Attacked by a dog at work

Emmarillo

We had a springer when we were growing up and he made our lives a misery. he was very much a one-man dog and would do anything for my dad (who was never really there) and was a nightmare the rest of the time. Both my brothers were bitten, and once he attacked a stranger when we were out for a walk - we think he was spooked by the mans beard and raincoat. He had to be put down after that.

I'm not saying all springers are bad, but ours seemed to have a screw loose and we found out later that his brother had been the same.

I definitely think this needs to be reported. I understand it would be devastating for the owner if her pet had to be destroyed, but while she has people working in her house, a potentially dangerous dog shouldn't be free on the premises.

allycat999

Gosh what a variety of replys. You are on a zero hour contract which is perfectly normal in domiciliary care, this does mean you are employed.
You need to fill in an accident report, this incident requires reporting (RIDDOR) as although you were not in hospital for more than 24 hours you will be unfit due to an injury at work for 3 days.
Your employer has to have public liability insurance (CQC registration requirement) and therefore you can claim compensation from your employer.
However what is the company policy on providing care when pets are in the household?
Is the vulnerable adult required to remove the animal from the room that you are in providing care? are you required to ensure that this takes place?
Did you not inform the vulnerable adult to remove the animal?
Your employer needs to have firm guidelines on pets to prevent further accidents

blossomhill_2

What a trauma for you.

Your agency will have done a home visit to asses the risks in your workplace (ie the client's home) before accepting that perosn as a client - if they failed to properly assess the risk from the dog, then they are liable

It isn't a matter for the police. but it is an accident at work for which your employer is to blame if they haven't put in place ways to mitigate, reduce of eliminate the risk - it is a difficult one because say the dog needed a muzzle put on before strangers visted, then the client may well be disabled in such a way that they couldn't do it themsleves and would need someone like you to put on the muzzle!

Ask for a copy of the home assessment and make sure you complete an accident form, keep it factual and blameless, not "I turned my back on the dog and it attacked me", just "client's dog bit left calf"

rachelhen

mY little 3 legged dog is really gentle but hates anyone leaving and gets distressed when they leave when she was younger she occassionally tried to pull people back by the bottom of their trouser leg and sometimes nipped their skin she is tiny so nothing major. I always put her out if strangers or new people come to the house though.

Person_one

Raksha wrote: »

Define 'a behaviourist' - I don't currently earn my living by training dogs or advising on behaviour matters

Then you're not a behaviourist.

Raksha

So what defines a 'behaviourist'. What qualifies you to say that my advice is dangerous, and what would you advise anyone do who finds themselves in a similar position?

I recently approached a Husky who was guarding a chicken he'd caught and killed. I was fully aware of the risk I was taking and wouldn't suggest anyone 'try this at home' As I approached, he gave low level warnings that he wasn't happy, so I stopped. His owner then approached him and then turned his back - the dog bit him. I remained facing him as I retreated and all he did was watch me. I have every reason to believe if I had turned my back, he would have bitten me too.....

Person_one

I'm not a behaviourist either, but there are some dogs who would take your facing them, looking at them and not turning away as an aggressive signal.

It all depends on the individual dog, the person, and the specific circumstances. With all your experience of dogs surely you can understand that there's no one 'correct' way to react when at risk of a bite?

A behaviourist is someone who holds certain formal qualifications and earns their living advising owners on their dog's behaviour. I clean my own home, doesn't mean I'm a cleaner. I teach my nieces and nephews new words sometimes, doesn't mean I'm a teacher.

Raksha

It's a very rare dog who will take on a human who is facing them, I didn't mention looking directly at the dog, which is an omission. However, I believe the dog who will take advantage of the human who turns their back is far more common - this is something I have picked up from my studies with COAPE, Bishop Burton College, APDT conferences, and ofcourse Gwen Bailey (author of many behaviour books and former Chief Behaviourist with the Blue Cross).