How to Protect Yourself From Dog Attacks

Joggers and walkers alike are vulnerable to being attacked by dogs that attack aggressively, which can result in bites which cause severe injuries and even spread rabies.

For best results, attempt to keep yourself calm and divert the dog’s attention away from you by playing music, distracting him with toys or creating loud noises with handheld devices that emit loud sounds in order to deter it. Screams may excite the animal into attacking more quickly; therefore it may be helpful to consider using handheld devices that emit loud noises to deter it.

Whistle

A whistle can be an effective tool in helping prevent dog attacks. The loud, piercing sound of its whistle may startle the animal enough to stop any attacks before they even start; its best use would be right before it seems like a dog is about to bite; giving yourself time to escape before becoming victimized by their animal.

The whistle works because dogs hear sounds at a higher frequency than us humans do, making them much more sensitive to noises that we aren’t sensitive enough to detect. But please keep in mind that exposure to any loud sound over an extended period can damage hearing; so using the whistle regularly could prove detrimental.

When using the whistle, make sure that you use an abrupt and loud tone – something which might scare or surprise the dog into turning around and heading in another direction. This might prompt them to retreat backward.

If you can’t escape, put something between yourself and the dog such as a fence, tree, car, garbage can or bench. Be mindful not to stare directly into their eyes as doing so could signal challenge or threat and prompt an attack from them.

Cane or Walking Stick

Avoidance is the best way to prevent dog attacks; however, when this is impossible or unavoidable take steps to protect yourself by carrying a whistle and the necessary defensive tools while walking.

When encountering an unleashed dog, canes and walking sticks are excellent tools to use to provide physical separation between you and its owner. Many come equipped with stun guns or ultrasonic devices so if a dog comes too close you can simply touch its tip with one to deliver an electric shock which should prevent further attacks from them.

Rather, adopt a protective stance and curl into a ball. If the dog persists in attacking you after using your stick, try kicking and striking gently – this shouldn’t cause physical injury but should create enough of a negative experience so they think twice before attacking others in future.

Though you should avoid taunting an aggressive dog, if they remain hostile after using nonlethal methods (whistle or non-lethal measures such as walking stick strikes) to defend yourself against them and they continue their attack, use your walking stick or any part of your body to strike them on their head with it (this should prevent further attacks on yourself and may even disable their spread of rabies). This should work to deter them.

Safety Belt

Dogs are man’s best friends, but they can become dangerous if they feel threatened. There have been reports of stray dogs attacking people recently; being aware of what to do can make a huge difference in this scenario. Stay calm, avoid eye contact and back away slowly until a barrier has been placed up around you; use an electronic whistle or handheld device producing loud noise to scare it off if necessary.

Whenever an animal attacks you, put something between you and its mouth (an umbrella, pack, jacket or stick) before curling into a ball to protect yourself. If possible, seek higher ground; even standing up straight can give an appearance of tallness to an aggressive dog. If there’s nothing you can use as protection, kick or strike at its legs with your feet to disorient or break its grip on you by using kickback tactics or striking feet against its legs to try disorient it and break its hold on you.

Pepper sprays can be an invaluable asset in an attack scenario as they’re quick and effective at stopping an attack without long-term harm to the dog. An ideal model would include one with an attached strap so joggers can carry it easily while also attaching easily to their belt loop for easy transport.

Leash

An effective leash is always useful when taking your dog outdoors. Should an aggressive encounter arise, being able to quickly and calmly control your pup will protect both of you from injury. In addition, properly trained leashes can prevent dogs from chasing or attacking both themselves as well as their neighbors.

Whenever an aggressive dog comes near, take immediate steps to defend yourself and stand your ground. Raise one knee up to your chest while crossing both arms to block its approach by raising one leg toward your chest or raising arms in front of your chest; this protective maneuver helps you remain in charge of any situation and can be performed by people of any age or size.

Step two is to try to eliminate visual stimuli by placing something between you and your dog – this could include anything from cars, trash bins or umbrellas to sticks – using dog repellent sprays with scents like chili pepper, ammonia or vinegar as an additional deterrent measure may also work well.

Once the visual stimulus has been removed, speak loudly but calmly to the dog owner and call their attention to you immediately. Do not flee as this will trigger prey drive in their attacking dog and increase its likelihood to attack either you or your pet.