One of my clients had to take her dog to the ER this weekend because her dog was attacked by a pit bull when they went for their evening walks. Fortunately, her dog was a larger lab and kept the pit bull from attacking her or her kids. More and more, small dogs, joggers, postal workers, delivery men and other innocent people are attacked by dogs that are loose. If you are by yourself, there are a number of steps you can take to avoid a dog attack.

• Do not make direct eye contact with the dog, but do pay attention to the ears and tail because these are indicators if the dog feels threatened. Ears laid back or tail erect and over the back is suggestive of an aggressive approach.
• Do not approach the dog
• If the dog comes toward you, do not run, but stand still
• Do Not Yell or Scream at the dog
• Do Not attempt to pat the dog on the head, dogs perceive this as an aggressive gesture

Here are a few more suggestions:

American Veterinary Medical Association Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Dog Attacks Are A Serious Health Problem
* Dog bites requiring medical attention in the United States number 500,000 to 800,000 annually. Countless more bites go unreported and untreated.
* On average, about a dozen people died each year from dog bites.

Dog Bites Can Also Result In Criminal And Civil Liability For Pet Owners
* Over the past 15 years, more than half the states have passed laws with stiff penalties for owners of dogs who cause serious injury or death.
* The Insurance Information Institute estimates that insurance companies pay out roughly $345.5 million in dog bite liability claims.

Regardless Of Size Or Breed, All Dogs Can Bite If Provoked. Responsible Pet Ownership Is Key To Reducing The Likelihood Of A Dog Bite And Can Enhance The Owner/Dog Relationship
* There is no such thing as a bad breed of dog. All dogs can bite if provoked. Responsible dog ownership is key.
* Carefully consider your pet selection. Consult your veterinarian.
* Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around strangers and other
animals. Don’t put your dog in a position where it feels threatened and teased.
* Train your dog to respond to the basic commands.
* Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies.
* Be alert to signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.

In Many Instances, A Dog Attack Is Avoidable. It Is Important To Remember To Say Calm If Approached By A Dog.
* Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
* Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
* Teach young children to be careful around pets. Children should be taught not to approach strange dogs. They should ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting the dog.
* Never disturb a dog that’s caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.
* If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.
* If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don’t scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don’t turn and run.
* If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

If you are walking your dog, make sure you have total control of your dog so that your dog does not threaten the other dog. Have your dog sit and both of you stay still and quiet. Do not approach the dog. Try to walk slowly away from the dog.

Some people have used the ultrasonic dog deterrents such as the Dog Dazer to startle the dog and make him move away. Hopefully, by following these tips, you won’t have to use it.

• Ultrasonic technology, the Dazer II produces a discomforting but not harmful sound, audible to dogs but not to humans.
• Help stop the approach of unwanted dogs at up to 20 feet.
• The DAZER II works to deter animals in the 15 to 20 foot range. For best results, activate the DAZER II when you first see the dog, even at 30 feet or more. This added alert helps deter the dog.
• the DAZER can be used in dog training for barking, jumping on people, getting a dog’s attention, etc. Activate the device followed by a verbal command such as “Be Quiet.” Remember that dogs are like children: if positive attention is not enough, they will work to to praise the dog for good behavior as well. Repeated use of the Dazer II may result in training a dog not to bark. The Dazer is great to get a dog’s attention when you don’t want to yell.
• Made of lightweight high impact plastic, the Dazer II features a belt clip and low battery indicator