Renewed caution follows a spate of recent dog attacks which currently number more than one per week.

Five dog attacks on a human or another animal were reported in the Warrnambool area in July. 

The city council’s local laws officer Peter McVeigh said facing aggressive dogs was now a part of his role.

Mr McVeigh said dog training undertaken last month had already been beneficial.

The officer was called to deal with three aggressive dogs on the loose in Warrnambool on July 28.

“I knew that it was important to hold an object between the dogs and me to give them something to latch on to,” he said. “I used a large diary I was holding to fend off the lead dog before the owner heard the commotion and called them off.”

Mr McVeigh said while training helped him stay calm he feared vulnerable community members might not be so fortunate.

“If instead of a local laws officer it had been a couple of kids selling raffle tickets door-to-door, I’d hate to think about what might have happened,” he said.

Council records show this was the fifth reported dog attack on a human or another animal in the past month and the 27th of the past year, of which 11 were attacks on people.

Local laws co-ordinator Peter McArdle said he was certain there would have been many more attacks that weren’t reported.

“Owning a dog is a serious commitment, not just to the dog itself but to the wider community,” Mr McArdle said. “As an owner, it is your responsibility to manage your dog’s behaviour.”

he said ignorance was also not an excuse. 

“Unfortunately when officers are investigating incidents they are often told by upset owners ‘this is the first time something like this has happened’.

“You need to make sure your dog is kept secure on your property and if using a designated off-leash area, you must be able to maintain voice control at all times.”

Mr McArdle said appropriate training and understanding dog’s body language was essential for good pet ownership.

“If a dog begins acting aggressively towards you, back away without making eye contact or making any loud noises,” he said. “If you can, hold an object between you and the dog such as a jacket or a handbag.”

Anyone coming into contact with stray dogs is advised to call the council and maintain visual contact with the dog from a safe distance until officers arrive.