Why Some Street Dogs Attack and How to Tackle

Dogs are known as man's best friend, but they can also be a source of danger. Street dogs, in particular, can be a cause of concern, as some may attack passersby and even pets. It is important to understand why street dogs attack and how to prevent them. By understanding the causes of street dog attacks and learning how to prevent them, you can keep yourself and your pets safe.

Reasons for Street Dogs Attacking:

There are several reasons why street dogs may attack. For example, they may have been abandoned or neglected by their owners, leaving them feeling scared and aggressive. In other cases, a pack of street dogs may be territorial, protecting their area from perceived intruders. They may also be hungry and desperate for food, leading them to attack unsuspecting passersby. Additionally, they may have a negative memory of an accident or injury caused by a certain motorbike or car, resulting in them attacking all passing vehicles.‍

Dealing with Street Dog Attacks:

1. It is important to know how to handle a street dog attack. First, remain calm and do not make sudden movements that may frighten the dog. Avoid making direct eye contact, as this can help to prevent the dog from perceiving you as a threat and potentially becoming more aggressive. If possible, slowly back away from the dog and keep an eye on it. If the attack continues, you can try to distract the dog by throwing a stick or a ball.
2. Give the dog space. Do not try to approach or pet the dog, as this can make it feel threatened. Instead, give the dog plenty of space and try to slowly back away from it.
3. Use a loud and firm voice. If the dog is behaving aggressively or is not backing away, use a loud and firm voice to try to deter it. You can also try clapping your hands or making a loud noise to startle the dog and get it to move away.
4. Protect yourself with an object. If the dog continues to act aggressively, try to find something to put between you and the dog, such as a stick or umbrella. This can help to protect you in case the dog decides to attack.
5. Seek help if necessary. If the dog is acting extremely aggressively or if you are unable to safely handle the situation on your own, do not hesitate to seek help.

If The Street Dog Attacks your Dog:

1. Do not put any part of your body between the two dogs.
2. Find objects to put in between the two dogs (chair, umbrella, garbage can lid, etc.).
3. Picking up your small dog is likely to cause the attacking dog to jump up on you, potentially causing you harm.
4. Not picking up your small dog is likely to increase the danger and harm to your dog. You’ll have to decide, given the situation, which is wiser in the moment.
5. If you do pick up your dog, don’t swing them back and forth facing the attacking dog. Try to place your dog between a barrier of some kind and yourself. Lean into a wall or even toss your dog into a fenced area if need be. Be aware that the attacking dog might be able to jump that fence.
6. Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate in their arousal).
7. Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself, your dog away. Don’t turn around, try to get further control of the situation. Just go.

Preventing Street Dog Attacks:

The best way to handle street dogs is to prevent them from attacking in the first place. If you see a pack of street dogs, avoid them and do not approach them. You can also carry a stick to protect yourself in case of an attack and you don’t know how to handle it. Finally, report any aggressive street dogs to the authorities.

Do not try to feed or touch the dog if you’re in doubt. While it may be tempting to try to feed or pet a street dog, this can actually make the situation worse. It is also important to remember that street dogs are generally not domesticated and may not be accustomed to human interaction, so they may react negatively if you try to touch them.

The best way to avoid potential problems with street dogs is to simply stay away from them. If you see a street dog while walking or driving, give it plenty of space and try to avoid making direct eye contact.

Dealing with aggressive street dogs can be daunting, but with the right approach and some basic knowledge, you can safely and effectively handle the situation. Remember to stay calm, give the dog space, use a loud and firm voice, protect yourself with an object if necessary, and seek help if the situation becomes too difficult to handle on your own. Avoid trying to feed or touch the dog, and stay away from street dogs whenever possible.