COMMUNITY TRAINING
of behaviours in simple terms, so these signs are not mistaken or overlooked. The RDOC covers this in detail, giving the owner a chance to spot these signals from their dog. From the financial year of 2023/24, we have had zero reoffending rates and Wiltshire currently sits in the top five (of nearly 30) police forces for referral numbers.
when the dog is eating, and when the dog is sleeping. Children are taught how to safely deal with dogs, following the ‘Three Cs’:
“A lack of understanding and education by dog owners can be a significant factor when it comes to dog bites. It’s very unusual for a dog to simply attack and bite without provocation”
BLUE CROSS SAFETY AROUND DOGS ASSEMBLY TALK During my review into dog bite occurrences, I discovered many incidents (70 per cent) happen in the home address, with children being the highest percentage of victims. In 2023, Blue Cross and I arranged training for 58 attendees, made up of police officers, PCSOs and the council dog warden to deliver Blue Cross Safety Around Dogs Assembly talks aimed at Key Stage 1 and 2 children. Wiltshire Police is the first force in the country to train officers to deliver this assembly content. The talk focuses on areas where we see the most common dog bite scenarios;
1. Check with the dog’s owner if they can stroke the dog,
2. Call the dog over (giving the dog a choice), and
3. Count three strokes on the shoulder before asking permission once again. The assembly also gives an input on very basic dog body language and warning cues.
The training and safety talks are centred around the following key points:
• Dog safety • Understanding dog body language • Positive relationship with pets (giving
them space and choice) Our aim is to encourage behaviour change across a generation and take a preventive approach in reducing dog attacks on young children. The assembly talks are specifically designed to engage young people, evoke empathy, and help develop successful people/ pet relationships both now and in the future. Blue Cross conduct research every two
years to ensure knowledge and empathy change are assessed for success through impact measurement. In the last quarter of 2023, the school assembly talks reached more than 1,400 young children.
If you are interested in becoming an RDOC partner or having your force trained to deliver school assemblies, please contact
RDOC@bluecross.org.uk
Further details can be found online at
www.bluecross.org.uk/responsible-dog- ownership-course
Make the move to
North Yorkshire With breathtaking countryside, a dramatic coastline and vibrant city streets, North Yorkshire is one of the best places you could choose to live and work.
We’ve fantastic transferee opportunities available force-wide at various ranks.
Visit
www.northyorkshire.police.uk 55 | POLICE | JUNE | 2024
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