Dogs are often called our best friends, but even the friendliest dog can become aggressive under certain circumstances. A frightened dog, one protecting its territory, or a mother guarding her puppies may see a person as a threat.
Dog attacks aren’t something most people expect, but knowing how to react can make a big difference. At AdmiGram.com, we looked into expert safety recommendations and gathered simple tips that may help you stay safe if you ever find yourself facing an aggressive dog.
What to Do in Case of a Dog Attack
Stay Calm and Don’t Run
© Axel Bührmann / Flickr
Many dog attacks happen when people are walking alone, cycling, or passing through quiet areas.
If a dog starts acting aggressively, your first instinct may be to run. Try not to. Fast movements can trigger a dog’s natural chase instinct, making the situation even more dangerous.
Only run if you’re absolutely certain you can reach a safe place before the dog reaches you — for example, a nearby building or another secure shelter.
If you’re near shallow water, moving into it may sometimes discourage a dog from continuing to approach, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Make Yourself Harder to Attack
If you can’t get away safely, focus on protecting yourself.
- Stand with your back against a wall, fence, or tree so the dog can’t get behind you.
- If you’re carrying a backpack, umbrella, jacket, or bag, hold it in front of you as a barrier.
- Avoid swinging objects wildly, which may excite the dog even more.
- If you’re wearing a jacket or sweatshirt, you can wrap it around your arm to create some protection if the dog bites.
Use Your Surroundings
© Michał Huniewicz / Flickr
Take a quick look around for anything that could help.
Opening an umbrella suddenly may surprise some dogs and cause them to back away. If there are small objects nearby, tossing them away from yourself may distract the dog long enough for you to move toward safety.
Sometimes even bending down as if you’re picking something up may make a stray dog hesitate, since many have learned to associate that movement with someone throwing a rock.
If the Dog Attacks
If the dog lunges, try to keep something between you and the animal, such as a backpack, bag, or jacket.
Shout loudly and call for help if other people are nearby. Making noise may attract attention and sometimes causes a dog to back off.
If you’re knocked to the ground, curl into a ball if possible, protect your face, neck, and chest with your arms, and remain as still as you safely can until help arrives or the dog leaves.
Know the Sensitive Areas
If you have no choice but to defend yourself, aim for the dog’s most sensitive areas, such as its nose, eyes, throat, or ribs. The goal isn’t to fight the animal — it’s to create an opportunity to escape.
We hope you’ll never have to use any of these tips. Still, knowing what to do in an emergency can help you stay calmer and make better decisions. Consider sharing this information with children and older family members so they know how to react if they ever encounter an aggressive dog.
Stay safe, and take care of yourself and the people you love.
image on top: Andrew Zaragoza / Flickr
