Dog expert says November ban 'positive step towards reducing alarming numbers of attacks'

Dog expert says November ban 'positive step towards reducing alarming numbers of attacks' The ban came into force on November 1 - here's what it means for some owners A behaviour expert said that a new ban, which came into force just days ago this November, is a “positive step” towards preventing dog attacks. Erring on the side of caution is the best option, she explained, adding that some children may "unknowingly act in ways to make a dog uncomfortable or distressed, which may provoke dog attacks." The new ban relates to how dangerous dogs are kept at home - in particular, XL Bullies. Currently, the XL Bully is one of five breeds banned in the UK, with the others being the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasileiro. From November 1, owners of banned breed dogs must ensure that any child under 12 is not left in close contact with their dog in a private place. Gov.uk explains that this could be an area such as a home or garden, without appropriate adult supervision. It writes that this requirement matters because "young children, especially those under 12, are at higher risk of dog-related injuries in the home, where incidents often involve a dog they know. Children may behave in ways that some dogs find uncomfortable". This includes sudden movements, loud noises and close contact. Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, Pooch and Mutt’s Canine Behaviour Expert, told the Mirror: "I’m pleased to hear of the UK government bringing in legislation requiring owners of exempted banned dog breeds to not leave children under 12 in close contact with the dog in a private place/home without adult supervision. I think it’s a positive step towards reducing the alarming numbers of dog attacks we’ve experienced in the last few years. "Although some owners may feel this law shouldn’t apply to their own banned breed dog, I firmly believe where children are concerned, erring on the side of caution is best to keep children safe. Even children brought up around dogs can unknowingly act in ways to make a dog uncomfortable or distressed, which may provoke dog attacks. "Children can easily miss warning signs exhibited in dog behaviour too. There is also the additional risk of a banned breed having the potential to cause more harm than other dog breeds, particularly to children who would be unable to defend themselves." Dog owners should consider this, says Emma Dr Emma, who has a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science, specialising in canine behaviour and welfare, is also a canine behaviour and nutrition consultant and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Surrey. She added: "I feel ensuring children aren’t left alone with any dog, regardless of breed, without adult supervision would be a sensible household rule for any family, given the potential risks. However, there doesn’t seem to be a need for this law to be extended to all dogs. "Separating the dog and child completely when there’s no available supervision is really important, using a different room or part of the house. This could be challenging for dogs with separation anxiety." Concluding her advice, the canine expert urges owners to use a baby gate or dog crate so the dog still feels included, but warns you must ensure children can’t reach through or get past the barrier. Dr Emma concluded: "Using a baby gate or dog crate, so the dog feels included still, has been suggested as suitable alternatives on the gov.uk website. However, caution should be exercised to ensure little hands aren’t able to breach these barriers and access the dog that way. "Additional barriers may be required to create space to prevent this. Plus, working on reducing the dog’s separation anxiety with training and calming aids, will help everyone feel more relaxed." Understanding when a dog may need space Gov.uk urges dog owners, regardless of their breed or size, to understand the signs that their pet may need more space. It explains that some dogs may be "more likely to react unexpectedly if they are stressed, unwell, overwhelmed or unable to move away from children. "Adults should be alert to situations where a dog may need space, and separate the child and dog where necessary." Examples include when the dog is: - resting or sleeping - eating or drinking - playing with or holding a toy - unwell, injured or recovering - overwhelmed by noise, movement or attention - trying to move away - showing signs of discomfort You can read about the November 1 dog ban in full here.