With the help of a course presented by Canine Observations and Police Safety, police can safely approach dogs they encounter while on duty.
"I think we can do some good here," Sara Thornton, co-owner of COPS, said. "We can save some dog lives and save stress on police."
Thornton said they created the course about a year ago because of the many news threads and videos on the Internet featuring police officers shooting and killing dogs out of protection. She said it creates bad public relations situations for police.
Michael Girvin, co-owner of COPS, said the course can create a "win-win" situation for police and dog owners.
"We are saving the police (public relations) issues and saving families that have dogs the pain," Girvin said.
"There are people suing police for shooting their dogs," Thornton added. She said there have been cases of people suing police for $600,000.
COPS has been "beta testing" their presentations to Schuylkill County police in order to get feedback on what police think would be beneficial to add to their presentations.
"We've received very good feedback," Thornton said.
Minersville police Chief Michael Combs said he has already listened to the COPS beta course.
"I encounter dogs all the time on duty," Combs said.
Combs said the course taught him many things he didn't know about how to understand a dog's body language. For example, he said when the whites of a dog's eyes are showing, it means to back off.
Girvin said he is a retired police officer and encountered some dangerous situations with dogs, as well.
"The use of force comes (from) a reasonable expectation for your life," Girvin said. "It's probably instinct."
Girvin said most police officers automatically perceive dogs as threatening and may kill them out of instinct.
"Even if a dog bites you, it's not going to kill you," Girvin said.
Thornton said most dogs won't attack unless prompted.
"Most dogs don't want to attack. Mostly it is out of fear and protection," Thornton said.
Girvin said the most important thing to understand when approaching dogs is their body language and using alternative, less deadly weapons.
"Chairs or even Tasers are safer weapon choices than guns," Girvin said.
When approaching a dog, Thornton said to walk up to a dog sideways.
"Don't make eye contact and don't stand straight on - approach the dog sideways," Thornton said.
Food is a useful distraction for dogs. Thornton said treats are easiest and should be thrown gently.
"Even if they don't eat it, they will look at it and sniff and think about it," she said.
The course should be complete and ready to officially present by the fall.