Now this may sound a little strange, maybe it's just me, but lately I've come across more than just my sure of bad encounters with DOGS. Not little lap dogs, not little Chihuahua but BIG dogs such as Pit-bulls and Rottweilers with BAD attitudes. It's a myth around these parts that when the weather starts to heat up, the dogs go insane. The myth has been in full effect for the past week as I've been chased, yes chased, by these aggressive barking speed demons! In the area I live in there are numerous dogs that go unleashed by their owners, as a result, you have to be prepared for anything. I'm pretty sure it must seem weird for a grown man like me to be sprinting down the street like Carl Lewis just to get away from these four legged “assassins”. Below I will explain a tutorial on how to avoid and escape dog attacks just on things I've learned.
No Eye Contact
Don't make eye contact! This is the number one thing to remember, it could possibly save you from a dog attack. Dogs feel as though you're challenging them when you make direct eye contact with them, so avoid it at all cost.
Stay Still
If you feel as though you don't have enough speed to outrun the dog, please do yourself a favor and REMAIN STILL. Don't try to run or bike away no matter what you do, this will provoke the dog to chase you and possibly snap at you.
Slowly Distance Yourself
Start by slowly distancing yourself from the dog if it begins to approach you. Put something in front of you, for instance if you're on bike, place the bike between you and the dog. This however does not mean use your arm to distance yourself, you reaching out toward the dog could make it snap at you and bite.
Get Vertical
If you feel you have the speed to make it to the nearest car or gate,etc., get to it and climb on top of it. A lot of dogs have excellent jumping skills so try to get as high as you can. Even a tree would work in this case. If you feel as though you're never going to be able to get down, shout for help.
Be Prepared
If you feel as though the attack is inevitable (bound to happen) then be prepared. Pick up something solid such as a tree limb or pole to place in front of yourself in case the dog bites. If it does bite, it will bite down on the object you have in your hand and not you! Considering what went down with Mike Vick and everything, I'm going to say don't try to harm the dog too bad by swinging the object to hard. But if worst comes to worst, do what you have to do, its self defense!
Roll Up Like a Ball
If you're knocked to the ground get on your stomach and ball up real tight bringing your knees up to your chest. Take safety measures and put your hands on the back of your neck. Be solid like a rock and stray away from waving your arms around because dogs are quick to lock down.
P.S.If bitten by a dog treat the wound with warm soapy water and get medical attention ASAP!
