How to Effectively Stop a Dog from Attacking

It’s important to be aware of the ways in which you can help prevent a dog from attacking, or stop a dog attack that’s already in progress—especially if you have young children.

A total of 4.7 million Americans are attacked or mauled by dogs every year. Approximately 800,000 of those require medical attention, while 386,000 required emergency room treatment and another dozen prove fatal.

While Pit Bulls are often cited in news articles related to dog bites and attacks, they are not the only dogs prone to serious biting incidents. What sets the Pit Bull apart is the strength of its jaws. Any dog can attack if provoked; however, the Pit Bull has gained the reputation it has because of the breed’s history.

Tips for Avoiding Dog Bites

While not every dog attack is avoidable using these tips, it is certainly possible to decrease the numbers.

• Never look a dog straight in the eye or show your teeth – this may send the wrong signal and provoke an attack.
• Never run away from a threatening dog as this might invoke an instinctual chase reaction.
• Avoid trying to get friendly with a dog you don’t know, especially if the dog is confined in some manner.
• Remain stiff, rigid, and avoid eye contact if an unfamiliar dog comes up to you. The majority of the time the dog will simply sniff you and walk away.
• Never bother a dog when (s)he is eating or sleeping.
• Avoid a mother dog tending to her litter.
• If a dog is acting aggressively toward you, remain calm and do not move until the dog leaves.
• If the dog in question continues to act threatening towards to, give it an object to bite as a distraction (e.g., a purse, bag, water bottle, etc).

How To Stop a Dog from Attacking

In the event a dog attacks you, there are several things you can do to prevent a serious injury or even stop the attack.

1. In a load and deep voice, command the dog to sit, stay, or leave.
2. If you have pepper spray (or a fire extinguisher nearby), aim for the face in an attempt to disorient the dog.
3. Put something between you and the animal if at all possible, and try to redirect the dog’s bites to the item (e.g., a stick, purse/backpack, jacket, etc).
4. Cover the dog’s head with an article of clothing and run to higher ground (such as the roof of a vehicle or tree you can climb).
5. If the dog knocks you down and continues attacking, roll into a ball and remain still while covering your neck and face with your hands.
6. If all else fails, let the dog bite your forearm. With your free hand, gouge the eyes quickly and with force. As disturbing as this sounds, it’s often your last resort.

Dog Mauling Statistics for 2016

• Statistics show that in 2016, newborns ages 3-6 days old accounted for 31% of all child deaths caused by dog attacks.
• 61% of all dog bite fatalities in 2016 involved more than one dog.
• 31 fatal dog attacks occurred in the US last year (of which 71% were reportedly caused by Pit Bull).
• Pit Bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 77% of dog bite fatalities in 2016. These same two breeds accounted for 76% of the fatal dog attacks between 2005 and 2016.
• During this 12 year period, Pit Bulls killed 254 Americans, compared to 43 by Rottweilers.
• A combination of Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, and Rottweilers contributed to 84% of all dog bite fatalities.
• Labs and Lab mixes were responsible for three deaths in 2016. This was followed by six breeds that contributed to three deaths each: the American Bulldog, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, mixed breed, Rottweiler, and two cases that did not include information on breed.

The statistics posted here were sourced via DogsBite.org, and are only a portion of what was included in the entire report for 2016.

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