How to Protect Yourself Against Aggressive Dogs When Walking Your Own Dog

A survey in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga., concluded that more than 4.5 million people will be the victims of a dog bite each year. Of that 4.5 million, one in five will be serious enough to seek medical attention. Those numbers show that every person needs to know how to prevent dog attacks.

Things You'll Need

  • Pepper spray
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Instructions

  1. Avoid Dog Attacks

    • 1

      Walk in well-lit areas so that you can be aware of your surroundings. If there is an aggressive dog nearby, you'll want to know this well in advance.

    • 2

      Avoid interaction with stray dogs. Should you see one, continue walking as if he/she isn't there. Never talk to, make eye contact, or attempt to feed a stray dog. You want to keep your distance, as prevention really is the best medicine. Shouting at a stray dog, or making aggressive gestures such as "go away" can lead to a fearful stray. Fearful dogs are more likely to attack than content ones. Ignoring a stray is the most effective way to prevent a bite.

    • 3

      Stop immediately if the dog runs toward you. Running will increase your chances of getting bit, as dogs are primal creates whose instincts tell them to chase when something runs. If the dog walks toward you, allow him to sniff you, and avoid eye contact or verbal communication. After the dog has sniffed you, and determined that you aren't a threat, keep moving at a steady pace towards safety. Remember, no eye contact, hand gestures or verbal communication---ignore the dog and walk.

    If the Dog Attacks

    • 4

      Carry pepper spray, or another dog deterrent with you on your walks. If the dog starts to attack, a little pepper spray in his general direction is a great deterrent. Most likely, your dog will take some of the effects from the pepper spray, as well. Get him home, and rinse his eyes and snout area with cold water.

    • 5

      Give the dog your purse or arm to prevent serious injury. If the dog is attacking, you want to keep as much distance between your body, and the dog as possible. Dogs will attack the closest thing to them, so if you can, keep them from your body with your arm or purse. Although painful, an arm injury typically isn't as serious as an injury to the torso or groin.

    • 6

      Tuck into a fetal position if the dog should knock you down. Cover your head with your arms, and try to keep your ears covered with your hands. Dogs target the ears, nose and throats of their victims. Cover these items to prevent serious damage.

    • 7

      Remain quiet if attacked. Yelling at the dog is only going to make it worse. Yelling agitates the dog, and drives its attack instincts. Try to remain as silent as possible.