How to Deal With an Angry Dog

Sometimes man's best friend can become man's worst enemy. If you should encounter an angry dog, there are a few key items to remember to help keep you safe. Follow these steps to stay cool, calm, collected and smart when you are dealing with an angry dog.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Keep your distance. When walking or jogging, move to the other side of the road when you see an on-coming dog. If you want to pet the dog, ask the owner for permission first and wait until the dog is sitting before reaching out to it. If you are afraid of dogs, turn down a side road to avoid crossing paths all together.
2. Look away from the dog's eyes. Making direct eye contact with a dog increases anxiety and could cause an angry dog to attack. If you are jogging past a dog, keep your eyes looking away as if you don't even see it, but subtly look to be aware of his location.
3. Turn your body sideways and slowly move away, when approached by an angry dog. Keep your hands in your pockets.
4. Separate yourself from the dog. Use a stick, tree, picnic table, fire hydrant, etc. to block yourself from direct access. Moving out of the dog's territory will help deflate the dog's anxiety.
5. Be gentle. Yelling at the dog won't help, so speak softly while slowly moving away from him.
6. Protect your head, face and neck if attacked. Curl into a ball with your chin tucked to your chest and your hands over your head.