How to handle a dog attack




You are taking a walk in a park and an unknown dog crosses your path. The dog starts barking and growling, and then all of a sudden jumps up and attacks you. Your response during that split second can be the difference between leaving unscathed or being mutilated 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 it unknowingly trespasses on its perceived territory and is viewed by the dog as a potential danger.

  • Disease

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

  • Establishing dominance

Aggression is often a means of establishing dominance in the canine world. Dogs that display such behavior feel like they are in charge and growling, biting and biting are ways to show their dominance if they feel challenged. If your dog shows signs of aggression to establish dominance, then it is quite possible that he will bite, snap, or growl when you try to move him from the furniture, grab his collar, restrain or correct him with the leash.

  • Fear

Fear is another of the main reasons for dog aggression. Dogs generally show aggression when they feel they are in danger, and in that case, aggression comes naturally to them as a means of defending themselves. This can happen if the dog is cornered and has no way of escaping or may think that you raised your hand to hit it and not to pet it. A scared dog will bite if it feels there is no way to escape, there is imminent harm, and biting is the only way to protect itself.

  • Possession Assault

This type of aggression arises when the dog becomes possessive with a toy, a bed, food or any other object. A dog exhibiting possession assault will growl if he sees someone approaching his food bowl or while he is chewing on his toy. These dogs can bite strangers when entering 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 snap when you do the same while he is playing with a toy that is possessive.

  • Barrier frustration

Aggression caused by frustration is often referred to as “barrier frustration” or “redirected frustration.” Such aggression arises when the dog cannot get to something and becomes frustrated. This frustration manifests itself in the form of aggression. As your frustration grows, so will your grunting, 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 subjected to humans. A strong verbal command of “Lie down,” “Go home,” or “Stop” can stop their attack momentarily, giving you time to back off.

  • Hold your position

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

  • Look for an improvised weapon

There isn’t much you can find in your pocket or pick up that is likely to be very effective against a large dog. However, if you are lucky enough to find a thick branch or a fist-sized stone, you can stop a dog from attacking with a strong enough blow to the head.

  • Take a non-threatening position

Standing on the dog’s side and holding it in your peripheral vision rather than 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 may therefore attack you.

  • Keep your mood

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

  • defend yourself

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

If you are bitten, the last thing you want to do is fight or run away, as this can cause open and torn wounds. By staying still and protecting the delicate parts of his body (for example, the ears, face and neck), the dog will only be able to inflict puncture wounds on the areas of his body that have the thickest skin.

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