Many people love dogs, and in the right hands, a dog is a great companion. However, not everyone is comfortable in the presence of any dog. Sometimes, even the friendly neighborhood dog can be a danger. Some owners are not even safe if they don’t know how to handle their pets.
When a dog attacks anyone, it is a traumatic event for many. Sometimes the only way to protect yourself after a tragic circumstance like this is to look for a personal injury lawyer. The experts at Osmond and Cockayne Associates say that the dog’s owner can be held responsible in such situations.
To avoid serious emotional trauma and financial damage, here are some of the things that you must do so a dog won’t attack or bite you.
Stay Motionless
Whenever an unfamiliar dog approaches you and you feel that it has a threatening stance, stay motionless. The CDC advises that you should not move. The dog may feel you are a threat if you flail your arms or move suddenly. If the dog feels that you’re a threat and starts to bare its teeth, you can expect an attack. So, it is better to stay still.
Avoid Eye Contact with the Dog
Resist the temptation to meet the eye of a dog that is moving towards you. According to the Humane Society, looking straight at a dog’s eyes means you are challenging it. The moment that it feels this way, it will become more aggressive and might advance to attack you. So look away or step aside when a dog is making its way towards you.
Don’t Mess With a Dog and Her Puppies
Mother dogs are very protective when it comes to their pups. In fact, even their own masters become a threat when it comes to their puppies. Make sure that you warn and prevent your children and their friends from approaching a dog who has just given birth. The mother dog might see anyone who reaches out to pet or play with her puppies as a danger, and may instinctively bite.
Other Things to Avoid
When approaching a dog do not face it directly; instead, approach it from the side. Many animals consider this as a non-confrontational stance.
No matter how small and cute a dog is, it is still an animal that operates on instinct. Do not approach strange dogs to give them a pat or a hug. Always talk to the owner first if you want to touch a dog.
Don’t let your love of dogs get the best of you. Know how to handle yourself in the presence of a dog.
