What Should I Do If Attacked?

Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog.
• If you are jogging, stop jogging and walk by the dog, avoiding eye contact and sudden movement.
• Avoid the temptation to fight or argue with the owner of an aggressive dog, this may bring on an attack.
• If a dog approaches growling or barking, stand tough.  Command the dog to "Sit", "Stay" or "Lay Down". A dog is more likely to listen to the same command as his owner.
• Be sure to keep your hands down to avoid provoking a dog attack.
• If the dog attack is by a small dog, kick it in its nose or body.  This will stop most small dog attacks.
• If the dog attack is by a large dog, take a fighting stance.  Protect your inner body by putting one leg in front of the other. If you are strong, use your foot as a weapon. If you lose your balance and fall, however, you will lose your height advantage over the dog.
• Punch the dog in the nose as hard as you can, twist or pull the dog's ears, or poke him in the eyes.
• Kick a dog in the rib cage.  This may knock the wind out of him and stun him long enough to make him think twice. Yell for help.
• Pit Bulls are well-known for dog attacks. When a pit bull attacks, their first instinct is to grab and hold on. It is to your advantage to remain standing, however if you find yourself falling to the ground, curl your body up into the fetal position and cover your ears and the back of your neck with your hands and arms.
• If a dog appears to be confused, biting at stationary objects, looks a bit crazy or wild-eyed or if a thick ropy saliva is covering it's chest, it may have rabies. If you encounter a dog with rabies, call the police.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or you have a question that has not been answered, call us now at 1-800-483-2050 or contact us by clicking on Dog Bite Attorney Buffalo.

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