Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Avoid Dogs
• Part 2 of 4: Be smart around dogs
• Part 3 of 4: Protect Yourself While Walking
• Part 4 of 4: Protect yourself if you are attacked
• Tips
• Warnings

Walking can be a relaxing form of exercise, but bumping into an aggressive dog in your path will create a frightening and potentially dangerous situation. It is vital to your safety to know how to protect yourself from dogs while walking.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Avoid Dogs

1. 1 Avoid walking in areas where you know or suspect aggressive dogs may be.
   • A pack of dogs is especially dangerous. Avoid groups of three or more dogs.
2. 2 Even if the aggressive dog is behind a fence, avoid walking nearby if possible. Avoid dog territory. Large dogs can jump over fences if they are agitated.
3. 3 Beware of walking on country roads where dogs can roam freely. Owners often take unwanted dogs out of town and leave them alone. Such dogs may have already been aggressive when they lived with the owner, or have become so because they were abandoned. Frightened dogs are dangerous.
4. 4 When traveling abroad, you need to be aware of the fact that in some countries, dogs roam the streets in groups. Ask local residents about these dogs, and also find out where the most common groups of dogs can be found and where it is safe to walk.

Part 2 of 4: Be smart around dogs

1. 1 Refrain from petting a stray dog ​​and even a dog that is walking with the owner. Ask permission before approaching the animal. Especially avoid stroking when the dog is eating or drinking, or when you approach the dog with puppies.
2. 2 Control your emotions as much as possible if you feel threatened that the dog will lash out at you. Dogs can feel anxiety and can become even more aggressive from this.
   • Never make direct eye contact with your dog. The dog should be in your peripheral vision, but never look directly in the eyes, as dogs may perceive this as a threat.
   • Do not turn your back on a barking or agitated dog.
   • Never run away from the dog, as it will easily catch up and attack you.
3. 3 Stop running or slow down your pace. Running pushes the canine instinct to hunt you. Avoid sudden movements.
4. 4 Talk to any restless dog in a firm, calm voice. Give her commands to sit or stand. Squealing, screaming, and yelling can further turn the dog against you. Don't smile and speak in a friendly, flattering voice.
   • Using voice commands, make your voice as low as possible. Ladies, try to imitate a man's voice.
   • If the dog is running towards you, turn to face it. Do not wave your arms or lift them up; instead, face the dog and extend your arms forward, palms facing the dog, and spread your fingers wide in a STOP sign. Say "STOP!" In a lower voice. Then direct one hand to the dog and say loudly "GO HOME!". This can be embarrassing for the dog, because initially he will think that you hardly have the right to tell him what to do. Quite a large number of dogs were sent "home" in this way.

Part 3 of 4: Protect Yourself While Walking

1. 1 Protect yourself by taking protective equipment with you when you go out.
   • Pepper spray directed into the eyes of an attacking dog can stop the attack. However, pay attention to the direction of the wind when spraying the spray as it may blow back onto you.
   • Electronic whistles or other devices produce sounds that are extremely uncomfortable for the dog and may cause the dog to leave you alone.
   • Consider bringing along a stun gun designed specifically to protect you from the angry dog. The telescopic stun stick is considered to be the best device as it expands and you can reach your dog from a distance. Often, the sounds emitted by the charges of the electron are already enough to scare the dog without harming it in any way.

Part 4 of 4: Protect yourself if you are attacked

1. 1 Protect yourself from serious injury if your dog attacks you.
   • Cover your throat with your hand. Teach children to protect their throat by wrapping an arm around it just under the chin. Tell them not to wave or jump.
   • Kick the small dog in the nose. The nose is a sensitive area and this can stop the dog from biting you.
   • Stand in a stable position. Place one foot in front of the other to maintain balance.
   • Use whatever is at hand as a barrier between you and the attacking dog. A purse, backpack, or umbrella can be used as a weapon or protection. Sometimes, if you open and close the umbrella, the animal can get scared. See if there is a car or fence nearby so you can hide or climb from above.
   • If you were knocked down or fell, curl up in a ball and protect your head, neck and stomach. Cover your face with your hands.
   • Depending on how difficult it will be, try not to pull away from the dog that bites you. This will only make her even more aggressive. Instead, suddenly grab the back of your head and press down with your hand. In this case, she will not be able to close her mouth (to bite you even more).

Tips

• See your doctor for any bite you have received. In any case, report the dog that attacked you to the appropriate authorities. Try to describe the dog as accurately as possible and mention any oddities in its behavior, as the dog can be rabid. Rinse your wounds thoroughly as soon as possible.

Warnings

• Check that stun guns and pepper spray are legal in the area where you live. Learn to use these devices safely.