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6 tips to calm down an angry dog

On Behalf of | Feb 7, 2018 | Animal Bites & Attacks

An angry dog might not calm down all by itself. In fact, an angry dog could benefit from some gentle assistance from the people around to prevent an attack.

It’s in these moments — when a dog is barking, snarling and showing its teeth — that we all wish we could be the dog whisperer. While we probably will not ever become that skilled at controlling a dog, there are some simple things that every person can do to reduce the chances of an attack when faced with an aggressive canine.

What to do during an angry dog faceoff

His ears are pulled back, his eyes are glaring at you, his tail is not wagging, he’s growling and he’s baring his teeth. The dog is getting aggressive, you’re scared and he looks like he’s going to attack. What should you do?

Here are a few tips that could work to pacify an aggressive canine:

  • Stay still. Under the surface, you might be terrified — and anything but calm — but it’s important you don’t make any quick or stressful motions. Do not run away as the dog could decide to chase you. Rather, you should continue to face the animal and slowly back away. Never turn your back.
  • If the dog won’t back down and it does start to attack, curl into a ball on the ground. Place your arms over your head and clench your fingers into fists.
  • Don’t make eye contact with the animal. This could serve to exacerbate the problem as the dog will interpret it as a threat.
  • Don’t bare your teeth. You might think that you have a disarming smile, but the dog will see it differently — interpreting your smile as if you’re gnashing your teeth aggressively.
  • Speak softly with a soothing town. Loud or threatening voices could make the animal react negatively.
  • In the event the dog bites you, don’t try to run away or jerk away. This could make the attack worse. Stay calm and try to get something between you and the animal, such as a jacket, bicycle or purse that it can bite. Don’t strike the dog as it will further anger it.

Avoiding And Protecting Against an Angry Dog

Many do not realize that dog attacks can be a serious hazard. Even the most docile dogs can potentially become vicious. Because thousands of adults and children suffer from dog attacks across the nation, everyone should know how to protect themselves against attacks or know how to avoid them altogether.

One dog trainer stated that a dog may attack for a number of reasons; they could be scared or nervous, they could be feeling territorial, or they could just be aggressive. One bite victim noted that she didn’t even know a dog was tied up nearby until she was bitten. It is highly recommended that people avoid dogs, even if they are not tied up. If a loose dog approaches the person, they should not scream, run or make eye contact as the dog may view that as a challenge and attack.

If a dog attacks, the trainer recommends offering a weak arm or leg. This way, the person can still attempt to fight the dog off. If the person goes down, they should curl up into a ball and do what they can to protect their face. The person should also scream for help, especially if they cannot get the dog off. If there is no one else around, the person can push their thumbs into the dog’s ears or eyes until they let go.

If a dog attacks a person, the dog’s owner may be held responsible for any dog bite injuries that the person may have suffered. If the dog’s owner refuses to compensate for the injuries, the injured person may file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner. An attorney may help seek compensation for other damages in addition to the cost of medical bills, including pain and suffering and lost income.

If you were hurt by a dog

Hopefully, these tips can help you pacify an angry animal before it attacks. However, if a dog does attack and injures you, the law could be on your side. If the dog has an owner, the owner might be financially liable for the costs and damages caused by the attacking animal.

Learn More With A Free Consultation

Personal injury cases involving dog bites are taken on a contingency fee basis. This means there is no cost to you unless you receive compensation. We have a long history of excellent representation on behalf of our clients. To learn more about how we can help you after a dog bite, call Smith Magram Michaud Colonna at 609-589-0649 or send an email.

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