Videos Help Police Prevent Unnecessary Dog Shootings

A series of videos is now available to help law enforcement officers better understand dog behavior and body language, in the hopes of preventing unnecessary shootings. When officers arrive at a scene, they often have to make split-second decisions. Many of these officers have not had the opportunity to receive critical training about encounters with dogs, which can result in harmless dogs being killed.

This video series teaches officers how to determine whether a dog is truly aggressive and likely to attack, as well as teaching them how to use non-lethal force to subdue a dog.

Free and saving lives

The videos are free and are the result of a collaborative study between the University of Illinois Center and nonprofits including the National Canine Research Council and the U.S. Department of Justice. The study found that a majority of shootings by police involved animals.

The videos focus on understanding body language and determining between a fearful dog that is unlikely to initiate an attack and a truly dangerous dog that poses a significant threat to the safety of the officers.

Dog shootings are a tragedy for the dogs and their families, as well as the officers and departments who lose the public's trust after such incidents occur. Preventative measures like these videos are the key to helping officers make better choices when faced with split-second decisions involving dogs.

Watch the first video below, and click here to read more and see the rest.