How to Handle a Dog Attack

Whether it’s your dog, your friend’s, or a stranger’s, it’s important for all dog owners to know the necessary and crucial steps if your pet engages in a fight or attack. Training your dog to be well-behaved around other dogs and people is helpful, but these fights or attacks can be unpredictable, no matter what amount of training your pet has.

 Below, we’ve provided a list of helpful, informative tips that you can utilize if you find yourself in this situation:

• Don’t touch a stranger’s dog without asking them first. While many dogs are friendly and would love the attention, some dogs are very skittish and nervous and attacking may be a scared reaction.
• Be extremely familiar with your dog’s personality. If they’re likely to snap, bark, or bite at something or someone in an uncomfortable situation, it may be best to leave them at home. If you think they’ll want to chase something if left outside alone, make sure that your yard is properly gated so there’s little to no chance of escape.
• Be aware of common signs of fear or nervousness in other dogs. When dogs stiffen up and become agitated or jerky, they’re likely worried and trying for a defensive approach. If you notice these signs, relax, move slow, and give the dog as much space as possible.
• Whether a dog attacks you, your dog attacks someone else, or your dog attacks another dog, it’s extremely important to stay calm, no matter what. A helpful tip if your dog is attacking is to grab their back legs and pick them up, since they’re more likely to stop fighting.