Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Dog Attacks | All Dogs Can Attack | Potentially Life Saving Tips
A dog attack can happen to any person at any time and for any reason. Just because an animal is domesticated doesn't mean that they aren't capable of attacking another animal, or more importantly, a person.
A very important thing to remember about dogs in general is that ALL DOGS CAN ATTACK! Even the tiny breeds can be killers. It may seem silly, but it is quite true.
Case in point, in October of 2000 a news-story reported that a family's pet Pomeranian had mauled their 6 week old baby. As a result, the baby died shortly thereafter. ("Baby Girl Killed by Family Dog," Los Angeles Times, Monday, October 9, 2000, Home Edition, Metro Section, Page B-5.)
So if you are living under the assumption that just larger dogs can inflict fatal wounds, you had better start re-thinking!
A very important thing to remember about dogs in general is that ALL DOGS CAN ATTACK! Even the tiny breeds can be killers. It may seem silly, but it is quite true.
Case in point, in October of 2000 a news-story reported that a family's pet Pomeranian had mauled their 6 week old baby. As a result, the baby died shortly thereafter. ("Baby Girl Killed by Family Dog," Los Angeles Times, Monday, October 9, 2000, Home Edition, Metro Section, Page B-5.)
So if you are living under the assumption that just larger dogs can inflict fatal wounds, you had better start re-thinking!
While it's true that larger breeds are responsible for much of the dog attack fatalities reported, you should never underestimate a smaller breed though. Most of the fatalities that occur are within two groups of people, children and the elderly. In the United States alone there were an estimated 304 dog attack related deaths between 1979 and 1996 from an estimated 30 or so different breeds of dogs. Sadly, it seems this fatality number is on the rise.
But, this doesn't have to happen to you! This guide will give you some potentially life-saving tips in case this unfortunate event should happen to you, or someone you love. I encourage you to share the information inside with those you care about. Your children, your spouse, your parents, your grand-parents, and your friends. Life is extremely unpredictable. You never know what could happen. A dog can attack within the blink of an eye, forever changing your life.
Of course there is no solid guarantee that these tips will prevent a dog from attacking, or a possible fatality from occurring caused by a dog attack. But it is always better to be armed with knowledge that could change the end result and equip yourself with it.
All of the tips and suggestions outlined here can be used in any dog attack situation, or potential situation. Even those that could occur with your own family pet. Both realistically and statistically, most dog attacks occur within the home or near the home of the dog, or dogs (77%)!
So take what you need from this ebook. Print out the important points, hand them out to your family as flyers. Whatever way you can, get this information into the hands of those you care about so they don’t become a statistic.
So take what you need from this ebook. Print out the important points, hand them out to your family as flyers. Whatever way you can, get this information into the hands of those you care about so they don’t become a statistic.
| NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING ABOUT A DOG |
This is very important. You should never assume that a dog is "nice" based on their outward appearance or the particular breed of the dog. Even if the dog is wagging his tail, this doesn't necessarily mean that he wants you to come right up and touch him. No matter what breed of dog, all dogs are still animals. And animals have certain instincts. These instincts can affect their behavior, but unless you are a dog psychic, don't think you know what's on their minds judging by their looks, or what they are doing.
A strange dog is just like a strange human. Never approach a strange dog, even if it looks friendly. Just as it is a stranger to you, you are to it, and anything could happen in a situation like this.
This is doubly important for a family pet. They are still animals and while most pets can be trusted, some things may lead to erratic behavior not exhibited by the dog before. So just because you've had Fido for years and he's been the best behaved dog on the block, doesn't mean Fido can't have a "Jekell and Hyde" moment. Anything could set an animal off. Any animal.
Here are just 2 examples of things that can “go wrong”:
Here are just 2 examples of things that can “go wrong”:
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Potentially Disastrous Situation #1
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You happen to see a dog, or several dogs, wandering down the street coming straight in your direction you have never seen before. What should you do?
To try and avoid a potentially deadly situation with a strange dog, you need to understand 2 things: 1)What You Should Not Do and 2)What You Should Do. The best way to learn what to do is to learn what not to do!
1. Never Look A Dog Directly In The Eyes.
They usually take this to be a form of aggression on your part, or a challenge. Always look away as if your attention is drawn to something else, but don't take all your attention off of the animal. Use the "looking out the corner of your eye" technique with your head turned away from the dog so you can still watch what he's doing and prepare for a confrontation if one occurs.
They usually take this to be a form of aggression on your part, or a challenge. Always look away as if your attention is drawn to something else, but don't take all your attention off of the animal. Use the "looking out the corner of your eye" technique with your head turned away from the dog so you can still watch what he's doing and prepare for a confrontation if one occurs.
2. Never Back Away From An Approaching Dog.
The general rule here is to keep your hands down at your sides and stay as still as possible. "BE LIKE A TREE" is a common phrase taught to children when encountering stray dogs or dogs they don't know. If you do begin to back away, the dog may see this again as a form of aggression, like a "showdown".
The general rule here is to keep your hands down at your sides and stay as still as possible. "BE LIKE A TREE" is a common phrase taught to children when encountering stray dogs or dogs they don't know. If you do begin to back away, the dog may see this again as a form of aggression, like a "showdown".
3. Never Run From A Dog.
This should never be done and could make the attack even more deadly. Due to the predatorial nature of dogs, they take this as a signal that you are a potential prey victim to them. So they will treat you exactly as they perceive you, as their prey. Do not run, this will just lead to more disaster.
This should never be done and could make the attack even more deadly. Due to the predatorial nature of dogs, they take this as a signal that you are a potential prey victim to them. So they will treat you exactly as they perceive you, as their prey. Do not run, this will just lead to more disaster.
4. Never Scream, Kick, Throw Things At, Or Yell At A Dog.
This is taken as obvious aggression by the dog and they will more than likely attack for the simple fact that they, not knowing you either, do not know what you will do to them, even small children. So out of this fear, instinct kicks in, and they act on it by attacking.
This is taken as obvious aggression by the dog and they will more than likely attack for the simple fact that they, not knowing you either, do not know what you will do to them, even small children. So out of this fear, instinct kicks in, and they act on it by attacking.
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Potentially Disastrous Situation #2
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It's a pleasant day outside, so you decide to let your kids outside to play with your dog while you get some important things done inside. The yard is fenced, so neither can escape, and the dog will guard the kids against strangers. Besides, the task will take you less than 10 minutes to finish. What could happen?
Yikes! A LOT COULD HAPPEN IN LESS TIME THAN THAT!! It doesn't matter how long you've had the dog for, how friendly he is with your children, or how much you trust him. He still has the ability to BITE and cause massive damage to your child. This situation has much more disastrous potential when you put other factors into play such as: your children having friends over, or the dog is another family members pet and you are just "keeping an eye" on him for a while so that Aunt Sadie can get some errands done.
The dog could even escape from the yard, creating an even more deadly scenario for both your children (escaping from the yard) and other neighborhood children.
The dog could even escape from the yard, creating an even more deadly scenario for both your children (escaping from the yard) and other neighborhood children.
1. If You Or Your Children Have Friends Coming Over, Secure Your Pet In An Area Where They Cannot Bite Anyone.
Whether this is inside the house in a special room, like a home office, or a bedroom, it's in everyone's best interest to put the dog up if other strange children are coming to your home to play. Just because your children know how to behave around a dog doesn't mean other children will. And just because your dog is good with your children doesn't mean he will like someone else's.
Whether this is inside the house in a special room, like a home office, or a bedroom, it's in everyone's best interest to put the dog up if other strange children are coming to your home to play. Just because your children know how to behave around a dog doesn't mean other children will. And just because your dog is good with your children doesn't mean he will like someone else's.
2. Always Supervise Play-Time With Family Pets And Children.
This may be awfully obvious, but some people feel that their children are safe at all times with the family dog. It simply isn't true. Anything can happen. And if you're not there to see for yourself what did occur, you won't know what sparked this attack, no matter how minor the infraction. Some dogs can "play rough" and see nothing wrong with engaging in this type of play with the humans they love as brothers and sisters (part of their pack). On the same token, children also can "play rough" with one another, and depending on the circumstances could provoke the dog into biting on the basis that he feels it his job to protect another member of the pack. Either make your children wait for you to finish the task before going outside, or keep the dog inside with you until you are done.
This may be awfully obvious, but some people feel that their children are safe at all times with the family dog. It simply isn't true. Anything can happen. And if you're not there to see for yourself what did occur, you won't know what sparked this attack, no matter how minor the infraction. Some dogs can "play rough" and see nothing wrong with engaging in this type of play with the humans they love as brothers and sisters (part of their pack). On the same token, children also can "play rough" with one another, and depending on the circumstances could provoke the dog into biting on the basis that he feels it his job to protect another member of the pack. Either make your children wait for you to finish the task before going outside, or keep the dog inside with you until you are done.
| ALWAYS SEEK PERMISSION BEFORE YOU TOUCH OR APPROACH SOMEONE ELSE'S DOG |
Just because theres a new puppy in the neighborhood doesn't mean that it will automatically be friendly. It's never a good idea to go up to a strange dog and try to pet them. Even puppies can bite hard enough to create an open wound that hurts. And the bigger the puppy, the greater the damage can be.
There are proper ways to touch, or pet, another person's dog. You should always follow these tips before approaching a strange dog, no matter it's size.
1. Never Touch, Call To, Or Go Near A Dog Or A Group Of Dogs That Are Alone.
You should always try and find the owner of the dog before touching it. If the dog is alone without anyone with it, STAY AWAY FROM THE DOG! Strange dogs that you don't know should be considered dangerous to you, even if it is just a tiny puppy. There are lots of things you don't know about the dog in question. Does it have all it's required shots? Has it been exposed to abuse from children or adults? Is it a breed that tends to be more aggressive towards people? And the list could go on. The point is, if the owner isn't around, no matter how cute it is, don't touch it without permission and supervision first.
You should always try and find the owner of the dog before touching it. If the dog is alone without anyone with it, STAY AWAY FROM THE DOG! Strange dogs that you don't know should be considered dangerous to you, even if it is just a tiny puppy. There are lots of things you don't know about the dog in question. Does it have all it's required shots? Has it been exposed to abuse from children or adults? Is it a breed that tends to be more aggressive towards people? And the list could go on. The point is, if the owner isn't around, no matter how cute it is, don't touch it without permission and supervision first.
2. If The Owner Says It's All Right To Pet The Dog, Then Do So Cautiously.
The best way to go about letting the dog get to know you is to stand very still, in a sideways position, and let him approach you first. Let him sniff you a little. If he approaches you first, then the next step you can take for more "socialization" is to extend the back of your hand to the dog. This will let the dog get to know you without the tendency to be afraid that you will hurt him. You should slowly and calmly extend the back of your hand, fingers under your palm, sort of like a fist, but keep your fingers loose, to the dogs nose in a slow, low rising motion. If while you are doing this, the dog begins to growl or snarl, slowly take your hand away. Don't use any fast or "jerky" motions as this could cause a dog to snap at you. Also, you should not wiggle your fingers around when doing this. It could also make the dog want to bite. Keep them still and slightly under the palm.
The best way to go about letting the dog get to know you is to stand very still, in a sideways position, and let him approach you first. Let him sniff you a little. If he approaches you first, then the next step you can take for more "socialization" is to extend the back of your hand to the dog. This will let the dog get to know you without the tendency to be afraid that you will hurt him. You should slowly and calmly extend the back of your hand, fingers under your palm, sort of like a fist, but keep your fingers loose, to the dogs nose in a slow, low rising motion. If while you are doing this, the dog begins to growl or snarl, slowly take your hand away. Don't use any fast or "jerky" motions as this could cause a dog to snap at you. Also, you should not wiggle your fingers around when doing this. It could also make the dog want to bite. Keep them still and slightly under the palm.
3. Don't Pat A Dog On Top Of His Head.
Usually dog's don't like this and would prefer if you first gave him a soft scratch under his chin. This is more comfortable for the dog and is considered less aggressive than say a head pat. Then, maybe you could do some "behind the ear scratching" if the chin scratching is received well.
Usually dog's don't like this and would prefer if you first gave him a soft scratch under his chin. This is more comfortable for the dog and is considered less aggressive than say a head pat. Then, maybe you could do some "behind the ear scratching" if the chin scratching is received well.
4. Use "Calming Techniques" When Beginning To Socialize With A Strange Dog.
Never do this with an unattended dog though. The outcome could be dangerous. So always make sure the owner of the dog is present at such times. Certain techniques referred to as "calming" techniques are was of socializing yourself with a dog without enducing fear or suspicion in them. Some basic calming techniques include walking slowly in an arc, sitting, squating, sniffing things near to you, like the ground, flowers and such. This type of "calming" behavior reassures the dog that you are not wishing to harm him, just to make friends, as another dog would do.
Never do this with an unattended dog though. The outcome could be dangerous. So always make sure the owner of the dog is present at such times. Certain techniques referred to as "calming" techniques are was of socializing yourself with a dog without enducing fear or suspicion in them. Some basic calming techniques include walking slowly in an arc, sitting, squating, sniffing things near to you, like the ground, flowers and such. This type of "calming" behavior reassures the dog that you are not wishing to harm him, just to make friends, as another dog would do.
| NEVER TEASE OR HIT A DOG FOR ANY REASON |
Abuse breeds violence. No one should hit, kick, throw objects at, or tease a dog in any manner, whether with food or otherwise. All this type of behavior does is upset the dog and make certain it will display more aggressive behaviors towards those associated with the abuse. It doesn't matter if it is your pet, or someone elses, never tease or hit the animal.
There's no reason to. Even if it is doing something that is annoying you, don't hit it. Even if you engage in "rough play" with your family pet, this could lead to exhibiting bad behaviors with people or animals the dog does not know, so you should try to avoid this type of play. By rough play I am referring to things like tug-of-war, slapping the dog around the head or in the front of his mouth to try and get him to "play bite". Things like this should not be done, even if no harm is meant by it, it could cause potentially harmful situations to occur towards someone else.
| WHAT TO DO WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE HAS FAILED AND YOU ARE ABOUT TO BECOME THE VICTIM OF A DOG ATTACK |
If you have tried everything suggested above and the dog, or dogs, have begun their attack anyway, there are still some things you can do to fight back and protect yourself. Any one or combination of these could save you or someone else from being a dog attack fatality statistic.
1. Cover Your Head And Neck With Your Arms.
These will be most likely the first areas a dog will attack you. Protecting these areas with your arms will make it more difficult for the dog to get to vital areas where severe damage can be done such as the neck and head. Do not drop your arms down for any reason and hold them as tightly as you can around these areas.
These will be most likely the first areas a dog will attack you. Protecting these areas with your arms will make it more difficult for the dog to get to vital areas where severe damage can be done such as the neck and head. Do not drop your arms down for any reason and hold them as tightly as you can around these areas.
2. If Knocked To The Ground, Lay Still In A Fetal Position.
When in the fetal position with your arms covering your most vital places (head and neck) during a dog attack will make it more difficult for the dog to produce fatal bites in these particular areas. Many times, if you just lay there and sort of "play dead", like with bears and other wild animals, more than likely they will stop attacking believing you are finished and simply leave you alone. But even if they do stop, DON'T MOVE! They could still be lurking about and if you move it could start the attack all over again.
When in the fetal position with your arms covering your most vital places (head and neck) during a dog attack will make it more difficult for the dog to produce fatal bites in these particular areas. Many times, if you just lay there and sort of "play dead", like with bears and other wild animals, more than likely they will stop attacking believing you are finished and simply leave you alone. But even if they do stop, DON'T MOVE! They could still be lurking about and if you move it could start the attack all over again.
*Important Note*: When using this technique, don't just drop on the ground, especially if you are being attacked by a more fierce, larger dog breed. Try to stand up straight, like a tree, with your arms protecting your head and neck. If the dogs knock you down, keep your head and neck covered up the best you can and get into the fetal position as quickly as possible to protect your mid section.
3. Stay Still Until Help Arrives And Don’t Panic!
It's okay to be scared. Who wouldn't be??? But try your best not to panic, no matter how scared you are. Just stay in the fetal position with your head and neck covered not moving. No matter how bad the pain is, and I know it's bad, don't move your arms from your head and neck to try and fight off the dog attack. This will leave vital areas unprotected and within seconds the attack could turn deadly.
It's okay to be scared. Who wouldn't be??? But try your best not to panic, no matter how scared you are. Just stay in the fetal position with your head and neck covered not moving. No matter how bad the pain is, and I know it's bad, don't move your arms from your head and neck to try and fight off the dog attack. This will leave vital areas unprotected and within seconds the attack could turn deadly.
4. DO NOT RUN!!
This sends a very clear signal for the dog to chase you down like prey. Stand your ground, but under no circumstances are you to "charge" the dog. Too many things
This sends a very clear signal for the dog to chase you down like prey. Stand your ground, but under no circumstances are you to "charge" the dog. Too many things
could go wrong. Stay where you are. Even though climbing a tree might seem like a good idea, some dogs can also climb up or jump pretty high. And, dogs can outrun you. That's a fact. If while the dog is still coming at you, you can try and scream the word NO!! at the top of your lungs just as loud as you can. If the dog is afraid of you, it will more than likely stop, or run away. But this is not a sure bet. Although using the word NO in a forceful manner has stopped some attacks.
5. Go For The Eyes, Ears, And Nose If You Can.
Hitting a dog in the nose or on the top of its head as hard as you can, twisting its ears, or poking it in the eye can be an effective way of escaping an attack. Inflicting pain on the animal will in most cases stop an attack, at least for a brief period of time, which may give you just enough time to get to a safe place and get help.
Hitting a dog in the nose or on the top of its head as hard as you can, twisting its ears, or poking it in the eye can be an effective way of escaping an attack. Inflicting pain on the animal will in most cases stop an attack, at least for a brief period of time, which may give you just enough time to get to a safe place and get help.
6. Carry Animal Pepper Spray, A Whistle, Or A Stun
Gun With You When Heading Outdoors.
Several places carry products that you can defend yourself with in case you are attacked by an animal, including a dog. Items like animal pepper spray, a whistle that omits high pitched sounds, or a stun gun can be a tremendous aid when encountering aggressive or attacking dogs. Always be prepared to use these when outdoors and have the chance of getting into a potentially bad situation with a dog or dogs.
Several places carry products that you can defend yourself with in case you are attacked by an animal, including a dog. Items like animal pepper spray, a whistle that omits high pitched sounds, or a stun gun can be a tremendous aid when encountering aggressive or attacking dogs. Always be prepared to use these when outdoors and have the chance of getting into a potentially bad situation with a dog or dogs.
7. Use Anything Sturdy And Close To You As A Weapon To Defend Yourself With.
If you have enough time to grab an object such as a broom, rake, shovel, baseball bat, etc., something strong you can defend off an attacking dog with, do it. But do it quickly as you will not have much time to act as the dog, or dogs, are rushing towards you. If there is nothing you can use, follow the technique outlined in number 2 of this list.
If you have enough time to grab an object such as a broom, rake, shovel, baseball bat, etc., something strong you can defend off an attacking dog with, do it. But do it quickly as you will not have much time to act as the dog, or dogs, are rushing towards you. If there is nothing you can use, follow the technique outlined in number 2 of this list.
I hope this guide has given you some useful information that will help you in case you ever find yourself in one of these situations, and I pray that you never do.
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