Comments on the dilemma in the September issue: 'Little nippers'

The dilemma in the September issue concerned a situation in which a vet's own dog, a young and very boisterous border collie, had recently bitten a nephew at a family gathering. The situation was complicated by several issues, including the dog's breeding, inappropriate socialisation and training, as well as the child's misbehaviour and the family's emotional reaction to the incident (In Practice, September 2014, volume 36, pages 430-431). Paul Rogers suggested that, as members of the profession, vets should endeavour to raise their own pets according to the best practices which they advise clients to follow. This included picking the right breed of dog and providing it with enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. He proposed that at the frst sign of poor behaviour or aggression, if physical triggers were ruled out, a pet behaviourist could be contacted. He argued that vets should be leading by example and that it would also be beneficial to have a standard protocol for dealing with similar cases in practice.