How Do You Avoid A Dog Attack? One Way Is To Not Chain A Dog For Long Periods Of Time

I believe everyone has heard of, read about or even witnessed a vicious dog attack on a person at some time. Unfortunately, many times it is a child who is the victim, which makes it even more tragic. What causes these attacks and can we prevent them?

There are several possible causes of dog attacks. The main one that comes to mind is an attack by a dog that is chained up to an inanimate object. Dogs are naturally social animals and have many of the emotions that are similar to what people have. To leave a dog of any age chained to a tree, doghouse, fence or other object is tantamount to isolating a human from contact with other humans. After a period of time of this isolation it is possible that the normal behavior and temperament of either dog or human will change for the worse. A dog may see his small space as his own and challenge anyone who comes within his reach, protecting what little he has.

Another reason dogs have to be vicious while chained is the fact that aggression is their only source of protection. They can't run away from anything they feel threatened by. Between their two options of fight or flight, their flight option has been taken away from them. So the only option they have left is to fight.

Dogs also like to migrate, moving from one place to another, whether it is by walking with their person or traveling on their own excursions. They need physical activity to stay sane and balanced. A dog left unattended for great lengths of time on a chain does not get this badly needed exercise and will try to find other outlets for the unreleased energy. He may choose to dig holes or chew up anything within reach. He may also fiercely guard his area, barking and lunging, hoping to break free of his bonds.

In this type of situation, the obvious way of preventing a dog attack is by staying out of reach of any strange dog attached to any object by a chain. Children should be kept away from ANY dog that is chained up, even if it is a family dog. Occasionally a chained up dog will view a small child as a threat to his space, perhaps viewing the child as just another small animal to compete with over personal boundaries.

It is unfortunate that any dog should ever have to be kept tied up at all. It goes against every natural ounce of their being - mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. The best way to prevent a dangerous attack by a chained up dog is to never chain it up in the first place. The dog that is now aggressive after years on a chain could have been a wonderful, loving, totally trustworthy dog if not for the isolation and confinement he was condemned to.

This is just one reason for a dog attack. There are many more. For now, though, if you own a dog being kept on a chain, please try to come up with some kind of an alternative. This could mean putting up a fence, taking her to a dog day care facility where she can interact with other dogs, or taking her for walks on a regular basis. Please reconsider keeping such a social being on a chain and prevent a possible dog attack.

If you need to walk near a dog who is chained up and aggressive, be sure to carry with you some form of protection in case the dog does get loose and attempts to attack you. This can include an umbrella, which will startle a dog when opened abruptly, or a can of canine pepper spray which will, if sprayed into the face of an advancing vicious dog, scare it away. Never assume that just because a dog is chained up, you are safe at a distance. There is always the possibility of the chain, rope, cable or collar breaking and the dog getting loose. Be safe and always alert to your surroundings.

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