Because of popular culture, and of course, the Internet, it’s easy to see dogs as harmless little fur balls. There are dogs that are tiny enough to be carried around like plush toys and big ones who may seem ferocious at first, but turn out to be sweet and affectionate.
Big or small, these furry creatures almost never fail to melt our hearts which makes it easy for most of us to trivialize the fact that they can have the tendency to act viciously, too.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year in the United States.
What is more surprising is that half of dog bite injuries happen in a household where a pet dog bites a person that the dog is familiar with.
Attorney Big Al has had one too many cases that prove that dogs attack when you least expect them to. These accidents are not just random occurrences. More often than not, dogs bite because of certain triggers. These triggers could be caused by stress, threats to the dog’s territory, or an illness.
Whatever the reason is, the fact remains that these furry friends of ours are capable of biting.
So how do we avoid getting bitten? If we ever find ourselves in a situation where we are being attacked by a dog, how do we escape unscathed?
Do not panic.
Not giving into anxiety when confronted by a fierce dog who is baring its teeth at you may seem impossible but CBS says that focusing on calming thoughts can really go a long way.
There is no scientific proof that dogs can actually “smell” fear, but the first thing a vicious dog will try to do to you before making a move is to intimidate you. Remaining calm will not only help you think clearly, but it will also throw off the dog who is about to attack you.
Do not show signs of retaliation.
When a dog shows signs of being aggressive, it can only mean one thing—it’s ready to fight fire with fire. So, if your end goal is to get out of the situation without getting bitten, then avoid sending back aggressive signals.
According to Secrets of Survival, you must not make sudden or violent gestures. Whatever you do, do not smile at the dog because they might misinterpret it as you baring your teeth at them.
Likewise, make sure not to show too many signs of weakness.
An example of this would be running away or turning your back on them. Attorney Big Al has handled numerous cases involving dog bites that resulted from people trying to run away from the dog!
As for turning your back on the dog, aside from being a sign of weakness, it just opens you up further for an attack. If you must put a distance between yourself and the dog, try to back away slowly.
Distract the dog with food, items to chew on, or a command.
If you happen to carry a bag, slowly offer the dog something that it can eat or chew on. Once the dog takes the bait, slowly make your escape. Again, the other rules still apply in this situation—no running, no turning your back on the dog, and no sudden movements. If you are not carrying extra food or makeshift chew toys with you, you may also try giving the dogs commands like “sit” or “stay.” This works well with most pet dogs, especially those that are well trained.
Stand like a tree.
When you are approached by an aggressive dog, stay as rigid as you can by literally standing like a tree. Doing this is one of the most foolproof ways to avoid an attack because the dog just ends up ignoring the motionless person who is neither a threat nor a subject to be threatened.
When all else fails, fight back.
If you did everything that we have reviewed here, and the dog chooses to attack you regardless, fight back—even if it seems counterintuitive. Yes, you really have to fight back because dog bites can be fatal.
Use a stick or your legs to fend off the dog. Moderately hitting the nose, the throat or the back of the dog’s head can stun it temporarily, giving you enough time to escape.
On the occasion that none of these tips worked and you or a family member still got attacked or injured by a dog, make sure that you know your options!
Seek medical attention immediately, o and then call someone who can advise you on what to do next, like Attorney Big Al (1-800-HURT-123).
You may also visit Attorney Big Al online! Just go to Hurt123.com.
We are here to help you and give you the compensation you deserve. Reach Barzakay Law Firm.