What To Do If a Dog Attacks You While Walking

10 Things to Do If a Dog Attacks You While Walking

Encountering an aggressive dog while walking can quickly turn a peaceful stroll into a frightening situation. Knowing what to do if a dog attacks you while walking is essential for protecting yourself and preventing injury. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps you should take to stay safe and de-escalate the situation. Additionally, we’ll introduce some protective tools that can help you defend yourself in case of a dog attack.

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Panic

The first thing you need to do if a dog attacks you while walking is to stay calm. Dogs can pick up on human emotions, and reacting with fear or panic may provoke them further. Take deep breaths, avoid making sudden movements, and try to project calmness. The dog is more likely to relax if it senses that you are not a threat.

By remaining calm, you increase your chances of de-escalating the situation before it turns into an attack.

2. Do Not Run

If you’re wondering what to do if a dog attacks you while walking, running away is not the answer. Running triggers a dog’s natural prey drive, prompting it to chase after you. Instead of running, stand still or move slowly and deliberately. Running can escalate the situation, potentially making the dog more aggressive.

Staying still and composed helps communicate to the dog that you are not a threat or prey.

3. Avoid Eye Contact

Direct eye contact can be perceived by dogs as a sign of aggression or a challenge. Avoid staring directly into the dog’s eyes while still keeping it in your peripheral vision. This way, you can monitor its movements without provoking it. Looking away slightly signals to the dog that you are not engaging in confrontation.

4. Use a Firm, Commanding Voice

When figuring out what to do if a dog attacks you while walking, using a strong and commanding voice can help. Dogs often respond to vocal cues, even if they are unfamiliar with you. Use a deep, confident tone to say “No,” “Stay,” or “Go home.” Avoid yelling or sounding panicked, as this can increase the dog’s anxiety.

A firm voice can help stop the dog in its tracks or, at the very least, give you more time to assess the situation.

5. Create a Barrier

If the dog is approaching, create a barrier between you and the animal. This could be a jacket, bag, or even an umbrella—anything you have at hand. Holding something in front of you can deter the dog and protect you from bites. If the dog attacks, it’s more likely to target the object rather than you.

Having a barrier not only increases your protection but also buys you time to safely retreat.

6. Back Away Slowly

Once you feel the situation is under control, start backing away slowly. Don’t turn your back on the dog, and continue facing it as you move. Quick or sudden movements could cause the dog to lunge, so it’s important to remain calm and move steadily. Try to find a safe space such as a car, a house, or even a fenced area where you can get behind protection.

Backing away slowly can signal to the dog that you are no longer a threat, reducing the likelihood of further aggression.

7. Protect Yourself in the Event of an Attack

If the dog attacks, prioritize protecting your vital areas such as your face, neck, and chest. Use your arms and legs to block bites, and if you’re knocked down, curl into a ball, covering your head and neck with your arms. Tuck your knees to protect your vital organs. This defensive position can minimize injury and might discourage the dog from continuing its attack.

If you are carrying any protective devices such as pepper spray or a whistle, now is the time to use them.

8. Use a Deterrent

One of the best answers to what to do if a dog attacks you while walking is carrying a deterrent with you. Having protective tools like pepper spray, dog repellent sprays, or stun guns can make all the difference in stopping an attack. These devices are designed to temporarily incapacitate the dog, giving you time to escape.

• Pepper Spray or Dog-Specific Repellent: These sprays can temporarily blind or disorient the dog, providing you with the chance to get away.
• Stun Guns: A stun gun delivers a short burst of electricity that incapacitates the dog without causing permanent harm.
• Whistles, Dog Repellers or Air Horns: Dogs are sensitive to loud noises, and a sharp whistle or air horn can startle and deter an attacking dog. Loud noise makers can serve as a first line of defense before physical confrontation occurs.

Carrying one of these deterrents provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

9. Report the Incident

After you have managed to avoid or escape the dog, it’s important to report the incident to local authorities or animal control. Reporting the attack is crucial, especially if the dog is a stray or poses a threat to others. Proper documentation can also help if legal or medical actions need to be taken later on.

By reporting the dog, you help prevent future attacks and ensure that the situation is handled appropriately.

10. Seek Medical Attention

Even if the dog bite seems minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Dog bites can lead to serious infections or complications. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact a healthcare professional to evaluate the injury. If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, you may need a rabies shot or tetanus shot.

Prompt medical care ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment and helps reduce the risk of infection.

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Carrying Protective Tools: Pepper Spray, Dog Spray, Stun Devices, and Loud Noise Makers

When considering what to do if a dog attacks you while walking, it’s important to have protective tools at your disposal. Pepper spray, dog-specific repellent sprays, stun guns, and even whistles or air horns can be highly effective in deterring an aggressive dog. These tools provide non-lethal means of protection, allowing you to defend yourself without causing long-term harm to the dog. For your convenience, we at Wolf Personal Safety

• Pepper Spray: Ideal for close encounters, pepper spray temporarily blinds and incapacitates the dog, giving you time to escape.
• Dog Spray: Much like Bear Spray, there is also special formulated spay made for dogs.
• Stun Guns: A stun gun delivers a quick electrical charge, stopping an aggressive dog in its tracks.
• Air Horns and Dog rappelers: Loud, sudden noises can startle dogs, making them back away or lose interest in attacking.

By carrying these protective tools, you can feel safer and more prepared when walking in areas where dogs might pose a threat.

Browse our selection of protective devices and take control of your safety today. Stay prepared, stay safe, and enjoy your walks with confidence knowing you have the right tools to protect yourself if needed.