In The Doghouse
Jackie Drakefordwww.shootingtimes.co.uk
Dogs That Bite
We expect more
of our dogs than we do of any other domestic animal. We understand
that large livestock can be dangerous. If we get kicked, bitten, butted,
trampled or gored, the fault is ours for miscalculating a situation or putting
the animal ina position where it wants to take us on. We know that
a difference of opinion with cats, rabbits and smaller pets will result in
bites and scratches, some severe. All these creatures we respect and
tet a dog is expected never to utter a sound or lift a lip in its own defence,
no matter what the provocation. And if it bites, it must die.
What is our fear of the dog bite? It causes no more injury than bites from other animals. Possibly it is a throeback to the time when rabies was endemic here, though other rabid animals carry and spread the disease. Time was when a dog was allowed one bite by law, but not now.
For most breeds, the step towards biting a human is a huge one, but once that barrier is crossed, people fear other bites may follow. Dogs never bite without a reason, though humans can be remarkably dense about a situation escalating towards a bite.Most biters can be managed, if not cured, but the owner has to be utterly commited to that management. Rehoming the dog is rarely an option, for though it is easy enough to manage a biter, most people with sufficient experience and dedication have enough dogs already, or else do not want the hassle. Sadly, it is rare that the right lessons are learned from this experience; maybe people don't like to acknowledge how badly the dog has been let down.
What is our fear of the dog bite? It causes no more injury than bites from other animals. Possibly it is a throeback to the time when rabies was endemic here, though other rabid animals carry and spread the disease. Time was when a dog was allowed one bite by law, but not now.
For most breeds, the step towards biting a human is a huge one, but once that barrier is crossed, people fear other bites may follow. Dogs never bite without a reason, though humans can be remarkably dense about a situation escalating towards a bite.Most biters can be managed, if not cured, but the owner has to be utterly commited to that management. Rehoming the dog is rarely an option, for though it is easy enough to manage a biter, most people with sufficient experience and dedication have enough dogs already, or else do not want the hassle. Sadly, it is rare that the right lessons are learned from this experience; maybe people don't like to acknowledge how badly the dog has been let down.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.