Pack mentality serious issue in dogs

How dogs behave by themselves and how they behave in a pack is different, says Hastings District Council animal control centre manager John Payne. Photo / File

With a number of dog-behaving-badly news stories baring their teeth of late, Hastings District Council's (HDC) John Payne has been talking pooch management.

The case that has drawn much attention was the double mauling at Whirinaki Beach, which has seen the council lay two charges of "dog attacks a person causing serious injury" under the Dog Control Act 1996. There is a pending court case for this incident, with one dog still in the centre's custody, its fate likely to be decided by the outcome of the case.

Mr Payne reassured the community it was rare for people to be confronted by a team of dogs as in this case.

A second occurrence saw council destroy a dog after a series of sheep attacks which left the owner $6000 out of pocket.

The animal control centre manager said the first attack highlighted a real issue - pack mentality is an issue because dogs behave differently together and alone.

"Just because you find your dog on the back doorstep in the morning, it doesn't mean he has been there all night," he said.

"When dogs get out, regardless of what their temperament is, if they team up with a bunch of dogs, it only needs one of them to start the mischief and the rest will follow.

"That is just pack behaviour and it is quite normal."

He has had people say to him that their Jack Russell terrier wouldn't act in that manner. "Well, we have seen incidents of Jack Russells involved in worrying stock - even something as big as a horse," he said. "If they team up - it is a little bit like people, I guess, when they get in with the wrong crowd."

Looking to prevention, Mr Payne said the best way to stop dogs exhibiting poor behaviour was to manage them properly.

"It is all about providing them with a really good environment, good exercise.

"Before you even get a dog, you need to understand what is the normal nature of that animal," he said. "And also to make sure you have the right facilities, the right feed and kennelling."

One of the biggest issues was often when people got a dog, they gave no thought to what it would require long term.

"They don't look to the future too much about what that is actually going to turn into and what its needs will be," he said.

"I think that is quite crucial because when you take on a dog you take on a 15-plus year commitment, and you have some fairly high-level responsibility."

Mr Payne offered advice for those who may find themselves in a situation where a dog could attack. "Stand still, but also don't let the dog get behind you," he said.

"If the dog goes behind you, just slowly circle with it as most dogs will bite you from behind.

"Try to avoid direct eye contact because for some dogs that is a challenge and for others it could make them a bit more fearful that you are sizing them up.

"And if you need to get away, slowly back away and try to get yourself behind a gate or through a door."

He said if anyone was wanting advice on an animal before they brought it home or more information on bite prevention techniques, the centre's doors were open.

"We are happy to talk to people to help them understand."

This service was free for individuals or groups, so if anyone was keen they could contact the council.