Fido is not always man's best friend.

I was just reading over an article on BBC's website about how to survive a dog attack and it got me thinking about all the times I'd been attacked by a dog. Read: 2. My background has given me the chance to work with many dogs, cats, and other mammals that we humans like to call companions. BBC has some very generic tips, so I thought I would give some of my own based on experience.

1. BBC has "Don't turn your back". I second this. The only reason you should turn your back is if you are swiveling to get out of a dog's grip, paw or mouth.
2. Loud noises do not help. Most times, when a dog is in attack mode, they are only sparked on by screaming and yelling.
3. Hit the dog, I suggest if you are locked onto by a dog's jaws, you whack it in the mouth as much as possible until it lets go. A dog's nose is most sensitive. Just remember, once it breaks its grip on your flesh, it will come back for more, so getting another object as a weapon can sometimes help.
4. Be confident and aggressive if you are already being bitten. Scare it. Being scared yourself will only let it overpower you and you will be worse off.
5. Do not run. You will never outrun that dog. Dogs that see prey "in flight" get more excited and more encouraged to attack.

Ways to avoid a dog attack:
1. Do not pet strange dogs. duh. If a dog wanders into your yard that you do not know, leave it alone.
2. If faced with a hostile animal, do not make eye contact. That is an intimidation tactic and can only make them more prone to attack.
3. If you see dogs fighting, unless you are a professional dog trainer/behaviorist, do not attempt to get between them. Make noise - whistle, call a dog's name. You can be seriously injured caught in the crossfire of a dog fight.
4. Stop bathing in bacon grease. It isn't good for your complexion and the neighbor's dog isn't afraid to get his muzzle dirty.


Okay, so the last tip was just a joke, but if you do indeed bathe in bacon grease, you are totally asking for it.



other reads:
BBC