John Cosstick, Author at

You woke up and glanced outside your window. The sun rays were falling on the ground in the most mesmerizing manner, how you like. You got out of your bed to get ready. You wore your favorite pair of sneakers, zipped up your jacket, and plugged in your earphones. All set to have a blissful morning walk. 

But wait, as soon as you get to your nearest park, you realize that a stray dog is growling at you. His saliva dripping from the sharp canines is making you anxious. Suddenly, it starts barking at you like crazy! It might feel like the most apprehensive circumstance of your life. To escape, you might resort to any impulsive decision coming to your mind.

Well, we all have experienced a situation like this at least once in our lifetime. And let us break this to you, running away is not going to do you any good. It will only make the scenario worse.

Staying calm in this tedious situation is probably the most appropriate way to tackle it. When you react hastily, you unintentionally threaten the dog. It might trigger the dog even more. Therefore, you must stay calm and respond sensibly at all costs. If you wonder what the right way to react to this panic encounter is, continue reading further because we have answers to your queries. 

1. Do Not Run!

If you happen to run into a barking dog, make sure that you do not run away. Numerous Dog Whisperers have suggested that when a dog barks at you, he is trying to warn you to stay away from his territory. 

Dogs have been observed to stand at the edge of their territory and bark at strangers to push them away. If you decide to run in such a case scenario, the dog will instinctively chase you down. And in no way an average person can outrun a dog. He might also bite you to try to stop you. Therefore, try to react calmly. 

Choose an alternate direction and start walking there casually. The dog will not take you as a threat and stop barking after a while.

2. Convey That You Are An Ally 

It might not sound apparent, but when you try to approach any dog calmly, they react peacefully. Sadly, most canines are afraid of humans because of their past encounters. Thus, seeing a person coming in their direction might trigger their aggression. So, if you try to give off clear signals, they happen to understand. We have listed down some calming signals for your convenience.

Try to act like you are yawning
Constantly avoid eye contact
Stand in a sideways direction of the dog

So, the next time you spot a dog approaching you belligerently, remember the points mentioned above.

3. Stand Still in a Position

When a stray dog is continuously barking at you and calmly walking away does not seem to help try to stand still in a position. Freeze for a short time and minimize all your movements. This immediate reaction will portray that you do not intend any harm to the dog whatsoever.

It will understand your motive in a few minutes and leave you alone. And analyze your surroundings carefully and then start moving again. This approach will further prevent you from getting stuck in any compromised situation.

4. Distract The Dog

If you have something that can be used as a distraction, feel free to utilize it now. It is advised to carry handy toys in an area where you know stray dogs will approach. You can use any item to distract the dog’s attention and calmly walk away from the scene.

When the dog reacts to your presence aggressively, throw a treat or a toy in the opposite direction. It will chase it, and this will allow you to escape from that place like escape rooms. But make sure you do not run away! Only walk slowly and patiently. 

5. Ask For Help 

You can ask the local people available around you. Reaching out will save you from any severe injury, and the dog might know them. The locals usually know how to tackle the stray dogs around their area.

Lastly, if you notice that this situation is reoccurring, try to contact the authorities. Ask for help, and this might help everyone from sharing the same threatening situation. It will also help find an appropriate place for the dog where it does not feel threatened.

Conclusion

Coming face to face with an aggressive stray dog can be a difficult situation to handle. We must react in the calmest way possible. In the article mentioned above, we have examined some ways that will quickly help you tackle what can be a dangerous situation. 

Dogs are one of the most bright and intuitive animals that are extensively admired by people. Unfortunately, some stray dogs encounter constant abuse that traumatizes them to a great extent. Thus, any human can trigger them to react angrily. Therefore, it is our responsibility to maneuver through these situations with the utmost patience. 

Whenever you come across such a situation the next time, make sure to be extremely polite and calm.

Barking Dogs at a Dog Park Seldom Bite – You Need to Remain Calm!