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Kristen Cheung

The safe handling of dogs has become the subject of intense social media debate in Hong Kong after two small pets were fatally mauled by a large canine on the loose on Monday.
The 60kg dog, which was not on a leash, killed a miniature poodle near Yoho Mall in Yuen Long and a bichon frise at nearby Lolli Park within 20 minutes of each other.
The licensed animal has been captured and an investigation is under way.
The South China Morning Post spoke to canine behavioural experts and veterinary professionals about how owners can keep their dogs safe and prevent similar tragedies.
1. What causes dogs to attack and how do you spot the warning signs?
Jet Chow Wing-yin, a canine training instructor at My Dog Fits, said attacks could be driven by either a dog’s nature or its past experiences. Certain breeds have a strong prey drive and will chase smaller dogs, while others may have been attacked before and view similar animals as threats.
He said the Yuen Long incident fell into the former category. “As seen in the video, the dog targeted the smaller dogs, biting the neck and shaking them, that is hunting behaviour,” he said.
Howard Lam Yick-cheong, head trainer at Modern Dog Training, said owners should watch for a rigid stance and fixed focus – telltale signs a dog is entering an aggressive mode.
2. What steps should owners take to prevent attacks?
Chow said owners should never approach an unfamiliar unleashed dog. If the animal turns aggressive, do not run – sudden movement will trigger its chase instinct. Instead, watch the attacking dog’s movements carefully, stand in front of your own dog to shield it, and keep it behind your back.
If the dog moves closer, spread your body wide, hold out a hand, and maintain a physical barrier between the animals. Do not scream, as a high-pitched voice will further stimulate the dog. Use a low, strong voice to command “stop” or “away”.
“If your dog is small, do not pick it up and run, as the attacking dog may jump up to catch it,” he said. “The most important thing is to stay stable, calm and confident while facing the dog, and back away slowly until it stops approaching.”
3. What should you do if your dog is attacked?
While most dog conflicts remain minor scuffles, a locked-on bite can catch owners completely unprepared.
For common fights, distractions such as covering the dogs’ eyes or spraying water may work. But in a direct, locked-on bite like the Yuen Long incident, owners may need to resort to physical intervention.
Lam advised using the “wheelbarrow” technique – lifting the attacking dog by its hind legs to shift its balance and force it to loosen its grip, then pushing it away in that moment.
“Most importantly, never hit the dog, pry open its jaw, or pull it away, or it will turn on you and clamp down tighter,” he warned.


4. What training is needed for a large dog?
Responsible ownership of a large dog begins with two types of basic training: leash walking and recall.
Chow said owners should teach the dog to follow the direction of the leash and their footsteps.
“Start with small exercises at home, for example, walking back and forth between two spots, and use treats to reward the dog for following,” he said.
Owners should establish a clear recall command to call the dog away from distractions or other animals. If the dog is overexcited and rushes ahead, Chow advised walking in the opposite direction to prompt it to follow.
5. How should injuries be treated, and what makes them fatal?
The Non-Profit Making Veterinary Services Society (NPV) advises owners to protect themselves first. Never reach towards an agitated dog’s mouth, and use a blanket, barrier, or distraction to separate the animals instead.
Once the fight is over, keep the injured pet calm and still to reduce shock, apply steady pressure with a clean towel to bleeding wounds, and keep it warm during transport to an emergency vet.
NPV warned that small punctures often mask severe internal damage from the crushing force of a bite, including torn tissue and organ trauma that requires emergency surgery.


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Experts offer tips on how to keep small pets safe from aggressive dogs and how owners should train their large canines


Experts offer tips on how to keep small pets safe from aggressive dogs and how owners should train their large canines.


Pets in Hong Kong

Hong Kong society

When prey instinct strikes: fast ways to save small pets from big dogs

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Experts offer tips on how to keep small pets safe from aggressive dogs and how owners should train their large canines

Experts offer tips on how to keep small pets safe from aggressive dogs and how owners should train their large canines