How much do you really know about the dangerous dog's act in regards to your reactive dog?
I'll be the first to say, that I just thought the dangerous dogs' act was referring to the list of banned breeds that you're not allowed to own in the UK ,
I knew some breeds were heavily controlled by the law because of their breed and breed-specific legislation (BSL) for short and it is.. or at least section 1 of the act is
BUT the dangerous dogs' act as a whole, is actually a bit more intimidating than you might think especially if you own a larger reactive dog
So let’s look into it
Since 1991 it has been illegal for dogs to be 'out of control in a public place'.
Then later In 2014 the law was amended to include incidents on private property - so inside your home and others' homes, including front and back gardens.
Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:
Injures someone
Makes someone worried that it might injure them
‘Makes someone worried that it might injure them’
wait what ?! If someone seems intimidated by your dog's reactions and fears they may get hurt or someone else they can legally still report your dog as a dangerous dog
This is particularly relevant to door dashing and door reactive dogs and visitors or postmen as even if the dogs are within your property they may still be reported this is a cause for concern for all reactive dog parents but it’s a greater worry for those with larger dogs as people are generally less intimidated by smaller dogs
The best way to manage and avoid any potential issues is to ensure your dog cannot reach the door, or reach anyone entering your property. this can be easily managed with gates crates or other management.
Ensure your dog is muzzled if it’s a bite risk or has a bite history as a precaution, and always make sure your dog is under your close control when in a public place.
I honestly had no idea that dogs reacting to doorbells or lunging at windows could be seen as intimidating and threatening under the dangerous dogs act but my dad whom was a postie for many years and bitten by several dogs in that time would likely disagree 😂😂
Some food for thought, it was brought up to me in our original behavioral assessment in regards to Lokis safety, found it quite interesting, hope you do too :)!
Best Woofs , Lorren & Loki