A Fresno veterinarian offers some insight into avoiding dog attacks after two huskies left fourteen sheep dead in Madera County on 2/20//2015.
Dr. Stephanie Scheidt say it's natural instinct to try and herd in some dogs and not all of them are protective especially if it's more than one dog because they work as a group and get into a pack mentality.
Dr. Scheidt says she has seen three dog attacks last week which is more than normal.
She says approach all dogs with caution, don't trust any dog off leash – neither Pit Bull nor Chihuahua.
She says that dogs can have animal aggression without having aggression toward humans but it is better to avoid a situaiton than find out otherwise.
If you see dogs coming toward you practice absolute avoidance – don't make eye contact, don't be dominant towards the dog, avoid confrontation or approaching it, standing up, intimidating it, forcing the dog to go on the defensive – any of those things.
Do pick up your own dog or child and get across the street without looking at the approaching dog or making eye contact if possible.
"Anytime a dog attacks, bites or comes after you, and it is off leash – you absolutely have to report it. Call the Humane Society, and if you are injured call the police." – Dr. Scheidt
