What to Do if a Dog Runs at You?


A serious dog attack can send a victim to the hospital with life-changing or even fatal injuries. Many reported dog bite injuries each year stem from encounters with stray dogs or dogs running at large. If a dog runs at you, you will only have a few seconds to react. Learn what to do in this situation to protect yourself. It may save your life. And if a dog attacks you, please speak with an experienced Dallas dog bite lawyer for legal guidance.

Try to Remain Calm

Dogs are animals that can sense your energy and will respond accordingly. Although a strange dog approaching you can be alarming and frightening, do your best to remain calm. Try not to panic, run or scream. These mistakes could escalate the situation and make the dog more likely to attack. Your goal should be to try to make the dog less anxious and de-escalate the situation.

Don’t Run Away

A dog is much more likely to chase you and potentially attack if you run away from it versus if you stand your ground. Plant your feet and keep your hands at your sides. Face the dog; do not turn your back to it. Avoid sudden movements or gestures, as the dog may take this as a threat. Try to keep your posture neutral.

Assess Its Body Language

Study the dog’s body language to assess how it’s feeling and the threat level it poses. While you should still remain cautious around any strange dog, an attack is less likely if the dog is showing signs of friendliness, such as tail wagging.

The following could be signs that the dog is preparing to attack:

  • Bared teeth
  • Raised hackles
  • Rigid body posture
  • Growling or snarling
  • Fixed stare or not blinking

A dog showing these signs could be aggressive, scared, hurt, defensive, protective of its home or owner, or feeling threatened. Take immediate defensive measures to protect yourself.

Find a Barrier

If possible, place a barrier between you and the dog. This could be an object such as a vehicle or tree, or an item such as a bag, umbrella or jacket. Any type of physical barrier can help protect you from the dog’s teeth and claws should it choose to attack.

Slowly Back Away

Avoid making eye contact with the dog, as it may take this as a challenge. Avert your eyes while keeping the dog in your periphery. Keeping your body language as relaxed and neutral as possible, slowly back away from the dog. Back toward a place of safety, such as an unlocked car or building.

You can also use a firm, calm voice to give the dog orders, such as “Stay” or “Go home.” If the approaching dog stops and appears to calm down, it may have just been curious. If it continues to stalk you, prepare for a possible encounter.

Use Defensive Maneuvers

If the dog jumps at you or strikes, do your best to protect your face and neck area. Do your best to stay on your feet, as falling down can give the dog easier access to vital body parts. If you do fall on the ground, roll into a ball and protect your face by tucking your head into your chest with your arms overhead, covering your ears. Yell out for help until someone comes to restrain the dog.

If you get hurt in a dog attack in Texas, help is available. Contact the attorneys at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case review with our San Antonio personal injury attorneys.

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