Many people assume that they need to move away quickly when confronted with an aggressive dog. This is founded on the idea that dogs often protect their own territory, so turning and hurrying away seems like a good way to diffuse the situation.
In reality, though, running away can actually make things much worse and may increase your odds of getting injured. What you really need to do is stop, turn sideways, stay calm and slowly back away when you get the chance. This can be difficult when your pulse is racing and every instinct in you is telling you to run, but it really is the best option. Why is this?
Dogs are drawn to fast movement
At their core, dogs are still animals with a strong predatory drive. They have a natural instinct that makes them want to chase prey that is running from them.
Therefore, if you hear a dog growl and you turn to run, the dog might assume you are the prey and give chase. It may try to bite you to get you to stop. In essence, you’re getting the dog more riled up by acting in a way that triggers this engrained response.
Dogs also bite when they’re startled or they feel like they’re in danger. A person who is moving faster than normal seems aggressive and potentially dangerous to them. Staying calm may be hard, but you can really pass that sense of calm on to the dog.
Seeking compensation after a bite
No matter how you react, it’s not your fault if you get bitten by an unrestrained dog with a negligent owner. Make sure you know how to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. An attorney can help you learn how to take the next step.