Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.
By Tristram Clayton
Most people's reaction if attacked by a dog is to run away, but it is not always the right strategy.
The lunchtime joggers were out in force in Christchurch's Hagley Park today, and dog attacks are never far from their mind. Dog experts say unprovoked attacks are rare, but when they do occur the results can be serious.
In 2007 a Murupara woman was killed in a dog attack, and there have been numerous occasions where children have been seriously injured by dogs.
So what should you do if confronted by an aggressive dog?
"First of all, don't panic," says Dan Abdelnoor, dog behaviourist. "Stay calm. Stay relaxed, and don't invite the dog to you by looking at it, turning towards it, moving towards it, speaking towards it."
And if it does attack?
"Try to put something between you and the dog - a tree or a tree stump. The other thing you can do is carry with you an umbrella, a stick, even a jacket or a jumper, or a bag - something that you can swing and throw at the dog to get it to clear away.
"The other thing is to stand up strong, tall, relaxed confident - and just say calmly to the dog, 'go away'."
Doctors warn that if you are bitten, try not to pull away - as this can increase the damage. A dog bite tears, so if you pull away, it can rip even more.
And if all that doesn't work, you can always try a' dazer'. It can be bought online for around $55, and produces an ultrasonic frequency audible only to dogs. It can be used to fend off unwanted canine attention up to six metres away.
Former meter reader Ian Johnson bought one after he was attacked on the job. He says the daser has saved him from even highly-aggressive dogs.
"He was a bull-type terrier, and he wasn't in any sort of mood to even be talked to," says Mr Johnson, "and I used to wear my daser on my belt, and I picked it up and just gently pushed the button and the dog disappeared. Gave me enough time to exit."
Animal behaviourists are divided over the effectiveness of the daser, with some saying it can actually provoke dogs.
But despite the danger from roaming dogs, experts say the biggest threat comes from dogs closely connected to the victim.
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