How to Escape a Dog Attack

Aggressive dogs sometimes will continue to threaten a person even when they have done all the correct things to prevent being attacked. This is a dangerous situation, and a cool head is necessary. When avoidance does not work, you must take measures to protect yourself.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Powers of observation
• a tree limb or umbrella
• Intestinal Fortitude

1. When encountering an aggressive dog, attempt to display avoidance tactics. Keep your eyes averted, do not speak to the dog, hold still (be a tree). Do not run or try to race away from him on a bicycle, this will only trigger his chase reflex and make the dog more excitable.

2. If holding still is not working, try to get something between you and the dog such as a gate or a bicycle. Move slowly, try to get into a car if possible. An umbrella is a handy thing to have in a dog attack situation. You may open the umbrella abruptly, as this often will scare the dog away, or he may bite it instead of you.

3. If you cannot get something between you and the dog, climb on top of a car. Climb a tree or other object that will put you out of the dog's reach. Now is the time you may begin shouting for help.

4. If an attack is imminent and you are able to pick up a tree limb, or some other type of solid stick to give the dog to bite, do so. You may also feed him books, your purse, a jacket or any other item you are carrying to avoid being bitten.

5. If you are knocked to the ground, roll onto your stomach and curl up into a ball by drawing your knees to your chest. Protect the back of your neck by clasping your hands behind your neck to protect this vital area. Be a rock.

6. If you have your own dog with you, do not pull on his leash to try to get him away from the attacking dog. This will cause the puncture from a bite to become a tear. It will also make your dog unable to defend himself at all and add further trauma. If at all possible get you and your dog on top of or into a car. If your dog is small enough, lay over the top of him and curl up into the rock position as described above.

Tips & Warnings

• Report all dog bites to the authorities
• Dog bite wounds are best treated with warm soapy water as a first aid measure
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Note the size, breed, sex, and color of the attacking dog in case he runs away
• Never reach for unknown dogs
• Never run from an aggressive dog
• Never stare into a dog's eyes

[GreenMomma]

on 6/5/2009 This is really GREAT advice. We have awful laws in New York to protect people against dog bites. A dobberman can chase down children and adults onto the tops of cars and up trees and yet the dog owner is not responsible for anything...amazing. It will only be a matter of time before it mauls someone with all of these "warning" signs.

[slchapman]

on 11/8/2007 Wow - this is absolutely the best advice I have read on this subject. I see lots of dog bite victims being a personal injury legal assistant, and this information is extremely well written!

[mallster]

on 11/7/2007 Again, outstanding advice. I have read of an animal attach where these techniques were employed and reported in the press as successful...Writer is to be commended for their insight into animal behavior and the ability to convey the information with the written word....