A Dubai Dog Mum Reflects On The Attack That Killed Her Cavapoo

Dog attack in Dubai

During a routine morning walk in Dubai, a toy Cavapoo was unexpectedly attacked by another larger dog.

The Cavapoo sadly didn’t survive the attack, and the incident sent shockwaves through the community (DogsinDubai) where the story was first shared. Malak, the owner of the Cavapoo, recounted what happened. She has a civil case ongoing and is working with a law firm to look at further regulations on dog owners in Dubai. The owner of the larger animal said that what happened was tragic and unfortunate and he shared with Lovin Dubai what happened right before the attack that led to the sad incident.

What happened was a tragedy and has prompted for a deeper understanding of the responsibility of pet owners, the importance of dog training, heightened awareness in public spaces, and the necessary measures that should be taken in certain circumstances.

Malak described how her usual walk turned south when the larger dog charged from behind

Myself and my Cavapoo puppy were walking our usual morning walk, when 2 mins later a Swiss white Shepard came charging at us from behind – I pulled my puppy but unfortunately he was too quick and grabbed her in his mouth and wouldn’t let her go. He was off his prong leash at this point (his owner said he broke of it)… and his owner ran after him (with his other dog) and couldn’t get him to drop her. He had already killed her and wouldn’t let her go… owner kept asking me if I had treats to get him to drop her.

“Having such a dog requires a big responsibility one I am not sure everyone is aware of or willing to take”

The owner of the dog who made the attack gave his account

The Dubai resident says that prior to the attack, his dog had been fully trained in basic obedience training, has been socialized since the age of 6 months and gets periodic refresher training.

He said the dog is generally calm, unless he is dealing with stray cats. His dog was previously attacked by a stray so they avoid areas where they might encounter them- he highlighted that people are illegally feeding strays and avoiding these areas is becoming difficult.

On the day in question, we were returning from our long walk early morning and at a distance of 100+meters we noticed the small dog. My dog saw him, did not growl or show any signs of aggression, only thing he does when he sees other dogs is whine as all he wants do is play. Again as I said before I avoid playing with small dogs, so we started turning to change direction and return home from a different side. Now this is where things went wrong, his collar snapped open (came as a shock and surprise to me) and he sprinted towards the dog and he was there in a flash and for some reason grabbed the small dog and rest is history.

“The collar snapped open”

Which is what I was doing that day, changing directions and unfortunately the collar snapped open leading to an unfortunate and tragic accident.

The owner has since spoken to vets and behavioral therapists and also handed his dog over to Dubai Municipality- a number of conditions have been placed on the dog, including the condition that he must wear a muzzle in public places.

According to UAE regulations, these are the steps for the first instances of dealing with aggression by a dog. If aggression continues, dogs are taken away from the public and re-trained. Animals are put down if aggression is consistent.

Malak says owners should ensure dogs have adequate training and she is working with law firms to address animal welfare and safety in the UAE looking particularly at the responsibility of dog owners

Owners need to get adequate training for their dogs and understand their demeanour to be able to better care for them.

Prioritize the safety of yourself, others, and the dog when dealing with aggressive behavior

There are many highly skilled dog trainers in Dubai. If you need advice or recommendations, check the Dogs in Dubai Facebook group where a group of amazing community members will offer you tips and trainer recommendations.

1. Consult a Professional: Seek advice from a veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist to evaluate the dog’s aggression and nervousness, identify potential underlying medical issues, and design a tailored behavior modification plan.
2. Create a Safe Environment: Provide a secure and comfortable space for the dog to retreat to when feeling stressed. A crate or a designated area can help them feel secure and reduce anxiety.
3. Positive Reinforcement Training: Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to reward and encourage good behavior. Reward the dog with treats, praise, or toys when they exhibit calm and non-aggressive behavior.
4. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose the dog to situations that trigger their nervousness or aggression in a controlled and positive manner. Pair these experiences with rewards to change the dog’s emotional response.
5. Obedience Training: Teach basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “come.” Consistent training will help establish your authority and provide structure for the dog.
6. Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure the dog gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation through walks, playtime, and puzzle toys. A tired dog is less likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors.
7. Regular Routine and Consistency: Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, walks, bathroom breaks, and training sessions. Consistency helps the dog feel secure and understand what is expected of them.
8. Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid situations or stimuli that trigger aggression or nervousness in the dog whenever possible. Gradually work on desensitization to reduce their reactivity to these triggers.
9. Socialization: Gradually expose the dog to new people, environments, and other dogs in a controlled and positive manner. Socialization helps reduce fear and anxiety.
10. Seek Professional Help: If the dog’s aggression or nervousness persists, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in aggression to develop a comprehensive behavior modification plan.

Remember, it’s essential to be patient and understanding while working with an aggressive and nervous dog. Never use punishment-based training methods, as they can worsen the dog’s fear and aggression. And prioritize the dog’s well-being and safety throughout the training process.