How to Defend Against a Dog Attack

Dog defense steps for before, during, and after an attack

SAFETY GUIDE

What to Do When a Dog Attacks

By Tim Mousel

Most dog bites come from a dog the victim knows, and most attacks can be stopped before teeth ever make contact. Here is the sequence I teach in class: read the dog, stop the charge, protect your vital areas if it bites, and get medical care afterward.

Step 1: Recognize the Warning Signs

A dog almost always signals before it bites. Watch for a stiff body, raised hackles, a hard stare, lips pulled back, a low growl, and a tail held high and stiff. A wagging tail alone does not mean a friendly dog. If you see these signs, stop approaching and give the dog space.

Step 2: Stop the Charge Without Running

Do not run. Running triggers the chase instinct, and no one outruns a dog.
Stand still and turn slightly sideways with your hands close to your body. Keep the dog in your peripheral vision and avoid a direct stare.
Use a firm, low voice. Commands such as "No!", "Sit!", or "Go home!" stop many dogs that are bluffing.
Put something between you and the dog: a backpack, purse, jacket, umbrella, or bicycle.
Back away slowly once the dog loses interest, still facing it, toward a car, fence, or doorway you can put between you.

Step 3: If the Dog Bites

If a bite is coming, feed the dog your barrier item or a forearm wrapped in a jacket so its teeth land on something other than your face, throat, or hands. Stay on your feet, because a person on the ground is far more vulnerable. Pulling your arm straight back tears the skin, so keep the arm still and call loudly for help. In a life-threatening attack, strike the dog's nose, eyes, or throat, or spray pepper spray at its face.

If You Are Knocked Down

Curl into a ball on your side or face down, tuck your chin, and lock your hands behind your neck with your forearms covering your ears and face. Stay as still and quiet as you can; many dogs lose interest in a target that stops moving.

Step 4: After a Dog Bite

Wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes, then press a clean cloth on it to control bleeding.
See a doctor promptly. Dog bites infect easily, and you may need antibiotics, a tetanus shot, or rabies treatment.
Get the owner's name and contact information and ask about the dog's rabies vaccination.
Report the bite to animal control or the police, and photograph your injuries and the location.

Best Tools for Dog Defense on Walks and Runs

If you walk, run, or bike where loose dogs are common, carry a dog-specific pepper spray or a citronella spray, and consider a walking stick or umbrella that can serve as a barrier. Change your route if the same dog repeatedly threatens you, and report it so the owner is required to contain it.

Dog Attack Defense: Quick Answers

What is the best defense against a dog attack?

Avoiding the bite in the first place: stand still, stay quiet and calm, and put an object between you and the dog. Pepper spray made for dogs is the most effective tool if the dog keeps coming.

Should you fight back against an attacking dog?

Only when the attack is serious and escape is impossible. Then target the nose, eyes, and throat, and keep yourself upright.

Should you look a dog in the eyes?

No. Many dogs read a direct stare as a challenge. Watch the dog with your peripheral vision instead.

A Dog Trainer's Perspective

By Peter Vermeeren

As a dog trainer and handler, I'm often asked about self-defense against dog attacks. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, this guide can help you understand and prepare for various scenarios.

Understanding Dogs & Their Owners

Different combinations of dogs and owners create different risk levels. Problematic situations often arise from owners who:

Got themselves a dog to show off
Don't understand the needs of a dog
Treat their dog as if it were human
Need a dog to boost their ego
Selected the wrong dog for their situation

Different breeds of dogs were bred for different purposes. A Maltese will never attack the same way as a Bloodhound. Their purpose and body size are completely different. However, every dog has its own character and temperament regardless of breed.

Important Note

When buying a dog, be clear about your purpose: Do you want a guard dog (defense), an attack dog, or a companion? Matching the breed to your needs is essential for safety.

Dogs Often Labeled as "Dangerous"

Media often portrays certain breeds as dangerous. These typically include:

Rottweiler
German Shepherd
Pit Bull
Doberman

Bulldogs
Alaskan Malamutes
Siberian Huskies
Great Danes

These dogs are often blacklisted because they're working dogs of considerable size and weight. However, statistics show people are attacked more frequently by terriers than blacklisted dogs. The primary difference is in the damage caused: a 45kg dog with a bite pressure of 750kg per square centimeter causes far more damage than a small 3kg dog.

Defense Strategies for Different Scenarios

Trained Police Dogs

If you're certain it's a trained police dog, stand still and don't move. They're trained to bite when you flee or resist. Lie down on the floor face down or stand still with your hands up. These dogs recognize these signals and are the easiest to deal with.

Untrained Dogs

Depending on the breed, untrained dogs target different areas:

Arm Protection Method: Wrap your arm in your jacket and offer it to the dog. There's a 60% chance it will go for it. When it bites, resist slightly to make it tighten its grip, then fall on top of the dog and immobilize it with your forearm (still in its mouth). In extreme danger, you may need to take defensive action to disable the dog.

For larger dogs like Rottweilers, they'll often aim for your legs. They may be reluctant to jump up to grab your arm. If they try, kick defensively while facing the dog. Never turn to run away – this excites them and triggers hunting instincts. Call for help, scream to attract attention, and try to find stones or sticks to throw.

Barking Dogs

"Barking dogs don't bite" is somewhat true. A dog barks to warn you or to hide its own fear.

The Bold Approach: If a lone dog is running toward you while barking, try running toward it, making noise and swinging your arms to appear larger. This may scare off the dog (73% chance if the dog is barking, only 23% if silent).

Partially Trained Dogs

The most dangerous category is partially trained dogs. They don't respond to commands or recognize obvious signals. They're confident enough not to be scared away but aren't trained to stop when the victim stops resisting. These cause the most injuries and are hardest to defend against. The same tactics for untrained dogs apply, but be aware these dogs may be trained to bite shoulders or genitals.

Multiple Dogs

If multiple dogs attack, the situation is extremely dangerous – similar to a wolf pack. They hunt in groups, with some attacking while others circle to attack from behind. Put your back against a wall or car, find a stick to keep them at bay, and call for help immediately.

Recommended Defense Tool

Pepper Spray: The Best Option

The most humane and effective defense against any dog attack is pepper spray. Regular sprays sold locally work fine. They're affordable, come in various sizes, are easy to carry, and work against all types of dog attacks. They're relatively harmless to the dog while giving you time to escape. When walking in parks or areas with potential dog encounters, always carry pepper spray.

About the Author: Peter Vermeeren is a traditional martial arts teacher with over 30 years of experience. His websites can be found at takaharudojo.org and kamikaze-portal.com

Source: www.isnare.com | Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=9700&ca=Family+Concerns

Quick Tips for Dog Encounters

Stay calm and avoid sudden movements
Never run away from a threatening dog
Avoid direct eye contact which can be threatening
Stand sideways to appear less threatening
Put an object between you and the dog if possible

Understanding Dog Body Language

Recognizing warning signs can help you avoid attacks:

Raised hackles (hair on back)

Stiff tail or fast wagging

Tense body posture

Showing teeth or growling

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