Protecting Yourself Against Hostile Dogs

Story from PNN (Pet News Network):

We generally think of dogs as cuddly and friendly, ready to greet us withlicks and an excited wagging of the tail. However, not all dogs are like this. Some may be timid and shy, while others can be downright dangerous.

Dogs can act hostile or aggressive due to a number of reasons. They could be guarding their territory, or they may feel threatened, or they have been abused and don’t know how to react normally, or they could even be raised to hurt someone.

Here are some tips on how to avoid being harmed by a hostile dog:

•If you encounter a stray dog, remember that it may not respond to your commands. You can protect yourself by staying calm. You can attempt to command it to go away or behave. Do not show any fear and you must possess the aura of authority and confidence. But do not act in a threatening manner, either. Dogs have a tendency to follow if you command them in a modulated but firm voice.

•More often than not, pet dogs can become hostile if their owners do not pay them enough attention. They have a tendency to behave aggressively whenever they are faced with something that is new to them, such as strangers.

•If you have a pet dog, socialize it at a young age so that it will grow up to be a well-adjusted dog.  Teach it not to react in a negative manner towards aggressive dogs since this will just excite them even more.

•Never run away from a hostile dog because this will only trigger its predatory instincts and make it want to chase you.

•Do not aggravate dogs by teasing them. They may look sedate and calm but this can turn to a desire to harm you if only to protect themselves.

•Do not make eye contact and try to stand sideways so that the dog will not feel further threaten.

•Fold your hands and press your elbows close to your sides to protect your vital organs and hands.

•If you are carrying an umbrella or a jacket, use it to distract an attacking dog. The dog may try to clamp on to the object rather than your limbs, giving you more time to try to remove yourself from the situation.

•If the dog should bite your leg or arm, try not to pry it away because this will just cause the wound to open up some more. You might need to wrestle with it anyway, in which case you will need to throw your weight at it and go for the throat or ribs to make it let go of you.

Photo: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/lady.dragoness/Old%20Photos/stray_dog_closeup.jpg

To view this article in spanish, click here: http://www.petsintouch.com/pnnespanol/12694/protegiendote-contra-los-perros-agresivos