Hounded by a hound

Q: A dog broke off a chain and attacked our friend's dog as we were going for a walk. The dog had her by the neck and wouldn't let go. My wife was kicking the attacking dog to try to get it off, but this wasn't working. The owner came over and pried the dog off by forcing her hand into the dog's mouth. Our friend's dog ended up with several cuts on her neck and ear. What should you do if a dog attacks? What's the best way to subdue it?

Simon, NSW.

This is a very serious situation. On the one hand, breaking up a dogfight puts you at risk of being harmed. On the other, a dog's life may be at stake, or even worse, the victim could be a small child. So here's how you can safely take charge of the situation.

What you should do

Animal trainer Steve Austin advises picking the dog's back legs up by the hocks, one in each hand, and pulling it away, walking backwards. Steve says in 99 per cent of cases the dog will
let go, and usually it will then move off.

When the dog releases, walk away quietly - never run - and always keep an eye on the attacking dog. Don't let the victim run off either as the dog may give chase. If you can, try to put an object, such as a suitcase or chair, between the victim and the dog.

Alternatively, if you're the one being attacked, you should make fists and tuck them under your chin then stay as still as a statue. If the dog knocks you over, roll into a tight ball, cover your head and stay quiet and still. The dog will most likely get bored and go away.

What you shouldn't do

Whatever you do, never go to the front end of the dog. Never grab it by the scruff and don't put your hand in its mouth. Try to stay calm as screaming, stamping and hitting the dog makes things worse.

Prevention is the key

The best option is to stop attacks happening in the first place. We are essentially a pet-friendly nation with 91 per cent of pet owners regarding their pet as an important part of the family.

But dogs bite more than 100,000 Australians a year, with about 16,000 people being treated at public hospitals and another 2000 suffering severe injuries and needing reconstructive surgery.

All dogs, large or small, can bite and injure. Invariably, dogs that fight are inadequately trained, not properly restrained or are with people (albeit well-meaning) who lack knowledge about dog behaviour and control.

Owners should research their dog, buy from respected breeders and get at least basic training for the animal. Children and adults in the family should also be well-educated about the pet.

The RSPCA, The Delta Society and the Petcare Information and Advisory Council have already developed and implemented a new pet education program for Australian schools. It's been a success so see if your school will run it.

And remember, most dogs bite each other or people because neither adults nor children have been taught about appropriate behaviour around them. So it's your job to prevent this from occurring.

For more pet advice, check out the latest issue of New Idea - on sale now!