Police officer designs course to reduce dog attacks

PC Croft launched the online course to encourage responsible dog ownership

A police officer with a love of dogs has designed a course to try and reduce the number of dog attacks across the country.

PC Paul Croft, based in Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Team, contacted the Blue Cross Animal Charity after noticing an increase in dog-related offences.

Together they have established the Responsible Dog Owners Course (RDOC), offering training on dog safety, canine communication and management.

It aims to empower dog owners through education, as opposed to punishment.

It is hoped the course will help people recognise dogs' behaviour patterns

The online educational course is aimed at low-level, first time offenders and 30 police forces have now adopted the course.

PC Croft said: “We know that a lack of understanding and education by dog owners can play a significant part in dog bites – dogs rarely bite without provocation so this online course helps dog owners recognise the ‘canine ladder of communication’ when it comes to dog bites.

“I am hopeful that it will help contribute to a reduction in dog bite incidents nationally.”

Saving lives

PC Croft has also designed a Dog Safety Police Assembly for school children.

“During my research work, I discovered that many dog bite incidents happen in people’s homes, with most victims being young children,” he said.

Last year, PC Croft delivered training to nearly 60 colleagues around the assembly talk aimed at Key Stage 1 and 2 children.

"We are the first force in the country to train officers to deliver this assembly and so far we have delivered this to 1,400 school children.

“It’s really crucial that children know how to deal with dogs safely and know the signs to look out for with a dog’s body language.”

Throughout the process, PC Croft has worked closely with the Wiltshire Police Dog Section, the Out of Court Resolutions Team and the Wiltshire Council Dog Warden.

Insp Pete Foster said: “The work PC Croft has carried out to improve the response to dog bite incidents not only in Wiltshire, but nationally, is exceptional and should be commended.

"I have no doubt that the online course and the assembly for young children will help prevent future dog bite incidents, and potentially save lives.”