Staying safe
Dog bites are often the result of negligent owners. Potential victims can only try to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But if a pit bull leaps over a fence and attacks your small dog, what can you do to stop it? Without a firearm or a break stick1, yourself and your pet may be seriously injured.
Most dangerous situations:
*Inserting yourself into a dogfight
*Leaving a toddler or child alone with a dog
*Approaching a chained dog, especially if it is male and unaltered
*Encountering a group of dogs on the loose. Like the human "mob" mentality, normally obedient dogs often become violent when part of a pack
*Approaching a vehicle with a dog inside (or in the bed of a truck)
Always remember:
Do not pet a dog without first letting him see you
Do not lean your face close to a dog
Do not tease a dog, especially if it is chained
Do not startle a sleeping dog
Do not bother a dog that is eating
Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies
Do not turn your back on a dog and run away
If you think you may be attacked
Guidelines from the HSUS:
*Never scream and run
*Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog
*Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight
*If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog
*If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around
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