SubscriberWrites: Understanding stray dogs, being prepared key to reducing attacks on people

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In recent months, there have been many cases of dogs attacking people of all ages. According to WHO, every year about 55 thousand people lose their lives due to rabies after dog bites. Most cases of dog bites occur in Asia and Africa. About 30 to 60 percent of rabies cases and deaths from rabies in India are in children under 15 years of age.

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The recent death of a five-year old child in Hyderabad after being mauled by stray dogs has sent shock waves across the country. The video was too heart-wrenching. A few years ago in Virginia, USA, a young woman was bitten to death by her two pit bulls whom she had brought up since her childhood.

A British law of 1991 with respect to dangerous dogs says that dog-lovers need to be careful. The dangerous species named by the law are: American Pit-bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Bulldog, Bull Mastiff, Siberian Husky and Doberman. In general, certain things must be kept in mind before raising a dog. Dogs often become aggressive because of fear. The smaller the dog, the more vulnerable it is. If dogs feel insecure, they get scared, showing aggressive behaviour. This applies to humans too, and it would be wrong to blame only dogs.

Dogs can become violent in new and unfamiliar situations. They are more cautious with strangers. Especially when it comes to doctors and their care-takers. If you suddenly wake a dog from sleep, by making noise or startling it, it becomes aggressive. The saying in English: ‘let the sleeping dog lie’ is very meaningful.

The rule is not to get too close to a dog without the consent/knowledge of the owner of the dog. If you suddenly encounter some furious dogs on the road, just face them. Do not run away. They may go back after sniffing. Running is not acceptable to them, because no matter how big an athlete you are, you cannot run faster than dogs.

There is a need to be very careful with the female dogs with puppies. The responsibility of looking after young ones makes her irritable. Her maternal instinct has to be respected; otherwise she will bite. Teach children to be very careful before touching/adopting small puppies. Somewhere, from around the corner, their mother keeps an eye on them. Dogs can become aggressive when they have an illness. If they are in pain due to some injury or some internal problem, they can attack. It is important to be careful while touching an injured dog.

While driving a car, bicycle or scooter, dogs often start chasing the driver or the vehicle. If you are on a bicycle, and several dogs follow you, stop, stand and wait till they go away. Probably, the dog will smell you and go after something more interesting. If you are in the car, slow down the speed. Dogs often die getting run over by vehicles. 

Don’t separate fighting dogs. If necessary, try to keep your hands away from their mouth. Otherwise, it is better that you shout or use water to separate them from each other. Do not tease dogs by blowing into their mouth, picking up a sleeping dog and hugging it—you may find it amusing, but the dog doesn’t. 

Stay away from dogs while they are eating. Be a little careful before touching his owner whom he loves very much. Dogs always protect their place. Don’t go near their eating utensils. If they are attached to their bed, be careful when touching or removing their bed.

Dogs are generally very agitated during noisy festivals. A study has shown that when dogs bite children, they often attack their lips, nose or cheeks according to their height. Many times if the carotid artery is cut, the child may also die.

Children try to pick up the dog, pet it, or wave at it. Dogs see this as a threat. It’s important to understand their body language. If a dog licks its lips, pulls its ears back, tucks its tail between its legs, then it could be a sign of aggressive mood. Children do not understand this. If he shows his teeth, he is aggressive. Don’t thing he is smiling.

It’s advisable to hire a trainer to teach a dog good habits. Please remember that it is a member of a different species, he can become a very good and loving friend, can follow you like a shadow, can be very sad when separated. But he also has the potential to be aggressive.

We cannot fully understand it. Our language is not the same. Dogs only have body language and understanding it calls for patience and study. It is not enough just to adopt a dog. Bring it into your life, at home, but also try to understand and listen to it.