What to do if surrounded by a pack of dogs? - briefly
If you find yourself surrounded by a pack of dogs, remain calm and still. Avoid making direct eye contact or sudden movements.
What to do if surrounded by a pack of dogs? - in detail
If you find yourself surrounded by a pack of dogs, it's crucial to remain calm and follow these steps:
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Stay Still: Avoid making any sudden movements that could startle or provoke the dogs. Stand still with your arms at your sides, keeping your body language non-threatening.
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Do Not Run: Running can trigger a dog's natural prey instinct and they may give chase. If you run, it will likely escalate the situation rather than diffuse it.
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Face the Dogs: Turning your back to the dogs is not advisable as it can be perceived as a sign of aggression or fear. Face them directly but avoid making direct eye contact, which can also be seen as threatening.
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Avoid Direct Eye Contact: While facing the dogs, try to look at their bodies rather than their eyes. This helps to convey that you are not a threat and may help calm the dogs.
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Speak Calmly: If you can do so without raising your voice or making sudden movements, speak in a low, calm tone. This can sometimes reassure the dogs and indicate that you are not a threat.
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Slowly Back Away: Once you have assessed the situation and believe it is safe to do so, slowly back away from the dogs. Avoid turning your back on them until you are at a safe distance.
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Use an Object as a Barrier: If there is any object nearby that you can use as a barrier between yourself and the dogs, such as a backpack or a jacket, place it in front of you to create a physical barrier.
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Seek Higher Ground: If possible, climb onto a higher surface like a bench or a car to put some distance between you and the dogs. This also makes you less accessible to them.
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Protect Yourself: If a dog does attack, protect your face, neck, and hands with your arms. Try to remain standing as falling could provoke further aggression.
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Call for Help: If at any point you feel threatened or the situation escalates, do not hesitate to call for help. Shouting for assistance can sometimes deter dogs and alert others to your situation.
By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of a negative encounter with a pack of dogs and increase the likelihood of a peaceful resolution.