Introduction

We often come across dogs, either in the park, on our daily walk, or even in our neighborhoods. While many dogs are friendly and well-behaved, there can be situations in which an unfamiliar or aggressive dog may approach you. To ensure your safety and the dog’s wellbeing, it’s important to know how to handle such interactions. Here are three ways to stay safe when a dog approaches you.

1. Remain calm and still

The first thing to do when a dog approaches you is to remain calm and still. Dogs can pick up on your energy, so if you’re tense or scared, they may feel threatened or become more uneasy themselves. So stay put and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might agitate the dog.

Try not to make direct eye contact with the dog, as this could be perceived as a challenge or threat. Instead, use your peripheral vision to keep an eye on the dog’s movements without staring at them directly.

2. Redirect their attention

If you feel that it’s safe to do so without escalating the situation, try redirecting the dog’s attention away from you by tossing an object like a ball or stick in another direction. This can provide the opportunity for both you and the dog to move away safely.

However, if the dog seems aggressive or agitated, avoid attempting this technique; it may escalate the situation further. In such cases, focus on keeping yourself calm and composed until help arrives.

3. Protect yourself if attacked

In worst-case scenarios, a dog might attack or lunge at you. If this happens, remain calm and try protecting yourself by using anything at hand – such as a bag, jacket, or even an umbrella – as a barrier between you and the dog.

Raise it above your head so that the dog has trouble reaching your upper body parts. If the dog does manage to bite onto something – like your bag or jacket – let them have it. This might provide enough distraction for you to back away from the dog and seek shelter until help arrives.

Conclusion

While most dogs are friendly and harmless, it’s essential to know how to handle situations in which an unfamiliar or aggressive dog approaches you. By remaining calm, avoiding direct eye contact, and protecting yourself if necessary, you can ensure your safety during such encounters. Always be attentive when interacting with unknown dogs and keep a safe distance until you’re sure about their temperament.