Nicola Bulley's dog might have gone into "fight or flight mode" when she went missing, according to an expert on canine behaviour.
Detectives investigating the 45-year-old Lancashire mum's disappearance are currently pursuing a theory that she fell into the River Wyre while walking spaniel Willow. The dog was found near to the spot where she was last seen off-lead, reportedly "bone dry".
The fact Willow didn't appear to be wet prompted speculation that Nicola may not have fallen into the water. But the Mirror reports that Ross McCarthy, an expert on dog decorum, says that not all dogs jump into water to rescue their owners, despite what some people might think.
He told the Express: "It all depends on the dog's association with water, and their relationship with the owner and so on, as to whether they would jump in. Some would through play or investigation and others would just mooch about on the side and some would panic at the strange situation.
He added that while "dogs go into fight or flight mode" like humans, they don't necessarily "perceive the same dangers as us". He continued: "Often chemical changes in the body of the owner can alert the dog to an unusual situation but naturally if the owner is not present - that won't be the case.
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"Presumably this dog has been walked along the canal and water often and been discouraged from going in or naturally just avoided going in. It would be a strange occurrence from the dog's perspective - but outside of Disney and in exceptional cases - dogs don't jump in to save owners.
"It's no different to when you jump in a swimming pool - the majority of dogs - unless conditioned otherwise will just circle the pool."
At a press conference on Friday, Superintendent Sally Riley told reporters at a press conference that it was "possible" Nicola fell into the river trying to retrieve a tennis ball. However, officers have admitted there is currently "no evidence" to support the theory.
Investigators are confident that there was no third-party involvement in the mum-of-two's disappearance, saying the notion was "highly unlikely". However, Nicola's sister Louise Cunningham has since taken to Facebook to urge people to "keep an open mind" as she said that "there is no evidence whatsoever that she has gone into the river".
Nicola's close friend Emma White has also disputed the theory, claiming that it was based on "limited information". She told Sky News that there was "definitely no ball" on the walk as Nicola had stopped taking them "way into last year" because of it disturbing her walks with Willow.
Specialists continue to scour the River Wyre and its surrounding areas and have spoken to a number of key witnesses who came forward following public appeals. As of yet, they are no closer to determining Nicola Bulley's fate.
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