For many people, if a dog seems dangerous or likely to bite, their instincts tell them to run. And if you notice a dangerous dog in advance, it can be best to keep your distance or avoid it. But once the confrontation has begun, running is often counterproductive.
Part of the issue here is that many dogs experience prey drive, which means that they want to chase. It is part of their instincts. If they see you running away, they want to pursue you, and they view you as prey.
For this reason, it is often best to stop and remain still. Rather than giving the dog a reason to chase or act aggressively, you want to act calmly. A dog will sometimes bark or snarl and act like it is going to attack, but if you remain calm and slowly move away, the attack may never occur.
Key tips that may help
If you are facing a dangerous dog, it is often best to keep your arms close to your body. Do not try to strike the dog or grab it, or you may be bitten.
It can also help to turn sideways, giving yourself a smaller profile. You want to look as small and unthreatening as you can. Avoid making direct eye contact, but do not turn your back on the dog entirely.
If possible, try to slowly remove yourself from danger. Begin taking slow steps away from the dog and try to put something between you and the animal, such as a car parked on the street. Remember that dogs are often territorial, so if the dog sees you retreat, it may be less likely to bite.
Seeking compensation for injuries
Even if you are able to suppress your instincts and respond appropriately, you could still suffer serious injuries in a dog attack. If you do, you need to know how to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
