This article was co-authored by Asher Smiley. Asher Smiley is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Krav Maga Revolution in Petaluma, California. Asher has earned a Tier 1 Instructor Certification in the American Krav Maga system. In 2017, he trained with the International Kapap Federation Combat Krav Maga International, completing their 7 day tactical seminar and the 8 day CKMI instructor course.
This article has been viewed 138,343 times.
It can be scary when a dog you do not know approaches you in a park or on the street. You may wonder how you can stay safe and avoid being attacked by the dog, especially if it demonstrates aggressive behavior like growling, crouching, and barking. You can try maintaining relaxed body language and safely moving away from the dog. If the dog attacks, respond appropriately to avoid getting bitten or injured.
Steps
Body Language
-
1Stand still with your arms relaxed at your sides. Do not wave your arms or hands around, as this can be seen as aggressive by the dog. Clench your fingers together into loose fists and keep your arms at your sides. Plant your feet hip width apart and stand still.
- Do not try to touch or pat the dog, as this can be interpreted as aggressive. Never reach out to touch a dog you do not know.
-
2Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog. Do not stare in the dog’s eyes or meet it at eye level. Instead, look at its feet or at your own feet. This will let the dog know that you are not a threat.EXPERT TIPAsher Smiley is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Krav Maga Revolution in Petaluma, California. Asher has earned a Tier 1 Instructor Certification in the American Krav Maga system. In 2017, he trained with the International Kapap Federation Combat Krav Maga International, completing their 7 day tactical seminar and the 8 day CKMI instructor course.Self Defense Trainer
Asher Smiley
Self Defense TrainerOur Expert Agrees: If you're approached by a dog, don't make eye contact—just leave it to do whatever it wants to do. More often than not, it's going to leave you alone. A lot of people will try to placate the dog by saying things like, "It's okay buddy," but all that's going to do is make the dog more aggressive.
Advertisement -
3Move to the side of the dog. Position your body so you are facing one side of the dog. Do not stand so you are positioned head on with it or behind it, as this can spook it.
-
4Speak slowly and calmly around it. Avoid yelling or shouting around the dog, as this can scare it. Instead, speak in a low, calm voice. You may say “Hello there” or “Nice doggy” to let the dog know you are friendly.
- If you know the dog’s name, try saying its name a few times calmly and slowly. This will let it know you are not a threat.
-
5Allow it to sniff you. If the dog gets close to you and does not display signs of aggression like growling, crouching, or barking, allow it to sniff your legs or waist. Stay still as it sniffs you. Once it smells you, it may determine you are not a threat and move away from you.
- If you are not comfortable letting the dog sniff you, move away from the dog safely and slowly so neither of you are in danger.
Moving Away
-
1Do not turn your back on the dog. Keep your body facing one side of the dog, as turning your back will put you at risk. Resist the urge to turn and run from the dog as it approaches you, as this could make it more aggressive.[1]
-
2Say “go home” or “down” to the dog. Try communicating with the dog in a low, calm voice. Do not shout or scream at the dog, as this could make it more aggressive.[2]
- If you know the dog’s name, trying saying its name a few times so it knows you are a friend.
-
3Move away slowly from the dog. If you’d like to get away from the dog, do so by slowly backing up. Step back calmly with your body facing one side of the dog. Once you are a few feet away from the dog, turn around slowly and walk away.[3]
- Keep the dog in your line of sight as you move away so you are aware of its movements.
-
4Keep any dogs or children behind you. If you have a dog on a leash or small children with you, place them behind you as you back away. This will protect them from the dog without spooking it.[4]
- Do not try to pick up the dog or child, as this can be seen as aggressive by the approaching dog.
Responding to an Attack
-
1Put an object between you and the dog. If you notice the dog is approaching you very aggressively or starts to attack you, grab a nearby object and put it between your body and the dog. Use a purse, a bag, an umbrella, a backpack, or even a bike as a shield between you and the dog.[5]
- You can also use a car door as a shield if you are by your car when the dog attacks.
EXPERT TIPAsher Smiley is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Krav Maga Revolution in Petaluma, California. Asher has earned a Tier 1 Instructor Certification in the American Krav Maga system. In 2017, he trained with the International Kapap Federation Combat Krav Maga International, completing their 7 day tactical seminar and the 8 day CKMI instructor course.Self Defense TrainerAsher Smiley
Self Defense TrainerTry to cut off the dog's airway if you get a chance. If a dog is actively lunging at you, try your best to keep it away from your face and your throat. If you can, try to choke the dog to get it to pass out so you can get away."
-
2Lie face down with your hands over your head. If you do not have an object nearby, lie down on the ground and place your hands over your head. Curl into a ball and use your hands to protect your neck and head so the dog cannot get to these areas.[6]
-
3Call for help. Shout or yell loudly to attract passersby who can help you. You may yell, “Dog attack” or “Help me.”[7]
-
4Get treated for any injuries right away. If you get bitten or sustain other injuries like scratches or scrapes from the dog, go to your nearest emergency center right away. Get your wounds treated and make sure you get the necessary vaccines so you are not at risk of developing an infection or disease.[8]
-
5Report the dog to your local Animal Control. You should also report the dog if it attacks you, as you do not want other people to be at risk of getting attacked as well. Describe the breed of the dog and the dog’s name, if you know it. You may also need to discuss where and when you were attacked by the dog.[9]
References
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-to-stay-safe-around-dogs-and-to-how-to-recover_us_597b78c1e4b06b305561d041
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-to-stay-safe-around-dogs-and-to-how-to-recover_us_597b78c1e4b06b305561d041
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Grownups-Dealing-with-Dogs-Getting-Out-Of-Danger!OpenDocument
About This Article
It can be scary when a dog you don’t know approaches you, but with a little preparation, you can stay safe. Since dogs respond to your body language, try to stand still with your arms relaxed to show you’re not a threat. Don’t wave your arms or make direct eye contact, since this can be seen as aggressive by the dog. Speak slowly and calmly to it. If you’re afraid of the dog, slowly and calmly back away from it. Running from the dog will only encourage it to chase you. If it jumps on you, say “Down” or “Go home” in a stern but calm voice so it backs off. To learn how to deal with a dog attack, read on.
