fend off rather than fight back, put something between youand the dog i.e. a coat, walking stick, rucksack, map holder!If a dog does bite you, do not pull away because that will tear the flesh, butshout for help. If you or someone else can, slide something strong betweenthe jaws. (A walking stick seems ideal).28