If you are involved in a dangerous situation, like a dog fight/dog attack, the most important and vital piece of information everyone on site needs to know immediately is -
Clearly shout out over the radio and repeat your location several times
"New Barn/Paddock/Yard/Car Park etc etc"
DO NOT WASTE TIME EXPLAINING WHAT THE SITUATION IS BEFORE EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE.
The 2 main things to remember…
In a dog fight scenario where a dog has gripped on to another dog and isn’t letting go, trying to pull them apart will cause more harm than good as you could rip arteries/veins/tendons.
Use all your strength to pin the attacking dog’s head so it cannot move its head at all and can’t cause any more damage.
We pin the attacking dog’s head to stop it from ragging - dogs rag other dogs to rip tendons / rip limbs/rip veins and arteries and ultimately kill the dog.
KEEP YOUR NECK AND FACE AWAY TO PROTECT YOURSELF
When Everyone Hears a Location Being Shouted over the Radio
Run straight to that location
If you are walking a dog when you hear the alarm - look after your own dog first
- Put it back in its kennel safely
- Do not panic and create a new situation
Once you have shouted your location several times - if you’re able to, give details what the incident is.
The dog being attacked will be screaming and yelping in pain. Don’t let that worry you - keep pinning them together until help arrives.
Once help arrives - the most effective way to get the attacking dog off IS TO CHOKE IT OFF.
- If it’s wearing a collar - twist it tight and hard around the top of its neck, until the dog begins to pass out.
- If it’s not wearing a collar - use a slip lead and wrap it around the highest point of its neck (the weakest part) and pull tight.
Once the attacker starts to lose consciousness and releases its grip, get it way clear of the other dog.
Revive it by stroking it rapidly, talking to it and massaging its neck area.
Be cautious in case it quickly wakes up and panics.
After the Incident
Thoroughly check over both dogs for injuries - take any injured dogs to the vet.
Please remember, the attacker is just as scared and will be just as shaken up. Take it for a calm walk off site to settle and calm it.
Please do not put it straight back in its kennel.
Make sure you don’t have any injuries yourself.