One of the scariest encounters you can have on a walk is being charged by an aggressive dog. How can you avoid dog attack and keep from getting bitten or mauled by a dog while walking or jogging?
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 1 minute
Here's How:
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and dogs being walked on leashes.
- Ask owner's permission before approaching a dog, on leash or in yard.
- Never approach a barking, snarling, sleeping, eating, or nursing dog.
- Do not stare the dog in the eyes.
- Turn sideways and slowly withdraw.
- Put an object such as a tree, post, or bench between you and the dog.
- Speak softly and gently to calm the dog, "Good dog, it's OK, go home."
- Stand still or maintain a constant slow pace out of the dog's territory.
- If local law allows, use pepper spray when charged by the dog.
- If charged, get something between you and the dog's mouth - umbrella, pack, jacket, stick
- If attacked, curl up in a ball and protect your face, neck, and head.
Tips:
- You can't outrun the dog, not even an Olympic sprinter could.
- Be aware of dogs a block or more ahead, change your route or turn around to avoid unleashed dogs.
- Know the weapons laws in the community you are walking in and obey them.
