what would you do if a dog starts to maul you?

Question

say you are walking down the street alone one day and a dog runs up and starts to jump and bite you what would you do?


btw this is not a joke there are lots of dogs in my area that are loose and I am afraid one day I might get attacked so I want to be prepared. I can't carry pepper spray or anything because I'm not 18 yet so it would be illegal for me to carry weapons.

Answer 1

Usually if it is just one dog, even if it is growling you can back them down by being the one who advances on them in a threatening manner. You just move forward with your eyes locked straight on theirs and they will make way. If you are attacked by a pack of dogs, I think it would be best to play dead and cover vital areas unless you can get off the ground quickly. Dogs don't attack things they think are stronger than they are or dead things.

Answer 2

Get some red and black pepper and put it in a plastic baggie and keep it in your purse or pocket. This is not illegal and works on humans and dogs. Whatever you do, do NOT run away. That makes the dog see you as prey. Stop, square your shoulders and in a commanding voice say "Stop" very loudly. Then walk in the direction of the nearest shelter without taking your eyes off the dog. If necessary, use the pepper, but protect your own eyes and mind the direction of the wind. Also, start carrying a small cane or walking stick.
P.S. I noticed some people saying stuff about trying to strangle or choke the dog. The only time that stuff works is on very small dogs and in the movies and tv. Dogs can sense when someone is fearful and when someone is in command. I am seldom ever bothered by dogs. The only time I have been attacked by a dog, the animal lept for my throat and I simply punched him in the NOSE. It hurt and he took off in the opposite direction and hid in his dog house. He wasn't really injured, just shocked and temporarily hurt. Don't try any heroics. The best thing to use to get a dog off of someone else or another dog is a water hose or a bucket of water. Be humane, they are just animals. It is the humans who have failed to leash, contain and train their pets properly who are the real threat. Start calling the Animal Control office in your area. There are certainly leash and containment laws in your area.

Answer 3

I think pepper spray - not mace - is legal under 18; if not, carry your own home-made spray - try a squirt bottle with alcohol and capsicum powder (red pepper) - LOTS of powder; and probably some vegetable oil to make it stick.
You can always carry something for defense, though, even if you're not 18. Baseball bat, cane, a big umbrella, a stick - any of that stuff would work not just to hit an attacking animal, but to deflect them and to get them to bite it instead of you.
If you are in that situation and a dog is coming at you, fetal position works well - curl up in a tight ball, covering your head and face, and try and keep your arms and hands tucked in. Sometimes animals will give up quicker if you don't react - "playing dead"
You could also check the web for attack dog trainers, and see if they have any suggestions - they know the behavior the best!
Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, I'm a dog lover and have never been put in that situation, so I honestly don't know how I'd react since I wouldn't really want to hurt a dog. However, I know this girl who had this big dog run after her while she was riding her bike. It was barking and growling so obviously it wasn't running to her just to play. She just stopped the bike and when the dog got close it off, she stuck her foot out and the dog ran in to her foot and got hurt. So it yelped and went away. So maybe if you just hurt the dog, it'll run away. However, if you're pinned down and the dog is really trying to bite your face off, maybe strangle it or get something near by and hit it's head with like a stick or something?

It's really saddening that there's dogs out there on the loose who have bad tempers because it really isn't their fault. People train dogs to be aggressive and then the dog's the one who suffers in the end.

Answer 5

When a dog jumps on you, bring your knee up sharply against its chest. That keeps it from getting on top of you. Do not jump around, flap your arms, scream, etc. as that will excite the dog further. A strong, calm, "No" repeated may help. Keep still and avoid eye contact since a dog takes that as aggression. You want to seem submissive not dominant. If being calm doesn't work, then you will need to shout for help.

Walk briskly and with confidence, and be careful not to encroach on the dog's territory. Dogs smell fear.

Answer 6

I've seen something done, but the dog didn't survive, and that has legal consequences even though the animal was not leashed or under control. It was muchlike what Ally described, but to see an animal die like that is not a good thing.

If I were you, when you see there are loose dogs, rather call AC and get them to do a round-up. Safer for everyone.

Answer 7

if you ever approach a dog that starts growling at you but isn't chasing you, never ever turn your back on it to run. instead back up slowly until you're near a house or where there is someone that would be able to hear/help you if something does happen and keep your eyes on it. this happened to me once two years ago while i was walking my dog. luckily, someone had already told me what to do, and i was able to keep my distance from the dog and keep my eyes on it until i was able to find someone standing outside their garage that kindly allowed me and my dog to stay with them for a little bit. once i got there, the person called animal control to get the dog so that it wouldn't be able to hurt anyone, and a couple minutes after the call i continued walking my dog, but obviously, going in the opposite direction. stay safe! i hope you never have to do this!

Answer 8

well, if a dog starts to run towards you for no apparent reason (like, you were just walking along). you should just stop and not move. don't give the dog eye contact, petting/touching it, or sudden movements cause you might scare it and make it bite you out of fear. walk out of the way without leaving your back to it slowly.

Answer 9

Ok, don't even bother pepper spraying a dog, they don't have the tear ducts the way we do and it only make them angry.

The best defense against a charging dog is a dominant attitude. Fight back, push the dog down on it's back by it's throat, scream and yell at it, make threatening noises and gestures.

Answer 10

My kids used to carry hairspray..Just the cheapest dollar store kind. .The cheaper, the stinkier..There were several mean dogs on their way to school. As a dog approaches in an unfriendly manner, a good spray in their general direction stinks and confuses them, and the SHHH sound startles them.