Understanding dog attacks on humans
'A dog is the victim of its environment, it reacts according to the way it was bred and raised'
WITH a staggering 7.5 million estimated dogs in the country, South Africa comes in at 11 on a list of 20 countries with the highest dog population in the world.
That is according to online pet insurance company, PetSecure.
It therefore comes as no surprise that dog attacks on humans are becoming an increasingly common occurrence.
‘Research has shown that only 2% of dog attacks are a result of a neurological problem within the animal, while 98% of the time it is the way in which the dog was raised,’ said Empangeni Dog Club trainer Lynne van den Heuvel.
She is a registered animal behavioural specialist with 34 years’ experience in dealing with and training dogs.
She spoke to the ZO in the wake of a number of dog attacks recorded throughout the country this month.
Kayla Madden (9) was earlier this month savagely attacked by a Pit Bull in Hillcrest, which resulted in her death.
Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant last week launched an investigation into a dog attack in Cape Town in which a domestic worker was viciously mauled.
In another incident this month, an Empangeni mother had to undergo reconstructive surgery to save damaged tissue on her calf after she was mauled by an American Bulldog.
All three cases resulted in the dogs being euthanised as they could pose a threat to society.
‘Train me, don’t blame me…’
Not referring to any specific case, Van den Heuvel said a dog is the victim of its environment and reacts according to the way it was bred and raised.
‘The problem we are facing, especially in South Africa, is the act of backyard breeding or cross breeding.
‘Another issue is the fact that people feel dogs are a cheap alarm system, solely raised to protect their homes and their owners.
‘A dog will not protect its owner or an owner’s property if the bond between the dog and the owner is not strong.
‘One way of strengthening this bond is by introducing your dog, when it’s still a puppy, to as many positive experiences as possible.
‘You can’t keep your dog locked up in your yard and expect it to be happy, especially bigger, working breeds. They need exercise, stimulation and interactions with other environments.
‘This is another reason why a dog would attack someone. It is frustrated because it lacks stimulation and by being stuck in the backyard for most of its life, it has not been properly socialised,’ said Van den Heuvel.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Dog put down after attack in Empangeni
Avoiding attacks
Van den Heuvel said there are a few preventative measures to keep in mind when faced with a dangerous situation with a vicious dog.
‘Dogs constantly give off calming signals (looking away, sniffing or yawning) which we humans are completely unaware of, so we constantly put dogs under pressure and they react aggressively.
‘I think the most common one we hear is that you should never make direct eye contact.
‘Dogs feel threatened by this and will be forced to take up the challenge.
‘You should never run. I know that’s easier said than done, but a dog will always chase someone who turns around and runs away.
‘You should rather remain still, hold your hands up over your head as if you are making a V, look away, remain silent and stay still.
‘This makes you seems bigger and by looking away, you are giving a calming signal as in ‘I don’t want conflict’ and hopefully the dog will respect this body language and not react aggressively,’ she said.
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