Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Dealing with an approaching dog
• Method 2 of 4: Block an attack
• Method 3 of 4: Avoid encounters with dogs
• Method 4 of 4: Approach a dog properly
• Tips
• Warnings

If you enjoy walking outside, you will inevitably run into dogs. Most dogs will be on a leash by their owner, but you may occasionally cross paths with a dog running loose. Whether a dog is on a leash or not, they can sometimes pose a danger to people they don't know. You can protect yourself from dogs while walking by interacting with an approaching dog, avoiding encounters with dogs, blocking an attack, and approaching a dog appropriately.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Dealing with an approaching dog

1. Wear protection. Depending on where you walk, you choose a way to protect yourself. You can choose to bring a large stick, a dog whistle, dog spray, or an anesthetic gun.
   • You can buy commercial products that are proven to deter dog attacks.
   • Choose a whistle that irritates dogs. You can whistle and most dogs will run away from you. A traditional whistle can also work by scaring the dog.
   • Depending on the country you are in, you may be able to carry an electric shock gun or electric shock stick, which will not only work on dogs, but can also scare them off before you have to use the stick. The dog will see the stick and hear the electric charge, scaring him.
2. Do not look the dog in the eye. Don't make eye contact as the dog might see it as a challenge.Instead, you keep an eye on the dog in your peripheral vision.
3. Shut your mouth. Showing your teeth is a sign of aggression to dogs, so a smile or an open mouth can be a signal to the dog that you are a threat. Instead, press your lips together to hide your teeth.
4. Give firm commands to the dog. While commands may not work very well on stray dogs, yelling a firm, one-word command can make a dog flinch. Try commands such as "Stop", "No" and "Back". Do not use a friendly voice when talking to the dog and avoid screaming or yelling.
5. Spray water on the dog. Carry a spray bottle or a water bottle with a spray nozzle. If you are approached by an aggressive dog, spraying it with water can cause it to run away.

Method 2 of 4: Block an attack

1. Do not run away. When you run, the dog will instinctively try to catch you. He will see you as prey to chase. Instead, you should appear as if you are neither a threat nor prey.
2. Raise your knee. Protect your torso and face by lifting your knee in front of your body. If the dog bites or scratches, it will not be able to reach your stomach, neck or face.
3. Cross your arms in front of your face. Larger breeds instinctively go for the face, so block them with your arms. Crossing your arms will create a stronger barrier than just waving your arms in front of your face.
   • Protect your head further by tucking it under your arms. Lean your head forward and fold your crossed arms back so that your head is covered.
4. Roll up into a ball. Since dogs have a prey instinct, curling up into a ball can end the dog's urge to attack. While you may be afraid of lying on the floor, it may be the safest option during a dog attack. Just pretend you're dead.
   • Don't move or try to run away. Just curl yourself up in a ball as tight as you can.
   • Remove any items of clothing that may be around your neck as the dog may pull on it and strangle you.
   • Only fight back when the dog is small. Fighting back can make the dog fight harder, especially if it is a larger breed that can overpower you.
5. Ignore the dog. Try not to react to the dog at all when you are standing. That means you don't look at the dog, try to talk to it, or try to appease the dog by petting it. The dog is in attack mode, and responding to the animal will only turn it on.
   • You can continue to call out commands if you have chosen to do so.
6. Don't back off if the dog bites you. The dog will only bite and cling harder when you try to pull away. In addition, you can tear your skin further and make your wound worse.

Method 3 of 4: Avoid encounters with dogs

1. Choose safer places to walk. If you know that dogs are visiting a particular area, choose a different path for your walk. This is especially important if the dogs are stray as they are more likely to be hungry or territorial.
   • While it is common for dogs to share walkways with humans, consider how comfortable you feel around dogs before going to an area popular for walking dogs. Dogs can sense emotions and know if you are uncomfortable, which can make a tense dog aggressive.
   • Be vigilant when walking on country roads. Unwanted dogs are often dumped somewhere and left to their own devices, leading to stray dogs along country roads.
   • Always carry a large stick and other protective instruments, such as an electric shock weapon (prohibited in the Netherlands) when walking alone on a country road.
   • When taking a walk to explore a new area, ask the locals about the likelihood of encounters with dogs. In some countries or rural areas, dogs roam in groups, so get information on how to stay safe before exploring.
2. Cross the street if you see a fenced-in dog. Dogs are very territorial and will aggressively defend their homes. If you see a dog or know that a dog lives in a particular home, change your route to avoid the dog. Large dogs can jump fences when excited.
3. Don't surprise a dog. If you see a dog walking or doing something nearby, don't walk up to it. It is best to calmly walk the other way. A surprise can make even the most gentle dog aggressive for being scared.

Method 4 of 4: Approach a dog properly

1. Ask the dog's owner for permission before approaching him. Some dogs are not ready to meet new people, so don't assume that a dog out for a walk wants to be petted. The owner can also advise on how best to approach the dog if it is a friendly dog.
   • Do not run or move suddenly towards a dog.
   • Never approach or pet a dog that is feeding her puppies.
2. Keep your hand flat with your fingers together. A flat hand will keep you safe and show the dog that you are not a threat. Reach out, but don't touch the dog until it's ready.
3. Wait for the dog to come to you. If the dog is open to you petting it, it will come to you. Hold out your hand so the dog can smell you and decide if he wants you to pet him.
   • If you're scared, don't reach out to the dog. Dogs can sense your emotions and get scared.
4. Watch the dog's behavior. A friendly dog ​​will raise his ears and lower his head. A dog that tilts its ears back, growls, or cringe doesn't want to be petted, so pull back slowly. When the dog shows that it is okay, pet it gently.
   • Only pet the dog on its head or upper back. Pat the dog lightly in the safe areas, avoiding the belly, tail, ears and feet.
5. Give the dog a treat. If you know there are many dogs that you enjoy walking, consider bringing treats, such as a milk bone. Giving the dog a small treat can sometimes make you friends instantly.
   • Get permission from the dog's owner before giving him a treat. The dog may be on a special diet or have already had a treat.

Tips

• If a dog has bitten you, see a doctor immediately for treatment, as animal bites can quickly become infected. Ask for the owner's personal details (if the dog has an owner) as they will have to pay your medical costs.
• Report any animal attack that happened to you.

Warnings

• Check that electric shock weapons or pepper spray (both prohibited in the Netherlands) are legal where you live. Learn to use these tools safely.
• A wagging tail may not always be friendly, so don't try to play with a dog because its tail is wagging.
• If a dog attacks you, don't assume that a yawn means he's tired. It could mean that the dog is stressed and about to escalate the situation.