What to Do if a Dog Attacks You: Vet-Reviewed Prevention and Defense
In this article
View 1 More +No matter how much of an animal lover you are, there are few things more fear-inducing than being rushed or chased by a dog. Most people don’t know what to do if a dog ever attacks them, though.
There is a lot of bad information out there about how to safely interact with dogs, and it’s extremely important to know what to do if a dog ever attacks you. This skill is important for everyone, but it’s even more important for people who live in areas where dogs are often off-leash and may not stay in their own yards, like in rural areas and towns without leash laws.
To Prevent a Dog Attack
1. Stay Calm and Upright
If you’re approached by a dog that is acting aggressively, it’s important that you stay calm. Even if you’re nervous, you can’t show your nerves. If a dog is truly aggressive and senses that you’re afraid, it may increase the chance of you being attacked.
You need to stay upright. If you crouch or sit down, you’re opening an opportunity for an attack. Keep quiet and avoid direct eye contact, as sudden movements, loud noises, or staring may escalate the dog’s aggression. In some cases, holding your ground may discourage the dog, but always be prepared for unpredictable behavior.
2. Stay Stiff and Still
Don’t run! Running will encourage the dog to chase you. You need to stay as still as possible. Avoid looking at the dog directly to avoid the dog thinking you are challenging it. If possible, turn to the side so the dog is on your side and not directly in front of you. This will help protect your vital organs if an attack does occur. Keep your voice low and calm since shouting may be viewed as aggressive by the dog.
3. Provide a Distraction
When it comes to a dog attack, nothing is more important than protecting yourself. If you have something that may distract the dog, it may be best to try to use it. This can be food, or it can be an item like a purse or backpack, water bottle, or jacket. Try to toss the item instead of dropping it near you, as this may encourage the dog to get closer to you.
Do what you can to keep your cell phone on you. If an attack occurs, you will need your phone to ensure you get help. Once the dog is distracted, walk backward away from them and get to a safe place.
To Defend Against a Dog Attack
1. 1. Be Firm
If it’s evident that you are dealing with a dog that intends to attack you, use a deep, firm voice to the dog. It isn’t necessary to shout at the dog, but you may need to raise your voice. Your goal is to appear calm, assertive, and in control, which may discourage the dog from following through with aggression.
2. Fight Back
While nobody likes to think about hurting an animal, it is necessary to fight back with everything you have if you are attacked by a dog. Protect your vital areas and stay as compact as possible, keeping your limbs close to your body to reduce the chance of being grabbed. Keep your fingers curled into fists and avoid allowing the dog to grab onto any part of your body. Every action should be focused on creating an opportunity to escape safely or restraining a dog if possible, in case of smaller breeds.
3. Protect Your Vital Organs
If the dog manages to get you onto the ground, it is imperative to your survival that you protect your chest, throat, face, and stomach. Curl into a fetal position and tuck your head as much as possible if the dog has gotten the upper hand on you. Use your arms to protect your head and neck, but aim to keep your fingers curled into tight fists to avoid serious damage to them.
4. Don’t Turn Your Back
Never turn your back on an aggressive dog. Once you are provided with an avenue to escape the attack, try to back away from the dog. If you turn your back, the dog may knock you down again. By facing the dog, you will discourage the dog from attacking you again while allowing you to see an attack if it’s coming. Get to safety as quickly as possible without running. This may mean climbing onto a stable fence or even a dumpster to keep the dog at bay while you wait for help.
Summing Up
Dog attacks are an extremely frightening experience, and sometimes they are fully outside of your control. Avoiding a dog attack is the best way to stay safe, but if you can’t avoid the attack, then you have to do everything in your power to stay safe and alive. Knowing how to protect yourself will give you the best chance at survival when dealing with an aggressive dog, and knowing how to deter an attack is a beneficial skill that can help you and others around you.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock
Expert dog care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Brooke Billingsley spent 9 years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend, and loves all animals; currently sharing a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. She has a soft spot for special needs animals and has a three-legged senior dog and an internet famous cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Fish keeping has become a hobby of Brooke’s and she is continually learning how to give her aquarium pets the best life possible. Brooke enjoys gardening and keeps a vegetable garden during the summer months. She stays active with yoga and obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. She hosts a podcast focusing on folklore and myth and loves spending her free time researching and writing. Brooke believes that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth and she spends time daily working toward new skills and knowledge.
