Dog Attack

How to avoid a dog attack—What to do if you think a dog may attack:

1. Keep a safe distance between yourself and dogs being walked on a leash.
2. Ask the owner’s permission before approaching a dog, on a leash or in a yard.
3. Never approach a barking, snarling, sleeping, eating, or nursing dog.
4. Do not scream and run.  Remain motionless, with your hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
5. Never stare the dog in the eye.
6. Remain motionless until the dog loses interest in you, then turn sideways and slowly back away until it is out of sight.
7. Put an object such as a tree, post, or bench between you and the dog.
8. Speak softly and gently to the dog, “Good dog, it’s okay, go home.”
9. If local law allows, use pepper spray when charged by the dog.
10. If the dog does attack, “feed” it your jacket, purse, umbrella, pack, stick, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
11. If attacked, curl up in a ball and protect your face, neck, and head.
12. Report unleashed, aggressive dogs to the local police.

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