5 Crucial Tips for What to Do if Attacked by a Dog

If you ever have the misfortune of being attacked by a dog, it can be a terrifying experience. In the middle of this ordeal, it is hard to know how to react. In the heat of the moment, there’s a chance you might panic and potentially cause yourself even more harm.

There are a number of crucial things to know in order to protect yourself you ever find yourself facing the bared teeth of an angry canine. Read on to discover what to do if attacked by a dog.

Why Do Dogs Attack?

Yes, dogs are a man’s best friend. They make excellent house pets and a well-trained dog is almost always harmless. But sometimes, a poorly trained dog, or a dog which has been abused, will see other humans as a threat.

Running or jogging near a dog like this may cause it to react aggressively. Usually, the dog will bark to defend its territory, and because you’re not actually chasing them, they will quieten down once you have passed.

However, a poorly trained dog may, over time become more and more hostile toward other people. This may eventually lead to the dog chasing and even attacking you.

What to Do if Attacked by a Dog

1. Don’t Panic

The last thing you want to do if a dog runs at you is frighten or intimidate it even more. Screaming, flailing your arms, or even running away will tell the dog that you are fearful or stressed, and this can encourage the dog to continue the attack.

2. Have the Right “Energy”

Dogs know each other by the energy they give off, and they read these same signals from humans. In order to deal with a dog that is attacking you, you want to come across as calm, but assertive.

Stand side-on to the dog – this tells it that you are not looking to engage in a fight, and also makes you a narrower target. Don’t make eye contact with the dog – this would further provoke it.

Stand up straight to show the dog that you are not afraid of it, and if you are holding anything that can make you appear bigger, place it between you and the dog.

3. Distract or Divert the Dog

If the dog gets too close for the above measures, perhaps because it completely surprises you, try your best to stop it from biting you directly.

If you have long sleeves, try to pull your hands in and try to make sure the dog bites down on the sleeve. Try to remove the item of clothing while the dog is biting and get to safety.

4. Protect Your Most Vulnerable Body Parts

If the worst happens and the dog manages to get a hold of you, try your best to protect your head, neck, and torso.

If you can cover the eyes of the dog, it may become confused and disengage. If there seems absolutely no option other than to fight back, do so with conviction. A weak attempt to overpower the dog will result in the dog becoming more aggravated.

5. Call the Police

If you manage to break free and get to safety, call the police immediately. Inform them of the type of dog, the location of the attack, and whether or not you need medical help.

Should you find yourself injured in a dog attack, you can file a dog bite lawsuit in order to ensure compensation, as well as the protection of others from this dog attacking anyone in the future.

Be Vigilant

Now that you know what to do if attacked by a dog, you can be well prepared when out walking or jogging. The best way to stay safe around aggressive dogs is to diffuse any dangerous situations before they can escalate.

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