Responsible Pet Ownership Program for Schools, Dealing with Dogs, Unfriendly Dogs

Unfriendly Dogs

What do you do if an unfriendly dog comes up to you?
A dog running towards you growling with its teeth showing is very scary. The first thing you often want to do when you are frightened are run away, scream and move your arms and legs around to protect yourself. Dogs can find this threatening and may cause them to get even angrier. You have to be very brave and follow the steps below, which will help to tell the dog that you are not a threat to it.

Stand very still
If you run there is a very good chance that the dog will chase you.

Keep your hands by your sides
Do not wave your arms around or try to hit out at the dog.

Stay as quiet as you can
Do not scream or yell out.

Illustration: boy standing still as unfriendly dog approaches

Do not stare at the dog
By looking at the ground or away from the dog you are telling it that you are not a threat to it.

Illustration: boy looking away from unfriendly dog

When the dog loses interest and leaves slowly and carefully back away
Don't try to move until the dog has left. Don't try and walk past the dog again, go another way.

Illustration: boy backing away from unfriendly dog

Tell Mum, Dad or a trusted adult
Tell a trusted adult so that they can make sure that it doesn't happen to you or one of your friends.

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Department of Primary Industries , Victoria, Australia

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