Facing an aggressive dog can be frightening, and it is important to know what to do if you ever find yourself in that situation.
Never scare a dog
Loud noises and sudden movements may scare a dog and make them defensive. Always approach a dog from the front so they can see you coming.
Look for signs that the dog may be dangerous:
- Always ask the owner before petting a dog.
- If other dogs are staying away from a certain dog, you probably should, too.
- Look for ‘Beware of Dog’ signs and heed any additional warnings.
Learn How to Read a Dog’s Body Language
Here are some signs that a dog may be feeling threatened, protective, or scared, and may bite:
- Raised fur
- Exposed teeth
- Growling
- Stiff tail
- You can see the white “half moons” of their eyes, meaning their head is faced down but they are looking up at you.
- Pulled back ears
- Intense stare
Remain calm if you come in contact with an aggressive dog and learn about a dog’s body language here:
- Refrain from making any loud noises.
- Stand still with your hands by your sides.
- Avoid eye contact with the dog.
- Back away slowly after the dog loses interest in you. Do not turn your back while walking away.
- If the dog attacks, try to feed him your coat, purse, or anything else you can put in between you and the dog’s mouth.
- If you fall on the ground, stay down. Curl into a ball and cover your ears with your hands.
