What to do against dogs? - briefly
To protect yourself from aggressive dogs, remain calm and still. If a dog approaches, avoid direct eye contact, and slowly back away while keeping your hands at your sides.
What to do against dogs? - in detail
When encountering dogs, especially if you are not familiar with them or feel threatened, it is essential to take immediate and effective action to ensure your safety. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
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Remain Calm: Keeping a calm demeanor is crucial as dogs can sense fear and aggression. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could escalate the situation.
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Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Prolonged eye contact can be perceived as a challenge by dogs. Instead, look at the dog's body language for any signs of aggression.
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Do Not Run: Running may trigger the dog's instinct to chase. Stand still and avoid making sudden movements that could provoke an attack.
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Back Away Slowly: If possible, back away slowly while keeping your body facing the dog. This approach shows that you are not a threat and allows you to create distance between yourself and the dog.
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Find a Barrier: Look for a physical barrier such as a fence, tree, or car to put between yourself and the dog. If indoors, try to enter a room and close the door behind you.
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Use Objects to Protect Yourself: If a dog approaches you aggressively, use any available object to create a barrier. This could be a bag, jacket, or even an umbrella. Hold it out in front of you to protect yourself from potential bites.
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Spray with Pepper Spray (if available): If you have pepper spray, it can be effective in deterring a dog. Aim for the dog's eyes and nose, ensuring that the wind is not blowing the spray back towards you.
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Climb to Higher Ground: If there are no barriers nearby, try to climb onto something higher such as a wall or a car. Dogs generally cannot jump high enough to reach you if you are elevated.
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Call for Help: If the situation is escalating and you feel seriously threatened, do not hesitate to call emergency services or ask for help from nearby people.
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Know When to Fight Back: In extreme cases where a dog has already attacked and is not deterred by your attempts to protect yourself, it may become necessary to fight back using any objects available to you. Aim for the dog's eyes, nose, or sensitive areas to try and incapacitate it until help arrives.
By following these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of safely dealing with a threatening situation involving dogs. Always prioritize your safety and be prepared to act decisively if needed.