What is your Department Policy or S.O.P.?
People keep all sorts of animals as pets. From fish to alligators and birds, with everything in between imaginable. One of the most common encountered by the field Trooper is "Dogs".
Small dogs, large dogs, and dogs in between. Purebred, well-mannered "Best Of Show", and the lowliest of mongrels, some are loveable heroes and some are bred or trained for the express purpose of vicious attack. So how is the working Trooper supposed to know the difference, and judge when to be concerned for his safety?
Recent news from around the country reports the extremes of dog-people-police encounters. In California one recent vicious, deadly, dog-attack has resulted in greatly expanded legal and criminal liability on the part of dog owners, as well as hard-time for at least two vicious dog owners. On the other hand, a recent dog-officer encounter on the other side of the country has resulted in a public hue and cry for the skin of at least one officer as well as the filing of a massive lawsuit that will probably not turn out well for the officer's department, or the officer.
When you make a stop, or go to serve a complaint or warrant, and you are faced with the "family pet " (they always call them that, no matter what the primary purpose of the dog is...) the first thing to notice is the demeanor of the dog, as well as any change in the demeanor. In other words, "be aware". Are his ears up or forward, his tongue out, his tail wagging? He is probably wondering if you brought any treats. As long as he stays in that mood he is probably no threat. Is his tail low, his ears flattened against his head, his teeth visible, his stance on-guard, maybe he's growling low, or even circling behind you? He may be sizing you up, seeing if he has dominance, getting ready for an attack.
During Old Bear's career he had several encounters with dogs belonging to contacts. Usually a firm "Keep him inside, or loose him!!" works when the teeth poke outside the window behind the driver. The driver k n o w s when his dog is standing guard behind his neck, and he also knows when his dog is sitting down, front or rear, minding his own business. Don't let an apparently "unaware" owner lull you into loosing your hand, or worse. If subject thinks he can have dog latch onto your arm, giving subject time and opportunity to dispatch officer, then perp may have miscalculated his chances of keeping dog alive. On the other hand, don't be so paranoid about people's pets that you allow fear to override common sense, your "gut-feeling" which was developed from knowledge of dog behavior, your knowledge of "dog-talk and body-language", and your "cool" developed as you gain experience. In general, the test for your right to dispatch a family dog is the same as your right to defend yourself in any situation: If you have the same fear as a reasonable man under the circumstances that you are in danger you have the right to self-defense. You may have to evaluate your situation within a very few seconds. Twelve of those "Reasonable Men" may well be judging the event later, with all the time in the world to dissect your event and your actions. Be able to enunciate the exact situation, the exact demeanor of the dog, and your reasonable fear for your immediate safety. You do not have to terminate a valid contact because of a dangerous animal between you and the subject. It is the owner's responsibility to maintain control of his dog at all times, including when he is stopped by an officer.
If you do have to dispatch a dangerous dog, at least do it while it is a clear and present danger and don't endanger anyone else unnecessarily while so engaged. Also, don't wait until later, think about it, then decide to go back and rid the world of a dangerous dog. Ask my good friend Joe. We had this same conversation years ago.
More sites that may provide additional insight into dog behavior as related to police work problems may be found by entering the phrase "Dog Bites Police", (and other similar phrases), at Google.com. Pour yourself a fresh cup when you go, there are several pages of dogbite reports!
And if you want more information about defense from dogs, and references to similar sites, This Link may be interesting. Remember, however, we do not particularly approve of anyone else's theories regarding protection against vicious attacks from dogs; if we are the target, the dog will very likely be shot immediately.
