02/06/2026
Today's post comes from a very personal place.
Earlier today, my dog Merlin and I were involved in a dog attack. While the incident itself is being dealt with through the appropriate channels, it has reinforced something I talk about regularly as a trainer: responsible dog ownership, supervision, and management are not optional. They are ESSENTIAL.
In this case, two dogs were able to leave their property and approach us without effective restraint or control. Despite my efforts to protect Merlin, he was bitten and the sound that came from him is a sound I never want to hear again but I sustained a puncture wound on my chest. It was a frightening experience, and one that could have had much more serious consequences. This is also the SECOND time these dogs have attacked Merlin.
Incidents like this highlight why training alone is not enough. Every dog owner has a responsibility to ensure their dog is securely contained, appropriately supervised, and prevented from accessing situations where they may pose a risk to others. Even dogs that are friendly in familiar environments can make poor decisions when aroused, excited, fearful, or given the opportunity to rehearse unwanted behaviours.
Many owners are also unaware of their legal responsibilities. Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is a criminal offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control. A dog may be considered dangerously out of control if it injures a person or if there are reasonable grounds for someone to fear that they may be injured.
Depending on the circumstances, owners may face prosecution and courts can impose a range of measures intended to protect the public and prevent further incidents.
As professionals and dog owners, our focus should always be on prevention. Responsible ownership is about far more than loving our dogs. It means putting systems in place to keep them safe, protect the public, and prevent avoidable incidents from occurring.
Today's experience was a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when management and supervision fail or aren't implemented at all. My hope is that by sharing this, more owners will recognise the importance of secure containment, consistent training, and taking their responsibilities seriously.
Our dogs depend on us to make good decisions on their behalf.
