How to handle a dog attack

You are taking a walk in a park and an unknown dog crosses your path. The dog begins to bark and growl, and then suddenly jumps up and attacks you. Your response during that split second can be the difference between getting out unscathed or being attacked by the dog. Maybe it’s even the difference between life and death.

why do dogs attack

• protection territory

Dogs are very protective of their territory. A dog will attack if you unknowingly trespass on its perceived territory and the dog sees you as a potential danger.

• Disease

Several diseases can lead to increased aggression in dogs. Thyroid disease, brain tumor or rabies are just some of the diseases that can cause dog aggression.

• Establishing Dominance

Aggression is often a means of establishing dominance in the canine world. Dogs displaying such behavior feel like they are in charge and growling, snapping, and biting are ways they show their dominance if they feel challenged. If your dog shows signs of aggression to establish dominance over her, it’s quite possible that he will snap, snap, or growl when he tries to move her off the furniture, grab her by the collar, hold her, or correct her on the leash.

• fear

Fear is another major reason for dog aggression. Dogs typically show aggression when they feel they are in danger, and then aggression comes naturally to them as a means of self-defense. This can happen if the dog is cornered with no way to escape or it may think you raised your hand to hit it instead of petting it. A frightened dog will bite if he feels there is no way to escape, harm is imminent, and biting is the only way to protect himself.

• assault by possession

This type of aggression arises when the dog becomes possessive of a toy, a bed, food or any other object. A dog displaying possession aggression will growl if it sees someone approaching its food bowl or while it is chewing on its toy. These dogs may bite strangers when they enter your home. However, the degree of aggression differs from dog to dog and between objects. A dog may not mind if you pet him and sit next to him while he chews on a rubber toy, but he may growl or bite when you do the same while playing with a toy he is possessive of.

• barrier frustration

Aggression caused by frustration is often referred to as “barrier frustration” or “redirected frustration.” Such aggression arises when the dog cannot reach something and becomes frustrated. This frustration manifests itself in the form of aggression. As his frustration grows, so will his growling, barking, or biting. This is often seen in dogs that spend the day on a leash or behind a chain-link fence.

How to handle a dog attack

• control the situation

Remember that most dogs are subservient to humans. A loud, verbal command to “Lie down,” “Go home,” or “Stop” can halt his attack momentarily, giving you time to back off.

• hold your position

Dogs have short attention spans. Often after a few barks, dogs lose interest and walk away.

• Look for an improvised weapon

Not much that you can find in your pocket or pick up is likely to be very effective against a large dog. However, if you’re lucky enough to find a thick branch or fist-sized rock, you might be able to stop a dog from attacking with a hard enough blow to the head.

• Assume a non-threatening position

Standing to the side of the dog and keeping him in his peripheral vision instead of making direct eye contact will signal to the dog that you are not a threat.

• Don’t make loud noises around a dog.

Loud sounds can make a dog think you are a threat and therefore may attack you.

• keep your mood

Don’t panic and try to keep your composure and think clearly. Look for an exit in any direction, even up if you can climb a tree or climb a ladder. If there are no obvious means of escape, be prepared to counterattack or defend yourself. Lastly, don’t forget that you have a voice. Yell for help so anyone within earshot can help you.

• counter

Remember that one of the most sensitive points of a dog are its eyes. A quick poke to the eye will severely disorient a dog, giving you more time to escape or defend yourself.

If you are bitten, the last thing you want to do is struggle or pull away, as this can cause open, tearing wounds. If you stay still and protect delicate parts of your body (for example, ears, face, and neck), the dog will only be able to inflict puncture wounds on the areas of your body with the thickest skin.