Facts About Dog Attacks

Sadly, every year a number of newborn infants die when they are bitten by dogs that see them as prey, teach your children the essential rules about avoiding strange dogs. Also, teach them not to tease, chase or throw things at dogs behind fences or gates.

- A real danger with dog attacks is when they start biting your legs, at some point you may lose enough blood and go into shock, where you may well drop to the ground and a dog can finish you off there. Always place something between you and the dog's teeth, plan an escape.

- Dogs are generally motivated by motion…running dogs, children on bicycles, a squirrel etc. They are also motivated by noise, and are more likely to bite when a person yells or screams.

- Always keep in mind that a dog that doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat.

- Avoid going onto private property unless specifically invited.

- Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Make certain that any dog entering the household receives proper training and socialization.

- If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, take steps to minimize the damages. As soon as possible, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water and then call your regular doctor for additional information on how to treat your wounds. If your wounds are serious enough, go directly to your local emergency room.

- As soon as your injuries have been attended to, report the attack to your local animal control agency or police department.

Dog Myths: True or False
While doing research for this article I came across a wide variety of solutions regarding handling dog attacks. Some work, but many of them are extremely dangerous, and under the wrong circumstances, can get you killed. There are so many myths prorogated by well meaning animal trainers, veterinarians and dog owners but believing them can get you into serious trouble. Test yourself in this true or false section (answers are below the last question.)

True or False
1) The first, and most important rule for preventing dog attacks is: NEVER go near a strange dog.

2) If you are in a situation where a stray dog comes up to you, stand very still with your hands to your side and feet together, be a tree.

3) You are safe if a dog that is chained, leashed or tied up securely, you can approach a dog under these conditions.

4) If a dog is close by and starts smelling you, stay calm, turn your hand inward and present your outside wrist while hiding your fingers.

5) If a dog approaches you run as fast as you can to a safe place

6) If a dog attacks you and you slip to the ground, stay on your side, tucking your chin and knees to your chest and placing a fist over each ear, be a rock.

7) Avoid eye contact with a dog because the dog may perceive this as a challenge. Stare straight ahead if you encounter a dog running loose.

8) Do not disturb a dog while they're sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for their young.

9) Do not try to outdistance the dog on a bicycle. Stop, dismount and stand with the bicycle between you and the dog. Without something to chase, the dog may lose interest.

10) When a dog begins to back away, slowly retreat also, keeping the dog in view without paying much attention to it. If the dog begins to come back, stop and wait until it moves off again.

11) Do not run when confronted with a threatening dog. Running only stimulates the dog to increase its aggression.

12) Do not be embarrassed to ask a dog owner to restrain the dog until it clearly recognizes you as a friend.

13) If approached by a dog do not make any noise, be as quiet as possible.

Answers:
1) TRUE: Always stay away from stray or unfamiliar animals; this includes animals that seem secured or tied, some dogs can easily snap their leash or jump over a high fence.

2) FALSE: This is an old wives tale. Although this may work for small dogs you will be in for a big surprise if an attack-trained dog doesn't believe you're a tree and bites you in the ass anyway.

3) FALSE: Dogs they are territorial, their instinct is to defend their property or area. Actually many people find themselves in trouble when they approach a secured dog and try to pet it.

4) TRUE: When a dog smells your hands, retract your fingers and curl your wrist inwards. This small step can save you from losing your fingers.

5) FALSE: Almost any dog can outrun a human so it doesn't make sense to run right away. Stay still long enough to plan your escape, once you know where you are going, go fast, jump on a car, climb a fence or tree, and if you can, place something in between you and the dogs teeth.

6) FALSE: This is even more ridiculous than "be like a tree." If a dog perceives you to be in his territory he may bite you anyway, and on the ground you are dog's meat. Most human deaths by dog attacks are attributed to the person being on the ground. If you can, get up fast and put something between you and the dogs teeth; your belt, a jacket, a bicycle, a book, anything. Then plan to escape to a place where you can put a barrier between you and the dog.

7) TRUE: eye contact is threatening to a dog. You are invading his territory. Keep him in sight with your peripheral vision and look for a barrier between you and the dog.

8) TRUE: Unless you're the owner, a sure way to get bitten by a dog is to disturb him when he is sleeping, eating or caring for their young.

9) Depends: If you are moving quickly get yourself out of there, BUT in case you know you can't pick up enough momentum, Stop, dismount and stand with the bicycle between you and the dog. From this point plan your escape.

10) TRUE: In this case the dog is just protecting his territory. Back off slowly; show him you're no threat.

11) DEPENDS: Run as fast as you can to a secure place, BUT, if you don't have the distance, stop immediately, plan an escape…if the dogs starts charging you, go to a secure place.

12) TRUE: Always ask the owner to restrain his dog. The dog may think he's protecting the owner from you.

13) TRUE: If the dog doesn't see you as a threat he may just leave you alone.

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James Sotomayor is a martial artist and professional dog trainer