Repelling a Dog Attack

Today, I have used the UK figures as an example.

First of all, we need to understand that whilst there are several actions that can be undertaken to mitigate the risk of injury, there is nothing that guarantees a safe outcome.

As a former professional dog trainer, I was constantly aware of the risks of meeting a dangerous dog, particularly when visiting people’s homes. At the end of this article, I will explain how I stayed safe for decades, unlike a number of my colleagues who suffered significant injuries.

It has been established that attacks by dogs and incidents of dogs being out of control in public places in the UK are on the increase.

Incredibly, in 2022 alone, there were 22,000 reported incidents. Yes, you read that right, 22,000, despite these issues being underreported. As it is, the reported ones add up to 60 every day!!

Plus, there have been 24 deaths since the beginning of 2020, including seven children that have been attributed to dogs. To put this into perspective, there were 40 deaths in the previous 20 years. On average, this was two deaths a year. This has risen to an average of over seven deaths a year.

The are estimated to be around 11 million dogs in the UK.

Fortunately, very few attacks cause any significant damage, and most people suffer a nip or a fairly small bite. It is, however, recognised within the medical profession that even the smallest confrontation can sometimes lead to great emotional stress and far-reaching consequences, including high blood pressure and even leading to heart disease. Sounds dramatic, and for most people, a confrontation with an aggressive dog is just a frightening experience with little long-term consequence, but for those who have a nervous disposition, it can be so much more devastating.

Precautions

Care should be taken when visiting homes where there is a banned breed. Dogs on the banned list may have to be muzzled in public, but in their own home, they are free of any restrictions. Also, be slightly wary of homes where there is a large number of dogs likely to create a pack instinct.  A bit of common sense is required. Whilst you are not necessarily totally safe with a pack of small dogs as opposed to a pack of very large dogs, the damage risk is obviously greatly reduced.

So, what should we do if confronted by an aggressive dog?

First and foremost, there are three golden rules.

• DON’T RUN
• STAY STANDING
• DON’T SCREAM

Running has two consequences, first it encourages an over stimulated dog to attack and secondly there is a serious chance of falling.

If you can stay upright, you have a much better chance of avoiding serious injury.

Screaming has a negative effect on an aggressive dog and will make it even more aggressive. Ladies, in particular, should note that your voices are naturally higher; therefore, screaming puts you at even more risk.

Most behaviourists and charity organisations advise seeking some barrier, and it is true that where there is the possibility of a barrier being available the risk is greatly reduced, a park bench, a litter bin, even a lampost may and I stress it may be enough to secure safety. For cyclists, the bike is an ideal barrier. A bag, a case, or even a coat can be enough to provide sufficient protection.

Some say crossing arms can sometimes prevent a dog from getting a hold. However, it may cause the dog to attack elsewhere on your body.

Unless the situation was critical, I would not attempt to prise jaws apart as I think the chance of being badly bitten is greater.

Attempting to twist the dog’s collar to restrict its oxygen supply is also fraught with danger unless there is no other option.

Without getting too far into the political issue regarding the ownership of dogs and the responsibility of owners to be liable for their pets’ behaviour, we do know that even if these matters come to court, we discover that the sentences are totally inadequate and, therefore, no deterrent. I find it unbelievable that the owner of a dog that causes the death of an individual, particularly a child, can receive no substantial punishment, and even prison sentences are only minuscule, with the offender eligible for release after only serving half the sentence.  It appears that the punishment for not having a television licence can be more severe than letting your dog maim and kill.

If you are bitten, it is advisable to seek medical attention, and the police should be informed. Involving the police may seem a bit extreme, particularly if the damage is minor, but bear in mind that next time, it could be a child.

My protection

So, finally, what was my protection against dog attacks?

Well, I had two, and if you feel that you are especially at risk due to your location, you might consider purchasing one or more of these items.

I always carried these two items, which were easily accessible in the top pockets of my jacket.

The first one was a personal attack alarm, also known as a rape alarm. The one the l used was a one-time-only, pressurised, small metal canister that, when the cap was pressed down hard on the canister resulted in it emitted a deafeningly loud sound over 130 decibels. The advantage is that they can be activated with one hand and will continue to work until the cap is separated from the canister, which requires two hands. This item can be dropped on the ground and will continue to work until deactivated. Obviously, if you are attacked, the deafening sound will probably bring assistance as these things can be heard hundreds of yards away. There are battery-operated reusable versions available.

My other defence was what is known as a Dazer. This was also a battery-operated gadget that emitted a very high-pitched sound inaudible to the human ear. The closer the dog, the more effective it was, and I never went anywhere without it.

Please note that whilst these items were in my possession, I had very little need to use them, and I reiterate that whilst these items kept me safe, there is no 100% guarantee of safety when dealing with animals.