What would you do if an off-leash dog approached you while you were walking your dog? Many people believe that any dog owner should know how to defend their own and their dog’s safety in any situation. Whether the situation involves strangers approaching or aggressive people or animals, dog owners should be able to defend themselves and their dogs.
Many dogs are territorial. They will usually bark and lunge at other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded. Some dog owners allow their dogs to be off-leash and this can be dangerous because they could cause harm to other dogs.
It is important to know that dogs are unpredictable and may become aggressive at any time. This is why it is important for all dog owners to know what to do if approached by an off-leash dog.
The first thing you should do if approached by an unleashed, aggressive, and unfamiliar dog is to keep your cool. Try to remember that this is a serious situation and it is important not to panic.
Don’t scream or run.This will only scare and confuse your dog. The dog may interpret your screams as threatening and this will only cause the situation to become worse.
Try to keep your dog calm. If your dog is on a leash, try to hold him or her tight. If you hold him or her loosely, he or she might run away. This can cause you to lose control of your dog and put you in danger.
If you are able to, move to the side of the street. This will keep you out of harm’s way and make it easier for you to fend off any attack.
If you are unable to move away from the dog, be prepared to defend yourself and your dog.
Stand your ground. If the attacking animal still continues towards you, try to block its path.
Use a loud voice to command the animal to stop.
If the attacking animal does not stop, use anything you have on hand to physically protect yourself and your dog.
Try to distract the attacking animal. For example, make sudden movements. This will cause the animal to focus more on you and away from your companion.
If the attacking animal does not stop, call 911 immediately.
If the attacking animal stops, call 911 and inform the police about the attack. Be sure to have a detailed description of the attacking animal. This will help the police identify the attacker.
Bottom Line
Being attacked by an aggressive, unknown, and unleashed animal is scary.
Knowing what to do if approached by an unleashed and unknown, aggressive animal is important.
When an unleashed and unknown, aggressive, and unfamiliar animal is headed towards you, it is important to stay calm.
Do not run away from the unknown, aggressive, and unleashed animal.
If the unknown, aggressive, and unleashed animal is heading towards you, stand your ground and try to keep it distracted.
If the attacked animal does not stop, use anything you have on hand to physically protect yourself and your dog.
If the attacked animal stops, call the police.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
