Not all dog attacks are preventable. If you are unable to
prevent a dog attack, you will come through with fewer injuries if you can
anticipate the attack and react appropriately.
Most dogs give some indication that they are about to
attack. A dog who is about to attack out of fear may growl and bare his teeth,
but will display a submissive posture, with his tail between his legs and his
body low to the ground. If a dog seems to be about to attack you out of fear,
retreat. Do not let the dog get behind you, as this type of dog likes to attack
from behind.
A dog that is attacking out of aggression will lean forward,
perk his ears, and wag his tail stiffly. He will also growl deeply, bare his
teeth, snap, or curl his lips. If an aggressive dog seems about to attack you,
avoid looking in his eyes. Slowly back away from the dog, while trying to
calmly put a coat or bag between you and the dog. Avoid yelling or speaking in
a high-pitched voice. If you can beat the dog inside the house, up a tree, or
into the car then run for it, but otherwise do not run. If the dog attacks,
fall face forward on the ground and try to protect the back of your neck with
your arms or an object. If you play dead, the dog will be distracted.
Conclusion
Although members of certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls and
rottweilers, have gotten a lot of bad press in recent years, dog owners carry
more responsibility for dog attacks than dog breeders. Just as all dogs can be
socialized to be enjoyable pets, all dogs can be socialized to act aggressively
or to bite humans.
Being killed by a dog attack is a highly unlikely scenario.
Most dogs do not attack humans with enough force to seriously injure them.
However, making sure you know which dogs are likely to bite and how to avoid
and react to an attack makes a severe dog attack even less likely.