How do you stop a dog attacking you?

What do I do if I find myself in a situation with a dog that is aggressing towards me?
  1. Avoid eye contact.
  2. Turn your body slowly to the side.
  3. Cross your arms.
  4. Completely ignore the dog.
  5. Be still for a short period then move slowly away.
  6. Try to get to a place where there is a barrier between you and the dog.

It is important for all pet owners to know how to safely handle a situation in which their pet is exhibiting aggressive behaviour towards them or a stranger. Dog attacks can be incredibly traumatic and dangerous, and it is essential that owners know how to diffuse the situation and protect themselves. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to stop a dog from attacking you, from identifying aggressive behaviour to discussing useful tactics and techniques to employ. We will also explore the importance of assessing the circumstances of the attack, and discuss how this may influence the method of stopping the attack. Finally, we will consider the legal implications of a dog attacking someone, as well as providing a basic outline of the steps to take in the aftermath of a dog attack.

Expert Q&ASearch

  • Question Why would a dog attack his owner of 10 years? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer If his aggression is out of character, in a dog of this age you need to consider that he might be in pain. Sore arthritic joints, bad teeth, poor sight, or an ear infection are examples of conditions that can make the dog feel more defensive and less tolerant. Get him checked by a vet, as treatment may be all thats needed to resolve the issue.
  • Question What should I do if I think a large dog might attack me and/or my Chihuahua while we are going for a walk? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Remain calm, and do not show fear. Have your dog stay calm, as any aggressive behavior from him may trigger the large dog to attack. Plan ahead, and consider carrying a walking stick to fend off the large dog if he attacks. If you suspect the dog will attack, equip yourself with some pepper spray to use to defend yourself (but be careful of the wind direction so that you dont hurt yourself). Look around you for the owner, and demand they immediately call their dog and restrain it.
  • Question Should I report the owner of a dog that attacked me but didnt hurt me? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer This depends how serious the attack was. If you feel the dog is a real danger to other people and the owner is not taking sufficient steps to control the animal, then report them. Unless actual harm was done, its unlikely they will be prosecuted, but inspectors may call to discuss appropriate control and training, which could save another person from being attacked in the future.
  • What to Do if a Dog Attacks You While On Leash

    There are many options available to you if a dog is attacking you while you are holding its leash.

    Always begin a walk by wrapping the leash strap around your thumb and holding it close to your belly with both hands.

    I advise all of my clients to walk their dogs in this manner because it is more convenient and secure than tying a leash to your hand. You have complete control thanks to this, especially if the dog is larger than you. It also allows you to drop the leash if necessary.

    If you have concerns about a particular dog, use two handlers and two leashes. This enables each person to hold a leash, enabling them to separate the dog from the other handler if necessary. Only shelter staff should use this technique as they must walk the dog between the two people.

    If you have a dog that is aggressive and lack a catch pole or other tool made specifically for handling aggressive dogs, this is a great alternative.

    You have two main options for stopping an attack from the dog if it is currently engaged in one:

  • String-ups. These are tricky, so practice using a heavy bag first. This is an emergency defensive move where you essentially yank a dog upwards and away from you (with straight arms), often while you hop backwards. This is not meant to be a correction. It’s a defensive move to get a dog away from you if that dog is trying to hurt you.
  • A loop-back. This is my favorite trick for handling aggressive dogs. You can loop your leash around a tree, post, chain link fence, or just about any other solid object. Then you can pull on the leash, which pulls the dog towards that object and away from you.
  • Make Noise & Use Nearby Objects As a Barrier

    Make a lot of noise as you approach the dog to frighten it away. Use anything you can find, such as pots and pans, air horns, your voice, or other loud noises.

    Place a barrier between the dog and the child, such as a board, or wrap the dog in a thick blanket. We don’t want to use dog pepper spray or citronella spray when there is a child present for obvious reasons.

    If you can simply pick the child up, do it. Then be ready to get up or away immediately. If you lift the kid, the dog might find you even more fascinating!

    If none of that is successful, you might have to employ the wheelbarrow technique. Grab the dog by the hind legs firmly (above the knees) and yank it away.

    This is extremely risky because the dog could easily turn around and bite you. However, if you see a dog mutilating a child, it might be your only choice.

    Remember that if the dog has bit the child and won’t let go, using the wheelbarrow method isn’t a good idea. Tugging the dog might further tear and harm the child. You might need to use a technique sometimes referred to as a “forced out” in a grab-and-hold situation. ”.

    FAQ

    What triggers a dog to attack?

    He claims that fear is a common cause of dog bites. Others are territorial if they’re defending their favorite resting spot, their bed, or something they value highly. A dog bowl, for example, or if they’ve learned to defend it, can teach them to become aggressive “.

    What to do if an aggressive dog comes up to you?

    WHAT TO DO IF THREATENED BY AN AGGRESSIVE DOG
    1. Remain calm and still. …
    2. When lying on the ground, curl up into a fetal position, cover your head with your arms, and maintain a fist-like grip.
    3. Avoid eye contact. …
    4. Do not smile at the dog.
    5. Use a soft, soothing tone of voice.

    What to do if a dog runs at you?

    There are a few ways you can try to stop a dog in their tracks as they are coming towards you.
    1. Use a firm, loud voice to command the dog to “Go Home!” or to perform another simple command like “Sit.” “.
    2. As you advance, extend your hand in a stop motion.
    3. Throw treats at the dog as a distraction. …
    4. Block and startle.