How can you make yourself less vunerable to dog attacks on the street?

Question

I was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier a few years ago whilst out walking, which came running at me and looked set to strike. It came running out of nowhere, barking, and baring its teeth. When it was only a few feet away it crouched down as if it was going to pounce. It was only quick thinking on my part that made me jump headlong over the nearest wall rather than running that saved me from being bitten. I managed to dislocate my shoulder from the impact on the other side but at least it probably saved my life. I am now frightened when I see other stray dogs (especially staffordshires)on the street incase they attack for no reason, but I don't want to be ruled by this fear especially because I have always loved dogs before this. Is there anything I can do or carry that would help make me feel safer? Please don't suggest a stick. I probably couldn't use it on an animal and it would be useless against a dog such as a Staffordshire anyway!

Answer 1

Unfortunately, you have no control over others dogs and there are a lot of irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to run free. I find this almost every day as I care for and walk client's dogs. I have to constantly be aware of the possibility a dog will "run out of nowhere" and attack a client's dog and also myself! At the very least, I could receive a bite while trying to break up minor altercation. I've even had nuts approach me with their dogs on a ten foot leash and say, "My dog wants to meet yours"! It's very annoying, not to mention risky behavior on their part.

I've received numerous bites from dogs, cats and parrots over the years working as a vet tech. Only in one instance would I refer to the bites I sustained as an attack and that was caused by a doberman. Luckily, it was my left arm as it was totally useless for two weeks!

As far as protecting yourself.....I am sure that you know the rules;
Keep a safe distance between yourself and dogs being walked on leashes.
Ask owner's permission before approaching a dog, on leash or in yard.
Never approach a barking, snarling, sleeping, eating, or nursing dog.
Do not stare the dog in the eyes.
Turn sideways and slowly withdraw.
Put an object such as a tree, post, or bench between you and the dog.
Speak softly and gently to calm the dog, "Good dog, it's OK, go home."
Stand still or maintain a constant slow pace out of the dog's territory.
If local law allows, use pepper spray when charged by the dog.
If charged, get something between you and the dog's mouth - umbrella, pack, jacket, stick
If attacked, curl up in a ball and protect your face, neck, and head.

You can't outrun the dog, not even an Olympic sprinter could.
Be aware of dogs a block or more ahead, change your route or turn around to avoid unleashed dogs.
Know the weapons laws in the community you are walking in and obey them.

To this, I would also add:
Avoid walking in areas where dogs are likely to be roaming free.
I've noticed in better neighborhoods, people have more respect for others and also more love for their own dog to allow it to roam free. (Not always true though.....)
Most cities have leash laws....unless you live in a rural area. If you are walking and you see a dog off lead, call animal control.

As the other person advised....buy a can a pepper spray to carry with you if it's legal in your area. (Mail carriers do)

It's the irresponsible dog owners that I get angry at....I wish it were legal to whoop them with a big stick!

Answer 2

I've done a lot of reading up recently about Staffys because I'm hoping to get one by the end of ths week.

Staffys are generally very good with people, but are aggressive towards other dogs.
They have a tendency to eye problems in later life, which may have been a contributing factor in your scare. They also are very stubborn animals. Once they decide on something, thats it. They will not change their mind.

The dog I'm hoping to get is at a rescue centre. It was constantly fighting with an Alsation and the owner had no option but to split them up. My (hopefully) dog only has 3 legs as a result! It basically took a dislike to the Alsation and no matter what was done, as soon as they were free in the same area together, he would attack the Alsation.

Perhaps the Staffy mistook you for another dog due to poor eyesight and decided he didn't like you.

I'm not trying to defend it (the owner should never have let it off its lead), but it may be a possible reason why it went for you.

Answer 3

The best thing to do is juist stop. and if it looks like it is going to attack, make your sel as large as posible and shout 'no'. In this way you are telling the dog you are bigger and stronger and it is less likely to attack. Most dogs know basic commands, so a simple 'no' should do the trick. If it is a stray, just do as i said, and it should back off. No dog should be let loose if it isn't controlled. I hope you reported the incident to the police for fture reference, as if it happens again the dog is likely to be put to sleep. Sorry about the incident, but most people make the mistake of running..this kicks in the dogs chase/kill drive. Which is never good.

If the dog still looks like it is gonna attack, keep your wits and when it does dodge it and give it a swift smack or kick..not too hard, but enough to make the dog think again. If you cant dodge and the dog is medium sized, bring your knee up to its chest, this causes the dog pain and it cannot reach your face or other extremities.

Answer 4

First of all you can stop acting like a spook.
While walking,your back should be straight,shoulders back and arms at sides instead of swinging back and forth.When you know a dog is ahead of you or along-side you need to be aware of it but do not look at it!Don't talk to it and don't hesitate as you walk by regardless of what the dog is doing.Be aware but IGNORE IT.
If a dog gets in your path and forces you to stop just stand there.And again,don't look at it,try to touch it or talk to it.Don't try to offer it your hand to sniff.Just stand calmly.Let the dog check you out.Once it figures out you're no threat it'll leave and you can go on your way.
Carry pepper spray and use it only if it's necessary.

Answer 5

A small stun gun or mace is your best bet. Personally, I would chose mace because you would have to get close enough to touch them with a stun gun. Good luck!

P.S. Well the person above says maybe it was your fault because you might have shown an interest in the dog and the person below me says "hey, just don't be scared when you see a dog coming at you ready to kill." I don't know about you, but I really hate when people don't answer my question!

Answer 6

When you see a dog, probably you have fear. Filling fear makes your body launch adrenaline and adrenaline have a special, smell. This makes the dog that you feel fear, and for this reason the dog think that maybe you have bad intentions against it...so if you meet a dog in the street, try not to show that you are afraid, try to calm yourself...

Answer 7

My sister-in-law was recently attacked by a staffi, Apart from the fact that she owns one, She asked the owner of one if she could stroke it.

Surprise surprise it went for her face, she needed 60 stitches and the dog was put down that same morning of the attack..

I think personally all dogs of that breed 'fighting dogs' and the like should be muzzled when out walking. Its her fault for wanting to stroke it I agree, but because the dog could smell the scent of her own I think that may have been a factor when it went for her.

Yes, so the owners should be responsible for making sure they are muzzled and kept on a lead. Then we should also be aware that if we touch those dogs we do so at our own risk

Answer 8

Try to ignore the dog and just look around the other way. Also make your hands into a fist this way the dog won't go for your fingers or hand.

Good Luck.

Answer 9

Get a dog.
Once you understand them, you will see that they are basically cowardly bullies. Then you will know how to deal with them, and no longer be afraid.
Don't get me wrong, I like dog's. But they can become a problem to anyone who acts strangely around them. People who are too scared or over pushy get bitten. Once you understand them you will never have a problem again.

Answer 10

carry a piece of food and throw it somewhere may be the dog will go 2 the food andgiv u chance 2 runnnn.