How to survive a dog attack

[Liberal_in_LA]

Q. Can you offer an example of the best way to react in the presence of a potentially aggressive dog?

A. Say you're running along and a dog comes sprinting out from his front yard. If you run faster you may elicit a chase reflex — the same one that's triggered when a dog sees a cat or a squirrel. Instead, face the dog and stand perfectly still. Keep your arms folded in front of you so that you don't accidentally move them around. Some dogs run out towards you because they've had a lot of practice barking at things that go by their house. They've done this so much that they may have no clue why they are barking at you. They may actually want to play, but in their hyper-excited state, if you yell or swing your arms, they will get even more excited and may grab whatever is swinging in the same way they would a squeaky toy.

(Mychelle Blake, from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers recommends presenting the side of your body to the dog, which is considered a "calming signal" in dog body language. "It's a way that dogs diffuse tension within a group and show that they are not a threat or interested in fighting," she says.)

Q.When is it generally safe to start moving again?

A. It's important to keep in mind that most dogs that race towards you, even aggressively, don't have the intention of biting you. Rather, the charge, bark and growl are simply warning signs to get you to go away. When they realize you're not going to run, they will generally walk away on their own. You can also back away slowly in a very ho-hum, relaxed manner. Once you've built up some distance you can turn and continue on your planned route.

Q.What if you find yourself in a situation where it's impossible to stand still because you're so scared?

A. Try to remember that most dogs bite out of fear and if the person the dog has defensively charged or snapped at screams and flails, it can trigger an even stronger survival-attack response. If the dog starts jumping up on you, the very best thing you can do is not freak out. Keep your back to the dog to protect your face, and if the dog is powerful enough to take you to the ground, roll up in a ball with your knees bent and your hands clasped around the back of your neck. Stay as still as you can, avoiding eye contact and making noise. Realistically, if you remain calm, an attack is not likely to happen. If you are particularly fearful of dogs, consider carrying pepper spray after you've taken a course on how to effectively use it.

(Blake adds: "If the dog continues to approach and attempts to lunge and bite you, try to put anything that you might have between you and the dog — a purse, a rolled up jacket, etc. If the dog bites and holds, as hard as this sounds, try not to jerk your body part away, as this can cause more damage.")

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?entry_id=79162#ixzz18EdJHbAG

[MrModerate]

1. Well, that was interesting. What ever induced you to post it? n/t

[Liberal_in_LA]

2. saw it cruising sfgate.com. Remember running in terror when a dog lunged at me as a child

[MrModerate]

5. OK. My question was because I was toodling around DU . . .

and your post caused me to completely shift my model of what space I was in. Refreshing, actually. Thanks.

[roguevalley]

33. stop and say no in the firmest voice you have. stops all the

dogs I walk past when I'm out. also, carry an umbrella and open it between you and it, the opening can freak dogs out and they quit.

[1badjedi]

3. If I were running along and

"a dog comes sprinting out from his front yard", of course I'd stand still. I would not want the shit in my shorts to start running down my legs. :blush:

[Jamastiene]

13. zOMG

:spray:

:rofl:

[hootinholler]

32. Explains the username

:rofl:

Welcome to DU :hi:

-Hoot

[1badjedi]

36. Hehe

thanks. ;)

[noamnety]

4. I had two loose dobermans charge me once.

I think the thing that saved me was running dogs through obedience school when I was a kid. I stood and faced them and firmly said "SIT."

They immediately sat and wagged their tails.

Then they followed me home and I spent some time throwing dog biscuits through my window at them while they sat in my yard.

I reacted in the moment, but it makes sense that anyone who has that sort of dog has probably invested in training them. Commanding them to sit is worth a try.

[WilliamPitt]

6. "Sit!" OM NOM NOM NOM

That strategy would make me nervous.

;)

[elias49]

7. Bwahahaha. '..throwing dog biscuits THROUGH MY WINDOW'

Sorry. It just struck me funny.
:fistbump:

[flvegan]

8. Unless they were trained in Shutzhund.

Common with some of the "German" breeds.

In that case, "platz" is your best bet...not that I'd really try that route.

[flvegan]

9. The first answer should have included specifically to not look the dog in the face.

Eye contact can be viewed as a challenge. Bad idea.

[Jamastiene]

16. Yup, eye contact is a direct challenge.

I usually talk to them in that annoying high pitched female dog owner voice. For the most part, that has always worked for me, but I wouldn't suggest just anyone do it. It works for me because I'm good at talking to animals and calming them down. Not everyone is so lucky.

[lapislzi]

10. Recent nutzoid dog encounter

it was chasing my cat. No point in giving these rules to a cat. I got between the dog and the cat and shouted, "NO!" The dog stopped short, enabling the cat to make its escape. I made strong eye contact (I know, a no-no), but the dog backed off. I stayed put until my neighbor who'd heard the ruckus located the dog's owner. It was a hunting dog, trained to a) chase and b) obey commands. I took an alpha gamble and won, but I wouldn't recommend it. I based it on my initial appraisal of the dog's appearance: had tags, was a foxhound cross. Figured the alpha approach could work. Especially if you're wary of dogs, it's good to know about breeds and temperament. Knowledge is power, and could save your life.

[Liberal_in_LA]

15. glad you saved your cat

[csziggy]

24. Yeah, about two years ago two Labradoodles were hassling hubby's cat

Who was old and decrepit and could not run away. The cat was cowering under a bush. I ran out the back door yelling "NO! SIT!" at the two dogs who immediately transferred their aggression towards me. It wasn't until I picked up a hoe and bashed the lead dog a few times forcefully on its head and body that the dogs decided that they would not attack me or the cat.

Those dogs were a problem a number of times for me - they threatened me while I was on my front porch, while I was walking in my yard and while I was driving my golf cart. They also acted aggressively towards other people on my property. The aging cat got so he did not want to be out at all. The younger cat who had stood up to a single pit bull was not about to take on a pair of more aggressive dogs. The owners swore up and down that their dogs could not be coming on my property because the dogs were safely fastened in their yard - though they came over a number of times looking for the dogs who had gotten loose. Probably because I gave them notice the next time the dogs threatened me or my animals on my property I would shoot them.

The last time I saw those dogs my mares were chasing them across the pasture. I hope if the dogs come back the horses will kick them a few dozen times. I really do not want to have to shoot them.

[canetoad]

11. Complete opposite of this

Driving home through residential streets there was a slightly hysterical family chasing a gleefully wicked young dog who did not want to be caught.

I could see the danger of the dog running in front of a car so I stopped and told the family to stay put. Then I whistled the dog and when he looked up, I ran away....and kept running in circles with the dog following, enjoying this new game of chase. Eventually I ran into their yard and they could shut the gate.

[pnwmom]

20. What a wonderful neighbor you were! n/t

[wtmusic]

12. Carry a fresh Porterhouse steak with you at all times

and it's really not a problem.

[bemildred]

14. "Carry a baseball bat, and be able to use it."

Golf clubs can work well too.

[badtoworse]

18. I'd go with a wedge

[bemildred]

19. The length and a certain amount of weight is the main thing.

Though a good, confident feel when you swing matters too.

[Bigmack]

28. Putter... for the weight, nt

[spin]

26. I would suggest a police baton ...

Something like the ASP Tactical baton.


ASP - Tactical Baton
One five star customer review at Amazn.com said:

This is a very nice baton! It is very good quality. It comes with a sheath, but it will also fit in a normal-sized pocket. Compacted it is a foam rubber handle that is 8 1/8 inches long. With a flick of your wrist, you have a 21 1/4 inch long sturdy, steel rod that's good for whacking the ever-loving bejeezus out of pretty much anything that doesn't have a handgun. I got it for my wife for when she goes jogging on mostly deserted nature trails.

When expanded, the pieces lock together pretty tight, so you'll need to jam it really hard in to a cement surface to compact it.

http://www.amazon.com/ASP-Tactical-Baton/dp/B0006YZ4TW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292469599&sr=8-1
These may or may not be legal where you live.

******

Another choice is pepper spray, however I have heard of an instance in which pepper spray failed to stop a Pit Bull attack.

MACE MUZZLE DOG REPELLENT PEPPER SPRAY



Product Description
Mace Brand Muzzle Dog Repellent Spray Dog repellents can keep away unwanted dogs while you are walking your own canine, running, jogging, biking or enjoying walk with your children. Unleashed, untrained, angry dogs can threaten you personal safety and dog pepper spray can give you added security against wild, vicious dogs. Dog sprays are made with the same active "hot" pepper ingredients as traditional pepper spray. This Muzzle defense spray product is just as strong and effective as traditional OC pepper spray, but is EPA-approved to be a humane way to stop a dog attack or vicious animal. Just a single spray to the dog's face will repel the angry animal humanely and effectively with a temporary (but intense) burning sensation. This 14 gram canine spray canister is easy to carry on a belt, waistband or attached to a set of keys. This MACE brand product features an easy flip-top safety cap that prevents unwanted use while being carried. If you do encounter a dog that violates your safety, this item also has a contoured finger grip to assist your aiming accuracy. This product is easily dispensed with a single flip-push motion using thumb for the best grip. Each unit fires about 10 one-second bursts Effective range 10-12 feet Every unit "test fired" before shipping by Mace Built-in belt clip and key chain Easy to follow instructions included Includes self-adhesive fastener for bicycle use
http://www.amazon.com/Mace-Brand-Muzzle-Repellent-Spray/dp/B000VYJFII/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292470904&sr=8-1

[daleo]

30. When I was 11 or 12 I used a hockey stick

There was a dog down the alley that used to harrass me when I walked to the local corner store. One day I gave it a bump with the hockey stick I was carrying (for road hockey). That turned the tables - it quit bothering me after that.

I think we were both surprised by my sudden assertiveness. Onrushing adolescence I guess. I was getting bigger and it was getting smaller.

[dixiegrrrrl]

17. Once dogs are beyond "their" terroritory, usually their yard, they are not

as likely to pursue you if you slowly and calmly back away, or even steadily sidle away.
Dropping your eyes from the dog's face is a good thing, staring at the eyes is a challenge.

It sounds counter intuitive to not make eye contact, to turn your side to a dog, to ignore a dog and act as if you are in charge of the situation, but these are all parts of a dog conversation the animal understands. Dogs use body language, remember.

I have dogs run out to challenge me and my dog when we go around the neighborhood, they almost always are willing to turn tail when told to "GO Home" or "Out" in a very firm voice.

Now, several dogs running loose THRU the neighborhood, that is another matter. Once they pack up, they will usually chase anything that seems fearful. In those situations, I have banged one of my walking sticks against anything that made noise and yelled like crazy. Around here, somebody will come out of their house to help very quickly.

Luckily, around here, Animal Control and the police respond severely to loose dogs, because of the high incidence of rabies.

[pnwmom]

21. Yes, when my young girl dog gets too rowdy, I have often observed

my older male dog turn away to one side. He's not going to bite her but he's sending a clear message that it's not playtime!

[safeinOhio]

22. Check your local laws

Most have leash laws. If the dog is not on a leash and acts aggressive call animal control and, or the police and report it. It is always fun to hear them tell the judge how the darn dog is just smarter than they are and gets out.
You may save a child by doing this.

[Martin Eden]

23. I was walking my dog on a leash down an alley in Chicago, when a HUGE German Shepherd ...

... that was fenced in growling & barking and jumping at the gate finally cleared it and came charging down the alley towards us.

My dog was 65-pound watchdog and no wimp, but wanted no part of that beast. I assessed it wanted my dog and wasn't focused on me. I turned around and stepped towards the Shepherd, raising my arms and shouting loudly & menacingly at the beast -- which immediately stopped dead in its tracks and reversed direction back towards his yard (not sure how he ever got back in).

I'm simply relating a situation I found myself in and I reacted ... I don't claim to be in expert on these situations.

[AlphaCentauri]

25. What to do when you stand still and the dog starts sniffing your junk?

:scared:

[Jamastiene]

34. Pray your junk does not smell yummy. n/t

[flamingdem]

27. I was attacked by a dog running in a pack

These dogs were probably previously pets in a bad part of town.. The funny part is that the smallest dog in the group decided to chomp my calf. Luckily I did not need get rabies shots and recovered.

There was no way that I could have prevented it .. I was walking along and they came up on me.

[U4ikLefty]

29. Wear a Michael Vick t-shirt & the dog will turn tail and run the other way.

Someone had to say it.

[applegrove]

31. A friend and I were jogging one night. The saint bernard of another friend

caming running out after us. I knew he wasn't an aggressive dog, I lived next door to another saint bernard who always came running out of his yard to smell my hand, so I made her stop. I held her in one place. She was so pissed off at me but I know I did the right thing. The dog lost interest in us as soon as we stopped.

[meow mix]

35. i saw it happen exactly as you describe once..

poor guy was just walking along the sidewalk and the dog ran out and bit him on the inner thigh. took all of 3 seconds to happen and i dont think anyone could have reacted fast enough lol

[Le Taz Hot]

37. As one who is TERRIFIED of dogs

and who has been mauled more than once, I like this one: "If you are particularly fearful of dogs, consider carrying pepper spray after you've taken a course on how to effectively use it." And dog owners: PLEASE, could you keep your little darlings from being loose and attacking people in the first place? Thanks so much.

[cali]

38. I got bit by a dog yesterday

My dog and my neighbor's dog are not a good mix. I was between them and Freya went for Liddy. She didn't bite me badly- I had on snow pants and and long underwear, but I have two puncture wounds surrounded by two pretty impressive bruises.