Dogs Trust Resources

There are some good resources available to print off for children on the Dogs Trust "Learn With Dogs" site that tell them how to stay safe around dogs.
http://www.learnwithdogs.co.uk/downloads/74_staysafe.pdf
http://www.learnwithdogs.co.uk/downloads/75_staysafe2.pdf

Rehome A Dog

There are lots of dogs, especially Staffordshire bull terriers, that need rehoming. This is sometimes because people have got them to look intimidating, and they're not aggressive. Thousands of dogs from shelters end up being put down because they've been at the shelter for so long and haven't been rehomed.
Please rehome a dog instead of buying from a breeder.
Support 'No-Kill' shelters, such as Dogs Trust, that don't put healthy dogs down.

You can rehome a dog from:
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/
http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/
http://www.battersea.org.uk/

The Kennel Club's Response

From: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/928

"The Kennel Club believes that existing breed specific legislation fails to protect the public and must be overhauled to place greater responsibility on dog owners and remove the huge welfare implications affecting dogs deemed to be of a certain type.

The Kennel Club acts as the secretariat for the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations. The Kennel Club and DDASG have had considerable input to a carefully considered new ‘Dog Control Bill’ put forward by Lord Redesdale, currently progressing through the House of Lords. Lord Redesdale’s Bill embodies the principle of ‘deed not breed’ and opposes breed specific legislation. It also covers private property and looks to introduce ‘dog control notices’ as a means of preventing dog attacks."

You can sign the Kennel Club's petition at:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/repeal-and-replace-the-dangerous-dogs-act.html

How to Handle a Dog Attack

http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack

1. I know this is common sense, but don't aggravate the animal.

• Avoid smiling at the dog. You may be trying to be friendly, but dogs see this as a sign of aggression.

• Dogs that have been tethered up for a long period of time are more likely to be aggressive, so don't come within their reach.

2. Look for the warning signs.
Don't ignore them because you think the breed is harmless or friendly.

• If the dog approaches you with its head held high or low, it is probably not going to attack. A dog whose head is level means business.

• A loping gait means the dog is playful and checking you out. An even, steady run means business.

3. Have a block.

You will need to block in case of a dominant move, and Never hesitate! The dog will see this as a sign of weakness. If this dog is in the sliding zone (zone where the dog is slowly becoming harder to tame)Is the best time where it's bearing it's teeth. Use your leg or a stick or something around that size to block the dog's teeth from reaching you.

4. Remain calm.

• Never run.

• Control the situation. Remember that most dogs are in subjugation to humans. A commanding "Down!" or "Go Home!" may stop an attack momentarily, giving you time to back away.

• Assume a non-threatening position.

• Avoid eye contact.

• Standing sideways to the dog and keeping the dog in your peripheral vision instead of facing them and making eye contact, will signal to the dog that you are not a threat.

• If you can, fold your arms tightly to protect hands. If this cannot be effected without making sudden movements, keep your arms flat and still by your sides with clenched fists to protect fingers.

• In dog pack behavior, turning away does not indicate that you are submissive, but rather not positioned to attack the dog.

Please sign the Care2 petition

Please sign the Care2 petition below:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/please-change-the-dangerous-dogs-act/

"When I started up my YouTube video about dangerous dogs, I got more interest than I thought I would, so I've decided to start a petition.
I think the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 should be changed, because I don't think it's effective. Just because a dog is a breed that is included in the act, doesn't mean that they are all aggressive. And, just because a dog isn't included in the act, doesn't mean there aren't dangerous members of the breed.
I think it's unfair and unethical that dogs that are pitbulls, for example, could be put down, even if they haven't attacked anyone, just because the law is against them.
I think more responsibility should be put on the owners, especially if they've been using them to fight, and that the breed ban should be lifted, in favour of better education for dog owners and children, so that they don't approach an unknown dog before they know they are safe."