15 Best Ways To Protect Yourself From Dog Attacks While Walking
Are you concern about how to protect yourself from dog attacks while walking? In this post we will discuss fifteen ways to achieve this aim.
Dog attacks can be terrible and it's important to know how to protect oneself from such an ordeal that could even lead to loss of life. Your best wins against dog attacks however can come from simple prevention methods such as keeping calm and staying alert while walking. When walking through areas where dogs frequent, holding a cane or walking stick can be used to claim your personal space if any dog tries to confront you, the stick can become a defensive weapon if necessary.
#1. Don’t Panic
So you are face to face with a dog, it might look scary but don’t make a big deal out of it. If panic and run the dog is wire to chase and caught you which could be escalated into some serious injury. Rather stay calm, breathe - will allow your brain to cool and then act as calmly but swiftly to get yourself out it sight.
#2. Take Caution Around Leashed Dogs
That a dog is on a leash doesn’t imply that you walk carelessly around it. You will do well to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the dog when you pass by a dog being walked on a leash. Look for a color-coded warning on the dog collar or leash. Many dog walkers have special tags that alert you to a dog's temperament and whether they should be approached. The same thing applies when you are passing in front of a build with a sign “Beware of Dog”, it means just keep off, so don’t loiter in such vicinity. Even without a sign, once you are walking past a building and you noticed a dog roaming around the compound or chained - don’t assume you are safe, keep off.
#3. Take permission
There are cases where a nervous dog meant no harm, just minding its business and a naïve passerby wants to play. You can imagine the outcome of such a scenario - disaster right?
You could be a dog lover who can’t resist the desire to play with other people’s dogs sometimes, while your feelings for the dog are valid, we suggest that you seek the dog owner’s permission before you play with the dog before you process to play with the dog. The dog owner is in the best position to tell whether or not to play with the dog and if yes, how you can best proceed with your intention and not get hurt.
#4. Pay attention to the emotional state of the dog.
Before approaching the dog, consider the dog's current state. Is it depressed or upbeat, apprehensive or at ease? Approach a dog that is growling, barking, snarling, eating, sleeping, or nursing her puppies with extreme caution. Dogs a block or more ahead of you in your route should be avoided. To avoid unleashed dogs, be prepared to adjust your route or turn around.
#5: Be respectful of the dog's space.
Approaching, touching, or playing with a sleeping or eating dog is never a good idea.
It’s still a wise idea to respect the doggy space.
#6. Avoid Chained Dogs.
Especially avoid approaching tethered or chained dogs. Some municipalities now make it illegal to tether or chain a dog because they can become more defensive when they are unable to getaway.
#7. Don't Stare.
Eye contact with a dog can be misinterpreted as a threat or challenge, causing a normally calm dog to become agitated. Without being aware of the danger, young children at eye level with large dogs might offer difficulty. Look away and avoid any eye contact if you fear a dog is about to attack.
#8. Yawn.
Yawns are catchy because it’s reflex, just like with people, it’s with animals. And they have the added benefit of signaling to the dog that there is no threat. Try turning sideways, looking away, and pretending to yawn when a dog postures and acts as though he's about to attack.
#9. Be A Tree.
When you're around dogs you don't know, be still and silent like a tree. Because trees are uninteresting, the dog will flee or at the very least get uninterested. Walking, sprinting, arm-waving, and high-pitched loud talking, giggling and laughing elicits even more excitement from the dog, inviting it to play chase-bite games. Even nice dogs can bite out of excitement, and even well-behaved children can strike out and injure a classmate while playing. So cross your arms and come to a halt in front of the dog.
#10. Change His Attitude.
To alter the offended dog's attitude, use a noise, a toy, or a verbal signal. I'm not a fan of hazardous material squirt guns because they require excellent aim under duress to work. A loud siren alarm, on the other hand, can scare the dog away. Dogs often act aggressively out of fear, but changing their mood—for example, by tossing a tennis ball—can change hostility into play. Don't throw the ball AT the dog; instead, gently toss it behind you or just ask, "Where's your ball?" That may be enough to cause the dog to come to a halt and search for his toy.
#11. Be A Log.
If you're knocked out, resist the urge to wiggle or fight back. Instead, curl up into a ball and remain motionless—as if you were a log—until the dog leaves. Jumping, tugging, and wrestling games are encouraged by movement and commotion, which might heighten the dog's enthusiasm and desire to bite.
#12. The Dog’s Body Language Matters.
Make sure to pass on these suggestions to your children as well. You should also learn to interpret canine body language so that you can recognize warning signs and keep your children away from potentially dangerous dogs, even if the owner tells you that he "means nothing by it." It's always best to play it safe and avoid issues!
#13. Protect Yourself
Protect your head and neck if the loose dog turns on you (which is rare but does happen). All except the most violent dogs will be stopped by Spray Shield, and these dogs are usually only stopped by physically distancing them from their victim. After one of her little dogs was murdered by a much larger dog who jumped his fence, one of my friends now walks with a walking stick. While the stick did not save her dog, it does give her peace of mind knowing that she has something to use to keep a violent dog at bay. You can also use the stick to beat up on the dog or to play fetch with it.
#14. If a Dog Attacks
If the dog bites you, put something between you and the dog's jaws, such as an umbrella, pack, jacket, or stick. If the dog attacks you, curl up in a ball and protect your face, neck, and stomach by curling up in a ball.
#15. Carry a dog repellent
Dog repellent sprays are a safer option though since they can fit into your pocket.
Chili Pepper - One of the most common and efficient dog repellents is chili pepper.
Ammonia - Ammonia is an unpleasant odor for dogs.
Vinegar — Another strong-smelling perfume that acts as a dog deterrent is vinegar.
Conclusion
Multiple dogs will attack as a pack, so pay attention to your own dog's body language and energy. Don't let any of the aggressive dogs get behind you if there is more than one. If you see a neighbor walking their dog, calmly change direction if you have any doubts about it being a neighbor's dog. You can also call if you're having trouble with multiple dogs in the area.
How would you fend off a dog to protect yourself? Tell us about it down in the comment.
Reference
How to Protect Yourself from Dog Bites while Walking or Jogging
