On average, one in every 2358 dogs in Orange attacks a person, which equals seven attacks, while in Dubbo there were two attacks and none recorded in Bathurst over the same period, from July 1 to September 30.

The Orange figures are down from the same period in 2013, when 26 people were attacked by dogs, seven of them seriously, resulting in hospitalisation or medical treatment .

Dog trainer, behaviourist and owner of nine dogs Deb Coleman said while it was encouraging the numbers in Orange had fallen, she said it was possible dog owners in Bathurst and Dubbo were more vigilant in controlling their dogs.

“Whether it means dogs are contained with better fencing, I’m not sure. People let other people’s dogs out [in Orange]. People need to be reminded to have a padlock on their gates so their dogs can’t be let out,” Ms Coleman said.

Orange City Council companion animals community committee chair councillor Neil Jones said it was important to look at the long-term trends rather than read too much into variations from quarter to quarter.

“Tackling this problem is about getting the balance right between enforcing regulations and encouraging individual dog owners to play their part through improved community education and facilities. Recently council adopted the committee’s suggestion of investigating new secure off-leash areas around Orange,” Cr Jones said.

Ms Coleman said no particular breed was more aggressive over another and it was up to owners to take responsibility to have a well-behaved dog.

“Dogs need to be exposed to lots and lots of other dogs and humans. If they’re not suitably exposed, there will be behavioural issues. It’s teaching the dog to be calm,” she said.

“It’s about understanding dogs’ body language too. Education is the key. You should be calm as can be, and standing still if there’s an aggressive dog. Dogs generally lose interest after a while. 

“Dogs never do anything without a reason. It’s up to the owner to remove the dog from the situation.”