Suffolk breeder says training vital amid spate of dog-related attacks and injuries
The number of dog-related deaths and injuries is starting to reach record levels, according to experts.
Last updated 5th Feb 2023
The number of dog-related deaths and injuries is starting to reach record levels, according to experts.
Last year alone there were 10 fatal attacks.
Sarah Fryatt from Stowmarket is a groomer and breeder at Pet Grooming Barn, and Crowfield Puppies . She also has 11 dogs of her own.
She told us some dogs attack out of fear.
"I think there's a lot of things that can cause dogs to attack, but fear can be quite a major one.
"If a dog is scared, they tend to attack, it can be over food, guarding, and we have dogs that come into the groomers, and I can't touch the dogs around the owners. So protection can be something."
Sarah shared her own experiences with us where dogs have been aggressive.
"I've been bitten by a few dogs when I touch them in front of the owners
"Some dogs are predictable and we can read the body language.
"So certainly, while grooming dogs I can read most dogs and know when they're about to turn and have a go.
"But I've got a few clients that come in and the dogs are completely unpredictable.
"And it's very scary to groom them because you've got to go near their face with scissors and they just turn and there's no warning."
Sarah also told us how one dog can influence another dog to change its behaviour. Sarah's dog Maureen was attacked by another dog when they went to the pub.. This happened twice.
Maureen is now scared of other dogs and " now wants to attack every dog that comes within a meter of her."
Sarah has since been going to a dog trainer Zoe to help Maureen and get her confidence back, who gave her the following advice.
"Don't let other dogs get that close to her. Just give her space and work with her that way."
Sarah trains all of her dogs and believes others should do the same.
"It (being attacked) happened to be my dog, but it could have been a child, a person, a man wearing a hat. D
"There could be any reason why a dog would attack. But if people aren't keeping hold of their dogs, they've now ruined my dog as a result of them not keeping hold of their dog.
"So people need to be educated to keep hold of their dogs, keep their dogs secure.
"People do need to know their dogs, and they do need to train their dogs.
"Recall is is really important if you're somewhere and you want your dog to come back quickly.
"I like my dogs to respond to me and do what is asked of them. And I want to be in charge of my dogs, not the other way around.
"I want to walk my dog. I don't want my dog walking me.
"I love dogs. I adore dogs, but dogs are dogs.
"And they need to be treated as dogs. I have a whole pack of dogs at home, I have 11 dogs.
"And they all virtually all get along. Apart from Maureen now because she has this fear of other dogs. But she lives quite happily with my Labrador, and they're best friends. So she's not alone."
Sarah told us having her dogs trained brings a sense of comfort as she knows they will respond to her.
Long Hair Dachshund
Long Hair Dachund
Sarah is also passionate about keeping dogs on their leads.
"It's really important and there's a massive campaign going on about keeping dogs on leads in public places.
"Because everyone wants to let their dog off to have a run. But actually, no one can say 100% my dog is safe.
"I would never assume that my dogs are safe, that they're not gonna have a go at a person or another dog because you can't know that you, you can't know that.
"So I think dogs on leads is really important.
"Keep dogs on lead. Unless you rent one of these secure fields where you can go.
"There are hundreds of them now and they're secure, you can let your dogs off in there. They can't get to any other dogs or people.
"So I think people just need to be more vigilant and keep their dogs on a lead."