Q: What should you do when a dog attacks you and/or your dog, especially without any type of warning (no growling or menacing body language)?
A: A dog approaching in a fast, direct manner can be an extremely unnerving experience. You don't really know what the dog's intentions are, but if he approaches with a straight, stiff body at a steady run you certainly have cause for concern. He is more likely to be dangerous if he perceives that you are on his territory or if he has worked himself up by fence fighting or practicing leash frustration/aggression.
Remain calm and don't run or flail about. Try to stand in a still, yet relaxed manner at a slightly oblique angle to the dog and avoid direct eye contact. Keep your limbs close to your body and your wits even closer about you! Inventory your person and location for defensive options like a large stick, an umbrella, a backpack or even your jacket. If you are walking your dog and the incoming canine projectile is staring at your dog, it is likely that the interaction is going to be directed at your dog.
If your dog is about the same size as his potential antagonist and you are in a relatively safe location, you might consider dropping your leash and yelling at the other dog to "go home." You can ask your dog to "wait" (a good reason to attend dog obedience classes and learn this command) and step away from and in front of your dog. If the dog attacks, try to give him something else to bite from your earlier defensive assessment of the environment. Don't grab the attacking dog at the collar, rather circle behind him and grab his rear legs and pull them up and away from the fight. Now would be a good time to put out the strong verbal SOS and get some assistance!
No comments
Post a Comment