7 Tips on What to do if a Dog Attacks You

Dog attacks can come out of nowhere. They can happen anytime, day or night, and they can happen anywhere and to anyone. So what to do if a dog attacks you?

Dogs are pack animals, meaning they tend to be more relaxed around humans that they know and trust. And when they see a person as a threat, they’re more likely to attack.

Often, dog attacks result from a dog’s natural territorial instincts. When another dog enters its territory, it reacts with aggression. Knowing how to stop a dog attack and save yourself is key to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

Keep reading to learn seven essential tips on stopping a dog attack and saving yourself.

Be aware of your surroundings. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to dog attacks is being aware of your surroundings. While being aware of your surroundings may seem like a no-brainer, many people are simply not paying attention to what’s going on around them. It’s important to ensure that you always have a clear view of any dogs nearby.

Know the signs of a dog attack 

The signs of a dog attack can vary. Some dogs will growl and bark, while others will attack without warning. If you notice that a dog is giving off any of these signs, it’s important to stay calm and get out of the situation as quickly as possible.

1) Watch the dog’s body language

2) Identify the triggers

3) Be aware of what is going on around you

4) Stay at a safe distance from the dog

5) Keep your eye on the children

6) Don’t run or make sudden movements

7) Avoid eye contact with the dog

If a dog attack does occur, fight back. 

If a dog attack does occur, fighting back is key. The goal of a dog attack is to maim and kill its target. If you fight back, the dog will most likely stop trying to harm you. Fighting back includes kicking, punching, and any other physical resistance. If you’re unable to get away from the situation, you may have no choice but to fight back to avoid being seriously injured or killed.

Make noise and stand your ground. 

If a dog confronts you, make noise and stand your ground. Screaming, yelling, and making loud noises will scare the dog away. If you can, throw solid objects at the dog to get it to leave. Please do not turn your back on the animal or run away from it. If needed, climb a tree or fence and wait for help from emergency responders.

Get on or behind cover.

If you’re out in public, you should first get on or behind cover. Try to move as close to a wall or object as possible if you’re capable. Get inside a building or on top of a car.

If you’re in an open area with no objects nearby for cover, try throwing something at the dog. That will likely distract it long enough for you to escape to safety.

Protect Yourself with weapons

The first and most important thing you can do to protect yourself is arm yourself with weapons. These weapons include a powerful, loud air horn or spray bottle filled with ammonia or pepper spray. If a dog attacks you, blast the air horn or use the spray bottle to deter the dog from attacking. Aim for the dog’s face, especially its eyes and nose, to discourage it from continuing its attack. If that doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to kick the dog hard in its chest area, as this will be painful enough for it to stop.

Another option is carrying a personal safety alarm keychain which emits an ear-piercing sound when pressed. That could help scare off the dog at first if it does not have hearing loss and hopefully get someone’s attention before things escalate further.

Try to escape while the dog is distracted. 

If someone is being attacked, the best thing to do is to try and escape while the dog’s attention is distracted. If a person can’t escape, they should try anything possible to make themselves seem threatening. That might include throwing something at the dog, kicking it, growling (even if you don’t feel like growling), or even spitting at the dog. If a person has an object they can use as a weapon, they should do so. And if a person has pepper spray and knows how to use it, they should take advantage of it!

Conclusion

We hope these tips will help you stay safe from an attack. The best thing to do is to be aware of your surroundings and know the signs of a dog attack. Calling 911 is an option as well if you fear for your safety.