7 Ways to Survive a Dog Attack

(2) Walk with a hiking stick, a walking cane, a golf club, or a baton—something an attacking dog can bite down on besides your hand, arm, foot, or leg.

The idea isn’t to club the dog but to have something that keeps the dog away from you. A last resort would be to strike the dog.

(3) Always carry your cell phone to call for help.

Our daughter always calls in the morning when she walks her dog, Freddie. That’s our morning conversation time. The morning she was attacked, she started screaming. I’ll never forget her blood-curdling screams for help or the sound of the snarling dog accompanied by the panicked barks of Freddie. I immediately called 911 and told them what was happening and the street she was on. 

I shook like a leaf in the hurricane as we raced to her house. A patrol officer was already there interviewing her. Freddie actually threw himself at the big dog attacking her. 

A passing motorist stopped in the nick of time and yelled for her to get in the car. She managed to run to the car, pick up 53 pound Freddie as if he weighed nothing, and jump into the car. Freddie had a coat on that cold morning so he had only a small bite. Daughter had scratches and minor bites on her hand, arms, and legs. That stray dog chased the car after they were in it.

I’m  still reeling emotionally from the experience, but I try not to think of what the outcome would have been if she hadn’t had her phone.

(4) Wear jeans or long-sleeved shirts that might provide protection. 

That’s difficult in hot weather, but it may save you. A little sweat is better than bleeding lacerations.

(5) If you are charged and manage to keep the dog at bay, do NOT run.

Dogs instinctively chase any animal that runs. To an attacking dog, you are prey. Stand and face the dog. You want to intimidate him with your commanding presence. In a loud, firm voice, say, “No!”  

Then back away slowly but keep facing the dog. Never turn your back on the dog. Hopefully, it will turn away and leave. If not, try to stay calm and get to a safe place.

(6)  If you’re accosted or charged by an agressive dog, always report the incident to law enforcement. 

You may have been lucky to get away unscathed, but a child playing in his own yard or an elderly person walking a small dog might not be that lucky.

(7) Report and/or rescue stray dogs.

Use common sense and err on the side of safety.

Check the dog rescue resources available in your local area. Put the phone numbers in your phone’s contacts.

Most responsible owners have their dogs chipped. If you see a dog with a collar running free, it probably lives in the neighborhood and just got loose. 

You may try to approach it, but be very careful. If you’re successful and the dog has tags with a phone number, contact the owner or vet.

If it has no collar, be even more careful. If you can successfully befriend it, then keep it in a fenced area and call a rescue service that can check for the chip to locate the owner. If it has no chip, the rescue service will place the dog for adoption.

NOTE: If you’re a neighbor and see a dog attack someone, call 911 immediately. See if you can safely turn a garden hose onto the dog. A blast of water may make it run away.