A North Queensland woman whose dog bit her forearm said she understood why police had to shoot the animal to death but wished they could have saved it.

Annmarie Walters, 34, is recovering after her mongrel dog Buddy was attacked at her Townsville home on the morning of October 11.

Police shot the dog at the scene and used a tourniquet to save Ms. Walters’ life.

terrible ordeal

He said Buddy “crunched” when he heard a noise outside and bit his arm as he reached for the damaged door to stop him from getting out.

His other dog, Chili, was home at the time.

“I caught the dog in flight to stop him from chasing my pregnant neighbor,” he said.

He said Buddy bit his arm again after a neighbor threw a knife into the yard to stop the attack.

“He was never like that.”

He told the police that he bore no ill will in shooting the dog to death, but that he was sorry for not being able to protect his dog even after it attacked him.

“Obviously (the police) were brave… he wasn’t a small dog and it took seven or more shots to stop him but it was terrible that that even happened,” he said.

Purchased online

Ms Walters said she believed the dog was a cross between a Rhodesian ridgeback and a Staffordshire terrier and perhaps a bit of a dingo.

He bought the dog from Facebook Marketplace for $700.

He urged others to do research on a dog’s history.

“If you’re going to buy a pet for a family dog… buy a proper dog with documentation and pedigree,” he said.

“I’m not saying that’s because it might have been the move from my old address that traumatized him.”

He said Buddy, who had previously attacked a friend, was traumatized after a recent theft, bad experiences with other people and moving house.

“He lost trust in people… he trusted me but he didn’t trust other people,” he said.

Ms Walters said she wished she could keep her dog.

Ms Walters said she was grateful that police helped save her life and that she was adjusting to life without her right-hand man.

“I was a little devastated, this is my arm, I’m young and working but I’m a positive person… but I have my moments too,” he said.

Identify triggers

RSPCA Queensland animal behavior trainer Teaghan English said there were signs in the dog’s body language that it might be about to attack, bite or act aggressively.

“One of the biggest things is to look for a tense, rigid or even frozen body posture, which can mean they feel a little bit aroused, maybe a little bit fearful, a little bit unsure of the situation,” he said.

It’s also important to look at the dog’s mouth for any signs of lip curling, he said.

“It’s really important to embrace the indirect stance,” he said.

“Turn body, avoid eye contact.

“You can walk away if necessary and make sure there is something between you and the dog if you feel really uncomfortable or feel like you can’t back away from the situation.”

Ms English said any dog, regardless of breed, could bite or potentially attack a person.

“All dogs are individuals who respond independently to situations,” he said.