This hot topic has recently hit the headlines due to a rise in recent fatal dog attacks in the UK. The average number of dog-related deaths from 2001 to 2021 was 3.3 people, this shot up in 2022, as 10 people were killed by dogs. In 2023, in January alone, 2 people including a 4-year-old child, lost their lives to dog attacks. The number of people being hospitalised by dog attacks and needing serious interventions such as surgery, has also increased. Over 7000 people were admitted to hospital for dog bites between 2020-2021. 

Is there an explanation for the change in trends? Should the public act to keep our families safe, or is it time the government implemented new protective laws?

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We should consider if the socioeconomic pressures of the last few years have played a part in the rise of injuries and fatalities involving dogs. During the pandemic, people sought to introduce a new 4-legged member of the family to their households in droves. People were home more, valued the companionship dogs offer and it was thought people would have more time to invest in a new puppy than ever before. Is this the reality of what happened? Did inexperienced ownership contribute to the problem?

Does great demand lead to poor breeding?

The pandemic did see a rise in dog ownership, we now have over 12 million dogs in the UK. As your vet will attest, puppies have been entering clinics in their hundreds and clogging up already busy clinics with health checks, wellness exams, vaccinations, and neutering.

But what about the types of puppies we are seeing being bred? The quality of puppies simply can’t be maintained; with inexperienced breeders cashing in on the rising demand or overbred bitches being pushed to have another litter to fulfil the numbers on heavy waiting lists. Due to the pressures of supply and demand, perhaps less time was taken on health checking bitches, choosing them for a favourable temperament and positive physical health traits, and screening them where possible. Poorer breeding is likely a factor in why we are seeing a rise in less well-rounded dogs, able to cope with the stresses and strains of daily life. 

The great debate: Nurture or nature?

Is it all poor breeding that led to the increased risk of dog bites or is it lack of training, socialisation, and access to the outside? 

Whilst breeding of course had an impact on the temperament of the pup, poor socialisation will have been a significant factor. During lockdown we were not allowed to interact with other people due to attempts at limiting the spread and devastation of COVID-19. So neither were our puppies able to socialise as normal. Only allowed one walk a day (unless multiple adults walked the dog on different occasions per day). And at times, having restrictions on how far and how we explored, it was more difficult to get out and about to experience the world with these “lockdown puppies” as they’ve been nicknamed. As a result of the pandemic restrictions, puppies have been socially stunted, bored, frustrated, and become less emotionally stable individuals. 

Since the pandemic, of course, we are now able to socialise more freely and get out and about when we want. A lot of workplaces have welcomed staff back to offices; and so these puppies are now adolescents, at home, alone for perhaps the first time. This brings new challenges to our dogs than they have faced before. With new, inexperienced owners just now realising the responsibilities of dog ownership and navigating juggling this with work, are our dogs’ needs being met? 

What seemed like an ideal scenario, is perhaps now playing out less so for our canine companions. 

They’re a responsibility too.

It seems obvious, perhaps, to us seasoned dog owners that dog ownership comes with huge benefits, but also compromises and responsibilities. 

In exchange for supplying a clean, warm, dry, loving home with enough food, water, and playful interaction, our dogs shower us with unconditional love, loyalty, and humour. Dogs encourage us outside, to get fresh air and exercise, which is endlessly good for our mental and physical health. 

It’s not all fun, games, and puppy kisses though, as dogs need walking even in the dreariest of weather, come rain or snow. They have a knack for getting themselves in difficult situations, and sometimes need a trip to the vet. They slobber, vomit, wee, and poop often. Some are even partial to eating or rolling in a nice bit of fox poop. There’s the cost of vet bills, insurance, dog food, treats, and hoards of equipment, leads, collars, harnesses, and coats. Dog ownership is not for the faint-hearted. 

Talking of downsides, my husband’s phone isn’t littered with pictures of lovely days out anymore, but puppy poop for our “puppy poop diary”, whilst finding the right diet to suit his sensitive tummy. Talking of lovely days out, they now require planning. Is your destination dog friendly or do you need to work out a dog sitter? There is a lot more to consider than you might have at first thought. 

With the right understanding, they’re totally worth it though! 

What support is out there already to help new pet owners?

What’s important when deciding if a dog is right for your family, is considering if your lifestyle suits a dog; and if so, what breed. There are guides all over the internet to help you choose a pup that fits your family. Once you have that gorgeous bundle of fluff, it’s important to put in the time and effort to make sure they’re a well-rounded happy individual. 

The internet is littered with first-time dog owner guides, like that from the Blue Cross or PDSA, as well as rescue centres guides. The aim of the ownership guides is to inform and educate owners to bring up their puppies successfully and support them into adulthood. The guides also teach owners to look for body language cues and prevent potentially dangerous situations before they arise. 

Pre-empting potentially dangerous or triggering situations for dogs and understanding your dog’s body language is a skill for sure, should this skill be mandatory to seek out prior to dog ownership or should it be advised and supported?

What laws exist to protect the public already?

So, whose responsibility, is it? 

If you didn’t grow up around dogs, it is your responsibility to make sure you are safe around them. It is your responsibility to make sure others are safe around your dogs. 

Reportedly, 70% of dog bites happen in the home and 80% are involving dogs that the receiver is familiar with. 

There are always situations in which every dog will bite. However wonderful and well-trained your dog is, they will always have a breaking point. Owner training is almost as important as training the dog. If you are aware of the “ladder of aggression”, a system of communication dogs have developed to communicate with us that they are uncomfortable, fearful, or stressed, you should be able to prevent escalation of signs resulting in a bite/ injury. Predicting these situations can minimise dog bites. 

Children should ALWAYS be supervised around dogs. 

Children should not be expected to understand the complexities of dog behaviour and body language. It is an adult’s responsibility to make sure humans and animals are comfortable in their interactions. Teaching children to be around animals is of huge benefit to both parties and will lead to well-rounded adults and pets. There are a number of resources to introduce gentle pet handling and being respectful around dogs to children which should be considered. This is one such resource I’ve discovered – Dog Bite Prevention Program: SAFE – Free materials for kids.

Conclusion

Training and socialisation are necessary for any dog breed. If owners don’t acknowledge the seriousness of a dog’s requirements for boundaries and teaching, they could raise a potentially dangerous dog that could hurt or even kill another person. The government needs to recognise the increased rise in the number of dogs owned and the pressures of dog ownership; supporting good training and safety, in response to the increased number of dog-related injuries and fatalities in recent times; ultimately it is the public’s responsibility to keep each other safe. 

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