Most dogs are sweet and loving creatures but they do have a tendency to be territorial. Plus, certain dog breeds have a propensity to be aggressive if they're raised in an improper manner. For this reason if you spend any time outdoors walking through your neighborhood, it pays to know how to protect yourself against a dog attack.
Who is most likely to be a victim of a dog attack? Generally, children are the most likely victims as they are small enough that a dog may feel as if they can challenge them. Statistics suggest that up to 80% of fatal dog attack victims are children. Thus, it's important that children understand how to prevent a dog attack.
Certain breeds are more likely to attack.
Based on history, certain dog breeds are more prone to be aggressive. These breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds. This is not to say that these breeds can't be sweet and friendly, but they are some of the breeds most associated with dog attacks on children.
Avoid eye contact with a strange dog.
An aggressive dog can interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. If the perceived challenger happens to be a large, bulky male, the dog is likely to back down. Unfortunately, a small child is seen as being weak which further promotes aggression on the part of the dog and can cause the dog to attack.
Avoid approaching strange dogs even if they're on a leash.
Once you have the owner's permission to approach their dog, approach them slowly with soft words. Allow them to smell your hand before attempting to touch the dog in any way. Look for signs that the dog feels friendly towards you. This might include a wagging tail and a relaxed body. If the dog stiffens or growls, move slowly away from him. Be particularly cautious when allowing a young child to approach a strange dog.
Avoid making abrupt movements.
When you're around a strange dog, move slowly and avoid jerky movements. If a vicious dog approaches you, one of the worst things you can do is turn your back and run. This will almost certainly provoke a dog attack. The best response is to slowly and quietly back away from the dog.
Stay as calm as possible.
Dogs can sense anxiety and this can provoke aggressive behavior. To avoid a dog attack, avoid showing anxiety or fear.
By following these tips and showing your children how to deal with an aggressive dog, you can significantly reduce your chances of being a victim of a serious dog attack.
