Dog attacks are usually initiated by ‘resident dogs’
As I write this, I just finished reading about the death of an 81-year-old man and the injury of his 74-year-old wife from a horrific dog attack. I am sickened over this tragic loss of life. These dogs had broken out of their yard and attacked them as they exited their car to visit friends. Nothing will ever be the same for them, especially regarding dogs.
I am angry, too, because there are dog owners who don’t socialize, spay or neuter, or train their dogs. Those same dog owners may not let their dogs in the house or boot them out the door each morning to wander the neighborhood as they head to work. These dogs are often called “resident dogs” by people in the animal welfare field because they are not being raised as family pets. “Family dogs” are dogs that are part of the family. They live in the home and learn to be around people. Resident dogs live on the property and not with the family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says dogs tied up outside that are male and not neutered are three times more likely to bite. So, it’s no surprise; it’s the owner, not the dog, at fault in these cases.
Sadly, some dog owners don’t think twice about letting their dogs roam or don’t reinforce fencing to keep them safely in their yards. I recently got a letter from Bobby about four dogs roaming his neighborhood. The dogs chased adults and children throughout the day. Animal Care Services eventually picked up the dogs, but no one should have to tolerate loose dogs on their streets.
So, what can you do if a loose or stray dog approaches? We teach children to stand still like a tree, so the dog loses interest and goes away. If the dog gets aggressive, they are also taught to drop like a rock with their faces to the ground and their arms over their heads. These techniques may discourage a friendly dog from going away but are not foolproof for an aggressive dog. Someone asked me today if they should run. If you have only a few feet to run to get inside a car, house, or yard or jump onto the top of your car or anything else that will separate you from the approaching dog, then yes, run. Any farther distance and a dog will outrun you. You could carry pepper spray if you live in a neighborhood where stray dogs are the norm. It’s not foolproof, either.
What is as close to foolproof as you can get? Dog owners must raise dogs as part of the family and not leave them outside as resident dogs. No one should ever have to experience what this family is going through.