How to Avoid an Aggressive Dog

Dogs can be very intimidating. There is a reason that K-9 police units are so successful in capturing suspects in crimes. The vision of a large, snarling dog brings to mind the days when humans were prey and not the master. Dogs are not naturally aggressive, but if afraid or if bred to be aggressive or trained to act this way, they can certainly pose a real danger to life and limb. This article will give you some basic steps on how to avoid an aggressive dog.

Instructions

1. Identify an aggressive dog. The dog's body language will be clear. The dog will lower its head, and stare directly into your eyes. The hair along the back and between the shoulders will stand up in a ridge. And most clearly, the dog will snarl and show its teeth, or growl, long and low, deep in its throat.

2. Once the dog has been identified, stop moving, and do not run. Turn at an angle and avoid eye contact. Talk low and soothingly, and move away, slowly and with your shoulders still cocked slightly back towards the dog.

3. Give out a feeling of extreme awareness and control your fear. Dogs can smell and sense things so keenly that the smallest body language on your part that you are no longer in control will be enough to trigger the aggressive dog to attack.

4. Walk away and around the dog. Avoid the territory of the animal if at all possible. If you're in a yard, make a wide semi-circle around it. Be aware of the dog's position at all times. Even with your back to the dog, be aware of it in case it decides to attack.

5. Once you have left the dog at least 100 yards behind you, it is safe to walk a bit faster--but it is imperative you do not run. Get to an indoor location, or a car, and get out of the way of the animal. Call the local animal control officer and report the dog's behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use your voice and body language in a calming way. Speak softly, and do not try to be sweet, just calm.

• Never look an aggressive dog in the eye, and never run from a dog who may attack.