by Chrystina Trulove-Reyes

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 07, 2009

With attention being driven toward dog attacks, people are starting to wonder if they can protect themselves against a dog determined to bite them. The fact is that preventing dog attacks is not that hard. However, it is more a matter of knowing what to do and staying calm.

When a dog attacks, your response can make the difference between walking away unharmed or being seriously hurt. Always stay calm; pain is nothing when your life could be in danger if you panic.

You can do several things when a dog is showing signs of being aggressive. First, turn your body so that your weakest side is facing the dog. If the dog attacks, you can better defend yourself with your stronger side. By turning sideways, you show the dog that you are not submissive, but not interested in fighting, either. Watch the dog out of the corner of your eye, but do not look directly at it. If you make eye contact, the dog could take it as a challenge.

When a dog attacks, you need to know how to defend yourself. Some people carry pepper spray to protect themselves from people and dogs. If you can blind the dog, then you can get away. However, if you do not carry pepper spray, look for a branch or board to use as a weapon. Hands and feet are also good weapons.

A few defensive moves should be enough to stop an attack. Aim a kick at the dog's chin. The impact will daze or be painful enough to make the dog think better of its plan. If you miss, then hit the dog at the back of the skull. With enough force, the strike can kill the dog. Hitting the eyes, nose, and throat are also good ways to stop a dog's attack.

While in a fight you must remember to do several things. First, give the dog your weaker side. By offering your weakest side, you are keeping your stronger side available for defense. Do NOT grab the dog by the neck. That is an offensive move and the dog will react as though you are answering a challenge. Protect the vulnerable parts of your body. Those parts are your ears, face, throat, chest, and inner arms. Do not jerk your arm if the dog bites it. If you do, you will inflict more damage to yourself than the dog's bite.

Always call the police if you see a dog attack. If the victim is a child, an elderly person, or someone who is otherwise handicapped, it is necessary to change the dog's target. If you have time, wrap your arm in a shirt. Shove your arm into the dog's mouth. The harder you shove, the better chance you have of making the dog stop its attack, or dislocating it's jaw. Get the dog to turn its attention to you. If you try to hit the dog in the back of the head, or kick its jaw, while it still has another victim, you risk hurting the victim worse.

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