Dog Behaviour Can't Be Cured

May 2012 | Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE      28 May 13

For immediate release

 

NSW MAN LEFT IN HOSPITAL AFTER SUNDAY’S DOG ATTACK

SPARKS SERIOUS CALLS FOR PREVENTION

 

In light of the most recent dog attack in Sydney this week, where 3 American Staffordshire terriers attacked a 49-year-old man as he was jogging on Sunday, has raised the issues of anti social and dangerous dogs once again. 

The injuries inflicted by the dogs almost took the joggers life, which has Adelaide Veterinary Behaviour Services urging pet owners to acknowledge that anti-social behaviours in dogs can have dramatic effects. 

Dr Tracey Henderson, Adelaide’s leading veterinarian with a special interest in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine says that if owners are unsure about their dog’s behaviour they need to seek appropriate professional help.

“While this horrendous attack was more unusual, with the three dogs forming a pack to attack the jogger, any dog can inflict appalling injuries” Dr Henderson said from her Adelaide based animal behaviour practice.

“It can be hard for many owners to accept that their beloved pet could be responsible for such an act, but often the signs are already there.  Sometimes owners just need some guidance to spot them” she continued.

Whatever a dog was originally bred for, whether it be hunting, fighting or companion, any dog can bite. It is the dog that bites, not the breed.

“Many people do not understand that when they choose a dog to be a family member, there is still potential for that dog to bite. Type of breed does play an important factor, however the impact of the environment and learning are critical to the behaviour of a dog. We urge potential dog owners to “think before they buy” – do their research on the breed, be educated on what temperaments to look for in both parents of the puppy, as well as the puppy itself. And most importantly we want to educate dog owners on providing the ideal ‘framework’ for their puppy to enable it to have the best chance of becoming a ‘sociable well-mannered dog’. At our practice we constantly see dogs that are out of control with major behaviour issues.  A small behaviour issue can snowball to a big one very quickly” explained Dr Henderson. 

“The fact that dog attacks have increased over the past decade is a problem.  We truly believe that dog attack incidents can be reduced in our community if we can educate owners on what signs to look for with their dogs, and teach them how to manage their dogs appropriately. We need to prevent dog attacks.”

If owners are worried about their dog’s behaviour, in particular if it has shown signs of aggression, then they are urged to seek veterinary advice or advice from veterinarian with further interest in behavioural medicine.

 

After this press release, Tracey and Tracy were approached by Channel 7 news and their interview was shown on Thursday May 30th. 

To view the interview click here

 

Media Notes:

Available for interview: Dr Tracey Henderson: 0488 038 054
Other media enquiries: Vision & photos can be arranged through the AVBS
Issued on behalf of AVBS by: Sarah Harris Communications  (0411 755 873)