Last week, within the general context of abnormal behaviour, we commenced the discussion on compulsive aggressive biting, and why some dogs tend to be more easily viciously aroused and prone to bite humans, other species, and even other dogs. The problem exists here in Guyana and elsewhere in the Caribbean, and is gaining prominence and becoming the subject of much discussion among veterinarians and caregivers.
Before we proffer some recommendations on prevention and reduction of vicious attacks by dogs, it is important that we make a distinction between dogs belonging to households in fenced yards and those that are roaming the streets – having been strayed/abandoned or as offspring of the strayed/abandoned. Within the latter group, a pack mentality evolves, within which a constant aggression emerges based primarily on an instinctive need to be literally the “Top Dog” (the Alpha male) of the pack — especially, but not only, during the mating season. These dogs will be aggressive towards each other, but also against the dogs (eg those being taken for a walk on a leash) which the pack considers to be a threat to the hierarchical structure of its wild and savage environment. I hasten to add that, from my experience, it is not uncommon for similar human behaviour to surface in lawless, ghetto-like sub-cultures, where survival of the fittest becomes, and is, a social imperative.
Further, one must recognise that, even in a group of dogs in a household of rules, the phenomenon of vicious fighting and biting is apparent. Interestingly, and in passing, I have observed female dogs taking up the mantle of matriarchal leadership of the household pack, especially if she has been spayed, or if she had produced bulls which are now sharing her space.
PREVENTION OF AGGRESSIVE BITING
Socialisation and Training
Enhancing socialisation and introducing tested and proven training methodologies are possibly the most important factors in making a pet well-adjusted, and less likely to demonstrate abnormal aggressive behaviour. Integration and positive interaction with humans (as well as with other pets), together with basic obedience training, supported by TLC, would counteract and correct negative traits (even those that may be genetically anchored) early in the animal’s life. The companion animal should then develop a balanced and tolerant personality, allowing the caregiver to later control any combative and vexatious temperament which might develop spontaneously and reactively to a perceived threat or intuition.
Isolation and Tethering
The Guyanese (and elsewhere in the Caribbean) custom of isolating (kenneling)/tether- ing one’s dog for unduly lengthy periods would lead to abnormal social behaviour in one’s companion pet. In Guyana, it is unlawful to so do. Yet, when members of humane societies act against this barbaric practice, more often than not, they are the ones persecuted, and not supported. This is unfortunate, and is quite an indictment on our society. Once reports are made, the law enforcers should intervene.
Tying a PitBull (or any breed) to a stake with a short leash for hours on end is torture to the animal, and creates great irritability. The same logic goes for keeping a dog incarcerated in a kennel for most of the day.
Can you imagine the vexatious mood that keeps building up within the dog? Should the kennel or the constraining leash/pole not be secure enough, allowing the imprisoned dog gratifying freedom. It is not a singular occurrence for the inherently strong and muscular animal to exercise its newfound freedom and, when possible, further jump over the fence, break open the fragile gate and proceed to “attack” a passerby. The latter, in turn, usually reacts in all possible ways, which further provokes the dog to injure the scared victim. This scenario took place on the Ogle Airstrip Road against a hapless plumber. His face was permanently disfigured. He was offered compensation by the dog’s owner. His lawyer advised him to sue for more than what was offered, but in the end, the plumber got next to nothing.
A similar situation occurred in Trinidad, where a blind man with his tapping stick was mauled to death by a PitBull who broke through his owner’s fragile fence and destroyed the perambulating pensioner. Laws have already been written relative to the rearing of PitBulls, but we must understand that any dog incapacitated for many hours could morph into a biter.
We shall continue this discussion next week.
