How to Avoid Dog Attacks Any dog may bite if it is threatened, angry, afraid, or in pain.  When properly socialized and trained, dogs are safe, reliable, and joyful companions.  However, all strange dogs should be treated with caution and a person should not approach or stroke a dog unless invited to do so by its owner.  Then the dog must be approached slowly, allowing time for it to sniff the person or make friendly contact with them.  Speaking to the dog gently, avoiding eye contact, and patting around the chest or neck region are all non-threatening actions.  Approaching suddenly, bending over the dog or patting it on the head or back are dominant and threatening gestures and may cause a dog to react by biting.  Each dog has a different social and personal distance that a stranger is permitted to enter.  This is why a dog that is tied up, outside a shop, may snap or bite when someone tries to pat it.  The dog cannot escape when there is a sudden invasion of its personal space.  Here are some dos and don’ts if you encounter an aggressive dog. o        Do not run when confronted with a threatening dog.  Running only stimulates the dog to     increase its aggression.  Keep still and try to remain calm.  Tell your children to “be a tree,” with    feet together, elbows against your chest and hands under your neck. o        Don’t turn your back on the barking animal or face the animal.  Keep the side of your body closest to the animal. o        Avoid direct eye contact, which the dog interprets as a challenge. o        Hold your ground and demonstrate moderate dominance by telling the dog in a calm but firm voice to go home.  “No” and “sit” may also work. o        Let the dog sniff you.  In most cases, it will leave as soon as it realizes that you aren’t really a threat. o        If you are carrying something, offer it to the dog.  If the dog is truly aggressive he will grab the object and hold on.  Do not let go of the object; if you do, he will soon realize that it is not you and will likely attack again.  Normally after he realizes he is having little or no effect he will stop the attack or at least give you time to plan your next move.         o        If knocked down, curl into a ball, and use your arms to protect your head and neck. o        When the dog begins to back away, slowly retreat also, keeping the dog in view.  If the dog begins to come back, stop and wait until it moves off again. We are all susceptible to dog attacks and dog bites so learn the signs of an aggressive or fearful dog and practice how to act if you were to have an encounter.  If you are bitten, seek immediate medical attention.   Report all aggressive loose dogs or incidents of actual bites to the Bureau of Animal Regulation & Care (B. A.R.C.) 713-238-9600.  If minor incidents are reported, major incidents can be prevented.