No one expects to be attacked by a dog while they are out for a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog.  Similarly, you may not feel threatened by your neighbor’s dog, who most often seems friendly and obedient. But, dogs are unpredictable and even the friendliest dog can become aggressive when something goes wrong.

Peter Briskin Dog Bite Injury Lawyer:

Dog attacks are often unexpected, but can be prevented in many cases. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts that can help you prevent a dog bite:

Do:

• Always ask if it is okay to pet someone else’s dog before reaching out to pet it.
• When approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still and remain motionless.
• If a dog knocks you over during an attack, curl into a ball with your head tucked into your chest and your hands over your ears and neck.
• Immediately let the authorities know about any stray dog or dogs that are behaving strangely.

Don’t:

• Approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Stare a dog in the eyes.
• Run from a dog.
• Panic or make loud noises.
• Disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
• Encourage your dog to play aggressively.
• Let small children play with a dog unsupervised.

THERE’S A DOG APPROACHING AND I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT

• Stop! Stay still and be calm.
• Don’t panic or make any loud or startling noises.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
• Say “No” or “Go Home” in a firm, deep voice.
• Facing a dog directly can be a sign of aggression to the dog. Instead, keep your body turned partially or completely to the side.
• Slowly raise your hands to your neck, with your elbows in.
• Wait for the dog to pass or slowly back away.

HOW TO STOP A DOG ATTACK THAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN OR IN PROGRESS

Imagine that you are out for a jog and a loose dog starts barking and running towards you out of nowhere. Remember, the instinct to chase is ingrained in the dog’s genetic makeup. So, despite your fear, do not run away. Running will only elicit the dog’s chase reflex.

Instead, stop and face the dog without staring it down. Then turn your body to the side and fold your arms so that they are not swinging around. Once the dog realizes you will not run away for them to chase you, it will usually stop and go away.

Here are some other things you can do to stop a dog attack that is about to happen or in progress:

• Put any item you have (bag, briefcase, purse, jacket, coat) between you and the dog.
• If there is a car close, get on the roof of it (don’t worry about damage. It will be easier to compensate the owner for any damage to their car than to repair or replace a body part.
• If there is no car nearby, get off the ground (tree, garbage can, etc.) If there is a fence, climb it.
• If you end up on the ground, curl up into a ball, tuck your head to your chest and use your hands to cover your ears and neck.
• When on the ground in the tucked position, play dead! Fighting back can result in more injuries!
• If you have mace, use it! Mace is not lethal, but will help stop the aggression.
• Attempt to block the dog’s vision by covering its head with your jacket or another article of clothing.
• If you are being bitten and you can get hold of a rock, brick, stick, or something else that can be used as a weapon – USE IT!
• If there is someone else around, have them lift the dog by its hind legs until you can safely retreat.
• If you have no tools at your disposal, apply pressure to the dog’s throat with your forearm and all of your body weight for as long as possible until the dog loses consciousness and has stopped struggling!
• Try to wrap your coat, or jacket around your forearm and let the dog bite it while gouging its eyes with your free hand. Do not stop until the dog gives up. Do not worry about blinding the dog, that’s a small price to pay to save yourself!

For more information on how to avoid a dog bite or how to stop a dog attack, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer near you.

Law Office of Peter Briskin | Dog Bite Attorneys NJ, NY

A dog attack can be terrifying, shocking, painful, and can result in scars that last a lifetime. If you have been the victim of a dog bite in New Jersey or New York, you have rights and may be entitled to substantial compensation under both New Jersey and New York dog bite laws.