Discover 5 Steps to Immediately Take If a Dog Seems Likely to Attack You

You’re walking home when you see a big dog running towards you, growling and baring its teeth. Clearly, this canine isn’t looking for a friendly head scratch.

If a snarling dog approached you, what steps would you take to lessen the potential of an attack? Would you know how to survive a dog attack? Many of us don’t consider questions like this, but a bit of basic knowledge could prevent a future injury, or even save your life. Follow along to learn what to do and what not to do when dealing with an aggressive dog.

Steps to Survive a Dog Attack

When an aggressive dog threatens your life, you only have seconds to act, and there’s no room for error. Here are the five steps to take if an attack seems likely:

1. Be still
2. Avoid eye contact
3. Don’t turn your back
4. Find a barrier
5. Use a shield

1. Be Still

Never run from an aggressive dog, even prior to an attack. The dog might be bluffing and have no plan to attack, but everything changes when you run! Fleeing can trigger the dog’s predator-prey response, and you’d be the prey. You also won’t be able to outrun a dog, so staying still is your best bet.

Your ability to stay calm can save your life. Adrenaline and anxiety may be pumping through your veins, but don’t give in to these feelings. Take a deep breath and stand your ground. This isn’t a time to scream and flail about. It’s a time to assert your dominance.

2. Avoid Eye Contact

Dogs can interpret staring as a challenge. Looking at an aggressive dog in its eyes can trigger an attack. But closing your eyes is a bad idea too. You must always keep your eyes open so that you can see what the dog is doing at all times. Keep your eyes open, while avoiding direct eye-contact.

3. Don’t Turn Your Back

You should never turn your back on any animal that’s threatening you. Turning away puts you at a severe disadvantage. You’re vulnerable when you’re not facing them. You won’t be able to see their approach, which means the dog can attack you unexpectedly from any angle.

4. Find a Barrier

Is there something nearby you can use as an obstacle? A street sign, a tree, or a parked vehicle can be used as a barrier. By putting distance between you and the aggressive dog, you’ll decrease the chances of an attack. You’ll also give yourself an advantage; if the dog charges, it’ll have to find its way around the barrier before it can get to you.

5. Use a Shield

Use anything you can to place between you and the dog. If you have a purse, a briefcase, or a backpack, use it as a shield. If the dog goes to bite you, shove the shield in its mouth. This may engage you and the dog in a terrifying game of tug of war, but at least it won’t be ripping your flesh.

How Common Are Dog Attacks?

Every year over 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in the United States. Over 800,000 bites are severe enough to receive medical attention, according to the centers for disease control. Nearly half of those bites, if not more, are sustained by children.

Dog bites don’t always require medical attention. Only one in five people bitten by dogs have to see a doctor. Children are the typical candidates for medical intervention, since they are more likely to have severe injuries.

How to Prevent Dog Bites

A dog’s behavior and individual history determine whether it is likely to bite. Usually, dogs that bite young children are familiar with the child. It’s not about the breed; it’s more about the particular dog and the situation. Typically, dog bites are completely preventable.

Prevention goes a long way. Dogs usually only bite when they find themselves in a stressful situation. They may feel they need to defend their owner, territory, or even themselves. When a dog feels like there’s a threat, they’re much more likely to bite. Medical issues can also be to blame. If a dog isn’t feeling well or has an injury, it’s more likely to nip or bite. To prevent dog attacks, stay away from risky situations. Never pet a dog without permission from its owner. If the dog seems uncomfortable, give it space.

How will you know if the dog is uncomfortable? Learn how to read a dog’s body language. Look for any signs of anxiety or fear. Also, pay attention to any aggressive signals. Does the dog have raised tackles? Is the tail wagging high and tall? Is their overall body stiff and their eyes locked on yours? These are all signs of an overly alert or aggressive dog you shouldn’t approach.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Milan Krasula