How to behave with an aggressive dog following you? - briefly
If you encounter an aggressive dog that is following you, remain calm and avoid making direct eye contact. Do not run or scream; instead, stand still and allow the dog to sniff you if it approaches.
How to behave with an aggressive dog following you? - in detail
When confronted by an aggressive dog that is pursuing you, it's essential to remain calm and composed. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
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Stay Calm: Dogs are highly perceptive and can sense fear and anxiety. Maintaining a calm demeanor helps in preventing the situation from escalating further. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could agitate the dog.
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Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Staring directly into the eyes of an aggressive dog can be perceived as a threat. Instead, look at a point slightly above and beyond the dog's head without making direct eye contact.
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Do Not Run: Running can trigger the dog’s natural instinct to chase. Even if your first impulse is to flee, resist the urge. Remain still or walk away slowly in a calm and controlled manner.
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Create Distance Gradually: If you are able to back away slowly while keeping an object like a backpack, purse, or even a jacket between you and the dog, do so. This can provide a barrier and give you time to create more distance.
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Use Objects as Barriers: Place any available objects such as trees, cars, or fences between yourself and the dog. These barriers can help in preventing direct contact with the animal.
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Raise Your Arms: If the dog approaches you, raise your arms to make yourself appear larger. This can sometimes intimidate a dog and cause it to back off.
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Spray Pepper Spray if Available: If you have pepper spray on hand, use it as a last resort. Aim for the dog’s nose or eyes to temporarily blind and disorient it, giving you an opportunity to escape.
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Call for Help: If possible, call out for help from others nearby. This can alert potential rescuers and also let the dog know that there are other people around who might intervene.
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Prepare for Defensive Actions: If all else fails and the dog attacks, be prepared to defend yourself. Use any available objects as shields and aim for vulnerable areas such as the nose or eyes.
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Report the Incident: After ensuring your safety, report the incident to local authorities. Provide details about the dog’s appearance, location, and behavior to help protect others from similar encounters.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of being harmed by an aggressive dog while also increasing your chances of a safe resolution.