What to do when attacked by a dog - instructions from a cynologist

Cute four-legged friends can become aggressive if they have experienced abuse. Street dogs can sometimes pose a danger, which is why they rightly cause alarm to people. So what to do when a dog shows hostility and starts lunging? We found out from the cynologist.

cynologist with 10 years of experience

“The main thing is not to let fear take over.”

Turinys

The difference between fear and aggression

To begin with, it is worth understanding what an aggressive dog looks like, because barking, growling and grinning are not always signs that it is going to attack. The animal can express fear and insecurity in this way. From the emotional state of the four-legged and will depend on the actions.

Fear in a dog can also look different, it depends on the psychotype of the animal. If the dog – choleric, the reaction to fear will be active wagging of the tail, loud barking, throwing from side to side. More phlegmatic dogs show this emotion in a different way: growl, tucked ears, neat and slow steps.

Aggressive mood in dogs is usually expressed in the form of:

a confident stance;
a grin;
ears turned toward the back, but not pressed against the back of the head;
a cocked withers;
straight, straight tail.

What to do if the dog shows aggression?

Just like that, the dog will not throw itself. Most often in this way, the animal is trying to protect its territory, offspring or food. If the dog shows signs of fear or hostile behavior, it is better to just move away and do not touch him. You need to show the animal that you are not claiming its space or safety. Ignore it and remain calm – as long as the dog is further than a meter and a half or two meters away, there is nothing to worry about.

You can pretend to pick something up off the floor, or actually pick up a stick or rock. This will give you confidence and the dog will think you are armed and will retreat for his own safety. But you should not wave your arms or throw something at the animal.

Further you should just confidently walk in the direction you want, without letting the dog feel that you are afraid of him. Additionally, you can use your voice, low and calm bass say “shoo”.

More often mongrels are insecure and try to bite stealthily, from the back. Therefore, it is worth staying alert, even leaving the animal. If you notice that the dog is sneaking or trying to catch up, you need to turn around to face it, spread your arms wide to seem bigger, and go at it with a confident step, you can increase the clarity by creating a stomp.

What can’t you do?

Scream. A high and hysterical cry will let the dog know you’re insecure.
Running away. You don’t want to speed up when you see a dog, as this can provoke a chase.
Move abruptly. Do not start waving your arms and bags, this will provoke the animal even more.

What should I do when the dog has already attacked?

If the dog has jumped on you and is trying to bite you, it should be grabbed by the head, ears or the skin underneath. You should then try to pile on top of him and hold near his neck very tightly until he calms down. Once this has happened, it is worth trying to unclench the hand, but do not relax completely. If aggression is repeated, again secure the dog in a stationary position.

Special means of defense

The use of sound deterrents will not harm the animal, but it may frighten it. The dog will back away from you. If you are a humane person, this is the ideal method.

A stun gun can be used to scare the animal with sound, but using it on the dog itself is not at all necessary. The noise of the current will repel the dog on its own.

Pepper spray is the worst way of self-defense, it can severely traumatize the animal’s mucosa, triggering inflammatory processes. After that, the dog will take a long time to recover and may even lose his eyesight.

Of course, if you see a dog with foam at the mouth or observe signs of rabies, the speech about humanism can not be. You must choose your own safety. A stun gun and pepper spray will stress the dog, but you will stay safe and healthy.

Fear can be powerful, but remember that the animal is afraid of you too. Don’t give in to your emotions and calmly walk past.