What are you supposed to do if and dog starts to run after you?

Question

I understand the school of thought that if you are running away from the dog that will only keep him chasing but what about the fact that he's already chasing you so standing still would be stupid cause HE'S ALREADY COMING AFTER YOU?!?!?
right?

I understand this is really a pet question but it didn't really fit anywhere else.

Answer 1

The majority of dogs that are running after you aren't really going for the attack, they are just having fun. The best thing to do is turn on them as they approach and shout at them. It will generally startle them into stopping and thinking twice about their new "playmate".
If they are attacking - and you're positive that this is the case - drop to the ground and curl into a ball protecting your face, neck and belly. If you run, he's going to catch you and the chase will have them that much more excited generating bites that are that much more severe.

Answer 2

It is best to stand still.

If you run away, you will trigger the dogs instinct to chase. Except for some toy breeds, you will likely not be able to outrun the dog.

If you stand still, nine times out of ten, the dog will charge at you in a flurry of barks but stop short of actually attacking or touching you. Most times its just a show. If you stand your ground, you have a better chance of the dog walking away without incident.

The best non-challenging posture, is to be turned sideways. This tells the dog you are not a threat. Avoid direct eye contact at all costs, the dog will read this as a challenge.

Answer 3

You are still not supposed to run. That will only heighten the dog's desire to chase you and he will be able to outrun you anyway. Stand still, turn your head to one side a bit and look toward the ground, not in the dog's eyes. If the dog seems unsure what to do, yell in a deep loud voice (not a high voice) GO AWAY!!!! and stamp your foot. Then back away slowly. If you are attacked, protect your head and neck at all costs, vene if it means rolling into a ball and covering your neck and head with your arms and hands.

Answer 4

O.K. this is not an easy question to answer, because I don't know if the dog is trying to actually attack you or not. If they are playing, you can stop..turn around make a loud noise and chase them back..if they are playing..they will run ..its a game to them...But
If they are growling and snapping I would try to find something to put between myself and that dog. (trash can, stick...anything) before I stop and turn to face them. Most dogs (except trained attack dogs) can be intimidated.
I was once chased by a ferocious Chow-Chow as a child, and had to climb on top of someones car before that dog gave up.....!

Answer 5

Hm depends - is the dog actually being aggressive? i.e. showing teeth, growling, ears up? If so and you can get inside in time, do - then find out what wally owns the dog! Mostly dogs just run at you to play so don't panic, if you stay still they'll calm down!
Are you regularly chased by dogs or are you just curious? i say if you're being charged by an aggressive dog, your only choice is to run - and just try overcoming the instinct to do so!

Answer 6

if he is far away try yelling at him to show you are the boss.
if he is a crazy dog,i don't know. climb a tree or get in a shelter.
is this a problem where you live? if so,carry pepper spray or a taser.
but yes,i always hear not to run it will make them madder and chase you,and catch you if you do not get away in time.
where i use to live,we had wild dogs and i startled one that was under my car one day and he came out growling towards me,i backed up slowly,and yelled at him,he started to run at me,but luckily i got in the house just as he was coming up behind me. scary. ?

Answer 7

If it's foaming at the mouth or growling at you, then you should grab a stick or a rock and be ready to throw it at him. But if it's just curious then you should tell it gently but firmly to go home. But running will only make it chase you, so NEVER run!!!!

Answer 8

once you start to run you trigger the prey instinct in the dog. i would just stay still and if the dog grabs at you grab a hold of the bottom jaw it gives you control of the dogs head and if it jumps at you knee it in the chest.

Answer 9

DON'T RUNN AWAY BECAUSE THE iT GiVES THE D0G M0RE REAS0N T0 RUNN AFTER Y0U. JUST STAND THERE AND YELL AT iT. iF iT TRiES T0 BiTE HiT iT iN THE N0SE. iTS VERY SENSiTiVE. BUT D0 N0T RUN AWAY!! TRUST ME!!