If a dog runs at you, the best thing to do is remain calm and avoid making eye contact with the animal. If possible, you should back away slowly, without making any sudden moves or loud noises. Here’s why.
Should I Scream or Run Away If a Dog Runs at Me?
According to the National Institutes of Health, loud sounds can be traumatizing to dogs and engage their fight-or-flight response. If a dog is already running at you, yelling at it or running away from the animal can make the situation worse.
Unless you are an Olympic athlete, you don’t have much chance of successfully outrunning a violent dog. Instead, you should stay calm and quiet while slowly backing away from it.
Never turn your back on a dog that is coming at you, since this signals to them that you are prey and encourages them to chase you. You also won’t be able to see them pounce.
Should I Avoid Eye Contact with an Aggressive Dog?
The American Kennel Club warns against looking an aggressive dog in the eyes, especially if they are coming towards you. This makes the animal feel challenged or threatened and can increase the likelihood they will lunge and attack.
While it’s important to be able to see the dog so you can anticipate a potential bite, you never want to look it directly in the eye. As you back away, fix your gaze on the ground just below the dog near its paws so you can still get a read on its next move.
How to Assess a Dog’s Behavior
If a dog is approaching you, here are some things to look for that can help you determine whether the animal is friendly or aggressive:
Playful or Neutral Behavior
- Enthusiastic tail wagging
- Relaxed body posture
- Hopping or running back and forth
- Ears forward and not stiff
Aggressive Behavior
- Nervous tail wagging or twitching
- Raised hackles (when fur along the dog’s spine stands on end)
- A straight line of approach
- Eye contact without blinking
- Baring teeth
- Growling
Further Reading: 5 Aggressive Dog Behaviors to Watch Out For
Can I Defend Myself From a Violent Dog?
If a dog is coming at you and de-escalation tactics aren’t working, try to put a barrier in between yourself and the animal. This could be furniture if you are in a house or an item like a purse or umbrella if you are walking outside.
Even if the dog could tear through the object or destroy it, putting it in front of yourself can make you look more intimidating and discourage the dog from attacking.
What Should I Do If a Dog Starts Biting Me?
If an aggressive dog attacks and starts to bite you, do what you can to protect vital areas of your body like your neck, face, and hands.
If possible, get low to the ground in the fetal position and tuck your head and legs into your body as much as you can. This leaves only your back exposed to the dog, which is the least likely to cause serious injury or disfigurement.
How to Report an Aggressive Dog
After an encounter with an aggressive dog, it’s important to report the animal to authorities. Contact your local animal control office or police station with details about the incident, including the dog’s description and the location where the encounter took place.
If possible, you should also provide authorities with the owner’s contact information. If you don’t know who owns the dog that bit you, the police may be able to help you find them.
Further Reading: Reporting a Dangerous Dog
Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Attacked by a Dog?
If you were attacked by a dog, an experienced Salem personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation. A successful dog bite claim can cover expenses related to the incident, such as medical bills and lost wages. You may also be able to get non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Contact Mazow McCullough, PC today to explore your legal rights after a dog attack by calling our office at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
