Pennsylvania and most other states have rules designed to prevent dogs from attacking other people or animals. However, there is a chance that you will be confronted by a dog that is not properly restrained. There are many steps that you can take to prevent being attacked by the animal, such as telling it to stay or giving it treats. If you are being attacked, it may be necessary to throw items at or spray the dog until the threat passes.
Why dogs attack people
If a dog perceives a person or animal as prey, its natural hunting instinct could be activated. At that point, other dogs nearby may want to join in on the chase as well. Dogs are similar to people in that they can feed off the energy given off by others even if they aren’t sure what they are getting so excited about.
What to do when a dog approaches
Ideally, you will not scream, yell or otherwise show signs of fear toward the animal. Instead, it may be a good idea to walk toward the animal to signal that you aren’t prey. You may also want to look away from the animal as making eye contact with a dog can be seen as a sign of aggression. If you see a leash attached to the canine, try to loop it around a pole or another object.
What to do during an attack
If your dog is being attacked by another dog, try to put space between the two animals. This may be done by putting chairs or other objects between them. If a dog is attacking your child, coach your son or daughter to remain quiet and stay curled up as tightly as possible. If necessary, don’t hesitate to drape yourself over your child.
If you or a family member are hurt by a dog, a personal injury lawyer may help you obtain compensation. This money can help you pay for medical bills or make up for lost wages.
