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Do not touch an aggressive pet, even if your intention is to
comfort or reassure it. When emotional energy is high, it must have an outlet.
It may dissipate slowly over time or it may erupt spontaneously.
Avoid directly challenging an aggressive pet, regardless of the cause
of agitation. You are more likely to trigger an attack if you pursue the animal
to its place of refuge or crowd it into a corner.
- Do not threaten the animal further with direct eye contact or
speak in a loud or angry tone.
- Do not take your pet's aggressiveness as an opportunity to
punish it and "teach it a lesson."
- Take any warning from your pet very seriously and remain at a
safe distance. If your pet is frightened, give it room to escape.
- Do not reach toward it with your hand or place any part of your
body within striking distance.
- Call your veterinarian and ask for advice. A referral to a
veterinary behavior consultant may be wise to prevent an escalation of the
problem and deterioration of the bond between you and your pet.
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If the menacing pet is not your own:
- Make no sudden movements; keep your arms at your side.
- Slowly back away but keep your eyes indirectly on the animal
(avert your gaze just over its shoulder or side).
- Move away to a safe distance (when the aroused animal's stance
and facial expression seem to relax and soften) but avoid running even
then.
- If the animal attacks, use your briefcase, coat, bicycle,
anything to block; if necessary, drop onto the ground in a crouched fetal
position with your hands and fingers locked behind your neck (to cover your
face). Do not move and do not speak.
- Seek emergency medical care for any injury, no matter how
minor, when the dog has moved away and is no longer interested in you.
- When the dog is already in the process of its attack but before
it reaches you, try saying "no, bad dog" and "sit/stay" in a firm tone.
- Report the incident to your local police department and animal
control officer. Do not deal with the dog's owners directly, even if you know
them or know who they are.
- Change your route to bypass the area unless and until you are
sure the dog is no longer a threat.
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Related Topics
- Roaming in Dogs
- Possessive Aggression
- Territorial Aggression (Cats and Dogs)
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