Stay Safe when a Dog Approaches You

Have you ever been on your daily run and noticed a dog not on a leash running after you? After reading this how-to you will know exactly what you should do if a dog approaches you.

Steps

  1. Stand Still - If a strange dog comes running towards you, your first instinct is probably to run the other way. Don't. The best way to react is to stand still. You should drop anything you are holding, because this may be what is attracting the dog to you. The dog may think this is a game, and start chasing you if you begin to run away. Don't shout or wave your arms as this will either encourage or frighten the dog. Acting bored and not making eye contact will cause most dogs to lose interest quickly.
  2. Do not make eye contact with the dog. This could be perceived as a threat. If possible keep moving forward in a proud and confident manner, ignoring the dog. If you are scared the dog will pick up on that as weak energy, and may attack that.
  3. Ignore the dog if it jumps up - A dog running towards you may attempt to jump up on you. If this happens you should turn away. Don't shout or push the dog down, as this may make it think this is part of a game. Ignore the dog and he will eventually get bored and walk away.
  4. If the dog knocks you over, curl up in a ball - Larger breeds of dogs may be capable of knocking you over. Keep your head and arms tucked under your body. You should remain in this position until the dog gets bored and leaves you.



Tips

  • Don't stare at or look directly in to a dogs eye. A good dog will become agitated trying to find/understand the specific instruction or cue the dog is supposed to act on. A bad/dangerous dog will attack when stared at.
  • Be especially aware if you are afraid, the dog will instantly sense 'fear'. If you stare and are afraid, the dog will interpret the fear/danger is the person staring at them.
  • Don't be frightened of a dog simply because of its breed.
  • If he returns, repeat steps 1 to 3.
  • When passing a potentially dangerous dog, keeping your head still but only moving your eyes as you pass is even more dangerous. You are not fooling the dog for a second that you are not really looking at them because your head remains frozen and fixed forward and not to the side.
  • Once the dog has lost interest, keep watching him while you slowly back away.

Warnings

  • Never swing or kick at the dog as it will see this an act of aggression and attack in defence.
  • Dogs can be dangerous; if you get bitten, seek medical attention at once. You need the proper treatments, as the dog that bit you may have had rabies. Remember where and when the dog bit you, so the authorities can recover the dog and deal with it as they see fit.

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