Talk to the Animals: What to do when dogs attack

Given the high risk to personal safety, should you try to save pets, people or wildlife from a dog attack? Photo / Thinkstock

The fatal dog attack on a fur seal recently was very disturbing for a number of reasons. The seal was in an area where dogs where prohibited, the offending dog was not under the owners control and nobody was able to intervene to save the baby seal - though an onlooker managed to take a series of rather sickening photos (albeit useful to identify the dog).

A dog attacks a baby fur seal on Muriwai Beach in Auckland on Friday 26 September 2014 . The seal died despite bystanders attempting to stop the attack. Photo / Bin Bai

Another serious attack in the news, this time on the dog's owner, had a better outcome following a quick thinking member of the public phoning emergency services and a brave police officer stepping in and quite possibly saving the young dog owners life.

Given the high risk to personal safety, should you try to save pets, people or wildlife from a dog attack? This is certainly a personal choice, some people will act on instinct and intervene regardless and others will choose not to risk injury. It goes without saying to always seek help should you choose not to get directly involved. I spoke to a leading dog trainer and behavior expert who made it very clear that there is no definitive way to stop an attack and there is always a good chance you will sustain some sort of injury.

The following methods may help to break the focus of the attacking dog, allowing the victim to be removed.

• Lift the attacking dog's hind legs off the ground and with arms outstretched keep moving backwards. This unbalances and disorients the animal.
• If a water bottle is at hand, shoot a jet of water into the dog's eyes.
• Use any item around the dog's face to distract while keeping hands clear.
• Use physical force on the attacking dog but this should be proportional to the situation.
• Throw a blanket over the dog.
• Aim a hose at the dog or use a bucket of water if available.

If other people are around, use them to help control the situation and keep others safe. They can be directed to:

• Dial 111 in serious attacks and always those involving people
• Call Animal Control
• Keep children away
• Remove the victim while the attacking dog is being distracted. Keep in mind that if the victim is another dog it is also likely to be aggressive.
• Secure the aggressor if possible
• If the victim is an animal, locate and contact a nearby vet and advise of incoming patient
• Gather information on the attacking animal and owner
• See if anyone has a first aid kit or suitable items to stop bleeding

In these high stress situations it is not just the attacking dog that can show aggression. Although it is important to collect as much information as possible about the dog and owner, try and remain calm so as not to cause a human altercation as well.

Photographing both dog and owner is very useful, however be subtle and avoid 'getting in peoples' faces'. Photographing the victim will also be useful should a prosecution ensue, as well recording names and contact details of witnesses to the attack.

How to prevent your dog being the attacker

All dogs can be unpredictable regardless of breed. It is important to know the limitations of your own dog and be conscious of this when out in public or in off-lead areas. To maintain both physical and verbal control over your dog requires an ongoing commitment to training, not just a one off obedience class.

In order to have reliable responses to basic commands, a short training session as part of your dogs daily exercise routine is invaluable. This also provides quality interaction with your pet, which is just as important for the animal as letting it run around a park or socialising with other dogs. Practicing recalls and maintaining a strong response despite distractions is extremely important.

Be aware and respectful of wildlife areas where dogs are prohibited or must be kept on a lead. There are plenty of places to exercise dogs without disturbing nesting birds or other vulnerable animals.

The dog that killed the baby fur seal was just doing what an unsupervised and uncontrolled dog does. The fault lies squarely with the person who allowed the situation to occur by choosing to ignore the responsibilities of dog ownership.

Anyone with information about the Murawai attack on the baby fur seal, can contact DoC on 0800 DOCHOT (0800 362468)