SHOULD YOU TRUST A TAIL-WAGGING DOG?
" Most dog bites could be avoided as there are usually tell-tale signs before an attack", says Dr. Roger
Mugford of the Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, England. "Dogs are sophisticated communicators
and they have a language that people have to learn."
Mugford of the Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, England. "Dogs are sophisticated communicators
and they have a language that people have to learn."
Does a wagging tail mean the dog is friendly?
- A wagging tail simply indicates that the dog attached to it is alert, interested or excited - it may or may not be friendly. A dog might be excited about seeing someone it likes, getting its dinner, or taking on an attacker.
- A submission or scared dog will tuck its tail between its legs.
- A friendly dog will wag in a relaxed way. This will put the whole back half of the body in motion.
- A dog whose tail is up, stiff and rapidly swishing back and forth is displaying dominance and should be treated with caution.
If a dog looks threatening ...
- Stand still. This does not threaten a dog and without the stimulus of your motion, the dog may feel that the game is over and lose interest.
- If you run, your motion will set off a dog's chase-and-attack instincts.
- If you run, a dog will catch you. The fastest humans can run at just over 20 miles per hour, and a large dog can bound after you at between 25-40 miles per hour. Even a Chihuahua can overtake you.
You should never look an aggressive dog in the eye ...
- Direct eye contact often communicates dominance or a challenge to a dog. Avoiding eye contact will help send a non-threatening message to the dog.
- Avert your eyes, as the key to your safety is to act like a subordinate dog.
- Do not turn your back. If a dog gets behind you, it may feel you are weak and attack.
- Watch the dog from the corner of your eye and stand slightly sideways as well as standing still.
- Do not panic.
- Do not scream.
- Talk in a soothing manner - loud sounds may make the dog more aroused.
- Stand still until the dog moves away, and then back out of its territory - always keep the dog in front of you.
The best way to greet a strange dog is to ...
- Put it at ease.
- Let it take the initiative and wait for it to notice you.
- Keep your upper body erect, and allow the dog to approach.
- If it is a small dog, you might want to squat, which is less threatening because you are at its level and not towering over it.
- Talk to the dog in a cheerful voice.
- Stoke its chest or shoulder, rather than its head or neck. Most dogs dislike being patted on the head as they find it irritating and sometimes frightening.
Does a dog's territory stop at its own property?
- No. Dogs do not recognise human property boundaries.
- A dog will regard streets and pavements adjacent to its owner's house and garden as home grounds, so passers-by are the most common victims of attack.
Chaining a dog can make it more dangerous ...
- In a high percentage of serious bites, especially of very young children, the dog was either chained or broke loose from a chain.
- A tied dog may become frustrated and you should be extremely cautious in approaching one these animals.
Which age group gets bitten the most?
- Between 35% and 55% of dog-bite victims are aged under 16.
- Never leave a baby alone with any dog. An infant's movements and sounds may stimulate some dog's predatory instincts.