Dog attacks: who is to blame?

Two vicious dog attacks on the Dolphin Coast over the past week have caused alarm over out-of-control guard dogs.

First a dog mauled its owner and then two others attacked a jogger on the beach.

In the first incident, an elderly lady was walking her four-year-old Rottweiler, a Jack Russell and a Border Collie in Salt Rock last Thursday, when two of the dogs started fighting.

When she tried to separate them, the Rottweiler turned on her, causing extensive damage to her left arm, right leg, neck, back and chest.

A man across the road heard the woman’s screams and shot the dog dead in order to rescue her.

The woman is in hospital undergoing surgery.

The second attack happened to a 30-year-old man on Monday.

He was jogging on Tinley Manor Beach when two dogs reported to be Pit Bulls charged him, causing severe injuries to his legs and arms.

Neither of the victims wanted to be named and are recovering in hospital.

The debate

Tempers flared in the community over these incidents, but people generally blamed the owner, not the dogs or their breeds.

Commenting on the The North Coast Courier Facebook page, Niki Maritz said that any breed, whether big or small, will attack if they have not been properly trained, are subjected to abuse or neglect or when aggressive behaviour is encouraged by owners.

“Please stop blaming specific breeds and look at the owner instead,” said Maritz and many others.

Ballito-based dog trainer, Scott Farlam said one of his biggest concerns with working breeds is the number of poorly bred animals.

“Protection dogs like German Shepherds and Rottweilers have had poor traits like aggressive temperaments bred into them.

“Aggressive behaviour often coincides with nervous aggression.

“Any good breeder will know that the most successful protection dogs possess the exact opposite – confidence.

“Having said that, it is naive to believe that there are stereotypical behavioural traits in any particular breed of dog and that there should never be a negative reaction like this from a particular breed of dog.”

Farlam said there were a number of factors that played a part in the training and upbringing of a dog.

“Dogs are pack animals and thus form part of a complex hierarchy.

“We as a dog’s care giver are responsible for the role of the Alpha in the pack and as part of our responsibility we provide food, shelter, love and discipline.

“No balanced dog will ever, and I repeat myself, ever, attack its owner!”

Rottweilers are they a misunderstood breed?

Sam Jacobs from Friend of the Rottweiler Rescue and Rehome said rotties were the most registered dog with the Kennel Union of South Africa for 2016, yet they are a heavily misunderstood breed.

“Research shows they are not even in the top ten breeds who are responsible for most of the dog bites that take place.”

While they are a powerful dog with huge potential which can become both good and bad, Jacobs said their upbringing, environment, health conditions and genetic factors can heavily influence their behaviour.

“Raised correctly, socialised and trained by means of positive reinforcement and reward, Rotties are the best breed in the world.

“Many people are attracted to the breed for security – however we prefer to refer to them as companion and family dogs.

“While they offer an element of protection due their incredible loyalty, no dog is of any use if they are left in the yard – they can be shot, stabbed or poisoned and stand no chance against a gun.”

Jacobs said the number of Rotties surrendered to them has rocketed this year.

“We have been getting an average of 18 dogs to rehome each month this year.

“This high number is due to the financial climate which accounts for 50% of our surrenders, while the balance comes from homes that can no longer handle the reality a 55kg Rottweiler brings.

“They make incredibly gorgeous puppies but very few socialise and train them and then end up with problems later.”

Prevention is the best way

While there is often the misconception that adopting an adult dog is problematic because one does not know its history, animal behaviorist Mari Borain of Goodpet said regardless of the age, a behavioral assessment should be done.
“Each case is an individual. There are registered and qualified behaviorists and trainers out there with years of experience and those are the people you should be calling on as a matter of protocol. That simple.

“Find a professional and make an appointment. They will see the signs before the owner does and they can help desensitize and assist the owner in preventing ugly situations,” said Borain.

Borain also said there was no hard and fast rule with dog fighting.

“Once a true dog fight starts, adrenaline takes over and chaos normally takes over with many injuries.

“It is ugly and destructive and really prevention – through learning from your companion animal professionals – is the best way.”

Socialise your puppy 

One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is not socialising their animals.

Puppy and obedience classes as your dog matures into adulthood are an essential step to avoiding problems later on.

A common misconception is that if a dog is friendly with your family or other dogs you own it will not become agressive with strangers if they escape your yard or other dogs at the beach or park.

There are a number of trainers available on the Dolphin Coast. Enquire at your local vet for details.

The Forest Hills German Shepherd Club Ballito meets every Saturday morning at Townsend park.

All dog breeds are welcome.

Contact chairperson Gaby Lyle on 082 925 6481.

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