I recently wrote an article about off-leash dogs and how to best approach them. One reader, Gene, commented:
Your article on off-leash dogs seems incomplete. I believe you missed an opportunity to also inform people how to protect themselves against an aggressive dog. At my age, a chance encounter with an unfriendly dog would be near fatal. These articles always make camping look like it will always be benign; it won’t. Please go back and see if you can tweak it a bit for us who wouldn’t have a chance against an attack. I carry items with me to protect myself against situations that would have a poor outcome for me. Others should, too. Perhaps you can present an article with the best defensive items to protect oneself in a bad situation.
Good point, Gene
Gene had a good point. Encountering an aggressive dog can be a frightening experience. Knowing how to respond effectively can help prevent injury and potentially save your life. Here are some essential tips to avoid, manage, and survive a dog attack.
Use objects to distract
If the dog approaches you in an aggressive manner, keep an object between you and the dog. Consider offering an object like a backpack or water bottle for the dog as a distraction. This can keep the dog’s attention long enough for you to slowly and carefully move away.
Carry protective items
Consider carrying protective items like these commercially made products:
- A dog horn emits a very loud sound that will stop a dog with its extremely harsh sound. You may need only a short blast to discourage the aggressive dog from continuing his approach.
- An ultrasonic horn like this one emits a high-frequency sound that dogs can’t stand. This highly irritating sound (to dogs) can be effective up to 20 feet.
- Dog repellent spray like this one will irritate an aggressive dog’s eyes and nose to deter an attack. The only problem with pepper spray or citronella spray is that the wind may carry the spray back to you. When under attack, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is wind direction. Consider this when considering a spray deterrent.
- A stun gun will also stop an aggressive dog. This small, pocket-sized one gets rave reviews. Make sure you fully understand how to use any stun gun well before you have occasion to use it.
Non-commercial products can also provide effective protection from aggressive dogs.
- A large stick can enable you to strike vulnerable areas on the attacking dog (nose, back of head, throat).
- An umbrella can function like a large stick, as described, or you may be able to frighten away a dog by suddenly deploying the umbrella at its face.
- An ordinary whistle may provide a distraction, allowing you to safely get away from a threatening dog.
However…
No matter which deterrent device you choose, remember that not all devices will be effective on every dog. The best deterrent is to avoid places where off-leash and/or aggressive dogs are known to frequent.
Attack response
If the dog bites you, fight back using any means necessary. Target the dog’s throat, nose, and back of the head to stun it. Use your voice to call for help and use any available weapon, such as a rock, stick, or other nearby object to defend yourself.
After an attack
Once the dog calms down, back away slowly without turning your back or making sudden movements. Seek immediate medical attention for any wounds and check for diseases like rabies. Report the incident to the authorities to prevent future attacks.
Preventing future encounters
Assume all unknown dogs are potential threats and avoid approaching them. Teach children to stay away from unfamiliar dogs and report any dangerous dogs to local authorities. Educating children with phrases like, “Never run from a dog, be a tree or a log,” can help them remember how to respond if they encounter an aggressive dog.
Your turn
Have you ever been approached by an aggressive dog? What did you do? Can you recommend additional deterrent products that may fend off a dog attack? Please use the comments below to respond.
RELATED
- How to react to off-leash dogs
- How about an inflatable dog fence for the campsite?
- Best ways to keep dogs from wandering from RV
##RVT1169
Owners of aggressive dogs are the first to claim their puppies would never bite, attack, hurt anyone. I bicycle lots and have been frequently attacked by aggressive dogs. The ultrasonic dog whistle mostly works and repells dogs. Speed to retreat on my bicycle also works.
While walking my Shih Tzu one morning, we were approached by a Pit Bull that acted like he just wanted to sniff my dog…….not aggressive at all. As soon as it got near my dog, it chomped down on my dog’s head. A very hard kick to the ribs with my size 12 stopped the attack in a hurry!
Pepper spray sounds like a good deterrent. But as said above the mist can blow back toward you making a dangerous situation even worse.
A friend of mine that worked for the local police department gave me a can of pepper foam, it’s what they carry. This stuff comes out in a stream and sticks to whatever it hits.
Yes…its marketed as “gel.” You have to be a bit more accurate, but it can shoot further, and as you said, it sticks to your target and doesn’t blow back.
As a lifelong hiker and trail runner I’ve had many close encounters with wild animals but I’ve never felt as threatened as I have in a few off leash dog encounters.
While at a city dog park, a pit bull attacked my dog while the owner just watched. I told the owner to control his dog. The owner replied, “That’s how they play.” I told the owner if his dog attacked mine again I’d shoot his dog. The owner and his pit bull left the dog park.
Dana…I had the same thing happen to me in a dog park. My young female Golden was attacked, while on leash, by what appeared to be a large male mixed breed lab/golden. The owner stood there watching as I yelled for him to call off his dog. His response? “Why?” What a moron!
My 6-foot walking stick has a sharp metal tip. Fortunately, I have never had to use it to protect my dog and I from a loose attacking dog.
I’ve been attacked often, but in the last few years nothing happens.
This is because I always carry an aluminum hiking pole.
When a dog gets interested or begins its attack run, I simply swing the pole back and forth like a pendulum. They quickly lose interest.
I don’t point it at a dog, because then the owner if present will accuse me of attacking their dog.
If a dog does get closer, the hiking pole is a serious weapon.
A trainer told me many people can’t control their dogs today because the dogs don’t see them as the “Alpha of the pack.”
This is particularly a problem with women, he claimed. The dogs are miserable and out of control because they need a leader.
“Myth #6: My dog is being dominant.
I must show him who is Alpha. Dominance in dogs is not a personality trait nor a motivation for behavior. The dominance theory in dogs has been debunked by scientists, and the term “alpha” is no longer used to describe behavior. If dogs are fighting or showing aggression, it is often due to social anxiety, not a desire to dominate. They act out because they do not feel safe.”
Sophie Yin is the animal behaviorist who worked to spread “fear free” methods – which I use with my 151 lb Gt Pyrenees very well. My 8 yr old granddaughter can walk him by herself. Safely, on a loose leash. Around other dogs, people. In busy campgrounds.
Continued… Under various circumstances either urban or backcountry, I carry non-lethal (bear spray) or lethal defense.
But every round has your name on it, as they say, and every spray as well. The legal liability is high.
If you injure or kill a dog or person, you can be criminally charged and then sued in civil court.
So I prefer to prevent attacks by showing the hiking pole.
My rule is strict: every time I walk from my house, car, or RV, I have the pole. If I don’t, I always encounter an aggressive dog.
Many good suggestions. A self defense instructor once told us, in the final instance when a dog grabs at you, shove your hand as far down its throat as you possibly can. The gag reflex will repel the animal. Rinse, repeat. Yes, you’ll get skinned up but you won’t get mauled.
As soon as the dog calms down….call the POLICE and call your LAWYER. And document the attack and any injuries carefully. See a DOCTOR ASAP. Prosecute and SUE the pants off of the irresponsible owner who let such a thing happen!
People who let their dogs run free,and cats, should be fined and jailed.
The best thing to do first is to try to remain calm. Dogs have very keen instincts and know if you are afraid. And it doesn’t have to be a Doberman or other large so-called “dangerous” breed, as pictured (thanks for perpetuating the myth.) All breeds, not properly trained, can be aggressive.
I had an an ankle biter run out of a campsite once as I walked by and grab my pants! The owner’s response…”Oh…he just wants to say ‘Hi.’ Yeah…right. Please train and leash your aggressive dog.
Another point…do not invite an attack. Just the other day, at the Heceta Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, a young lady had a beautiful Staffordshire Terrier mix. Many people were asking to pet it, and the dog was good with everyone. Then a lady approached and asked to pet it, and did so while doing high pitched “baby talk” to the dog, exciting it. Then she bent down to kiss it! 🤯 Luckily she had quick reactions as the dog reacted negatively.
As a long time owner of GSDs, I many times just say no to requests to approach because I’ve seen way too many people who have no idea how to approach an unfamiliar dog.
Earlier this year I was walking my leashed dog by my RV and was attacked by 2 dogs (out of 5 dogs from a nearby RV) that were wearing leashes but unrestrained. In the process of protecting my dog I fell and had head injuries including a laceration and a concussion. Between the trauma unit and ER, in 2 visits the medical bill is well over $110,000. I am still suffering effects of the concussion. One option that you did not mention is being armed and shooting the attacking dogs. If I had been armed there would be 2 less dogs now.
My dog and I were attacked by 2 dogs while walking at our campground- one leashed, one not. Fortunately there were people around to help me as my dog, scared, wrapped himself around me. I broke a rib. Contact the campground and if they don’t do anything, call the police – and don’t forget to write them up on reviews.
I always have a 9mm. I’m on blood thinners and can’t afford a dog bite from an aggressive dog. Plus when walking my dogs, they don’t need to get hurt either.
Thank you, Gail! I appreciate your picking this up and following through. There are a lot of folks out there that may not know how to defend themselves in these situations, I hope it finds its way to them
When I go for a walk I bring a cane,pepper spray, pepper gel (in case it’s windy), and a hand gun ( in case of a very violent dog or person).
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 I sometimes encountered loose dogs while running. If they chased me, I gauged how serious a threat they seemed to be and become. Sometimes, I would wheel around and chase them a bit. I spoke in a loud voice at the same time, encouraging them to return home. Sticks or rocks might also be employed. Generally, they hadn’t sufficient interest to chase me long or far. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
First, when people holler their dog is friendly while it is bounding at you, it means the dog is out of control. Every campground almost has loose dogs because people are too good or special to follow rules. Retractable leashes can be just as bad. I need to protect myself and my dog, so I do carry a big walking stick to shove in their face to back them off, while yelling loudly, while the owner stands there making ridiculous excuses. I tell them it should be on leash (which they already know) and complain to camp hosts or whomever. I do wear a gun. I’ve read many horror stories and do not understand why people are so irresponsible.