How to protect yourself in a dog attack - Tips from self-defence coach

Delhi-NCR region residents are no strangers to reading news about dogs mauling people, even their owners. Reading about this constantly can make walking on the road daunting if you are already scared of dogs. In most gated residential societies, there is likely a pack of stray dogs living in the compound. They are harmless in most cases. But on the off chance that you meet an aggressive dog that attacks you, it would be a good idea to know how to protect yourself. Knowing a few helpful tricks can save you and maybe you can help someone else too.  

To learn more about self-defence against dogs, Zee News Digital spoke to Hassan, a Muay Thai (a type of boxing) coach at Fighting School in Delhi.   

What to do if a stray dog approaches you?

If you are scared of dogs and see a stray approaching you, don’t make eye contact, according to Hassan. “Do not try to run or panic in any manner,” he advised. 

How to protect yourself from a dog bite?

A great technique to save yourself from a dog bite is to cover the dog’s eyes and escape. If you’re wearing a jacket or scarf, throw it over the attacking dog so it loses sight of you. Then make an escape for it.  

How to save someone from a dog attack?

When trying to protect someone from a dog attack -- don’t go in empty-handed, says Hassan. “Take a cloth, water, or anything for your and the victim’s safety,” he further said. 

Again, first try to cover the dog’s nose or eyes with a cloth as those are its weakest points. You may even distract it by throwing water on it.

What to avoid when faced with aggressive stray dogs?

All in all, the one absolute thing you shouldn’t do if approached by an aggressive dog – is panic. Avoid looking them in the eye, don’t run, and keep your wits about you.

Not all dogs are aggressive

Dogs may get aggressive for several reasons. However, there is no need to generalize this notion for all dogs as most are friendly and calm. Jasmine Damkewala, a dog lover and advocate from Delhi, says that a dog that is well-fed and looked after will never bite.

She said, "Many women getting home late have found that the streets are protective of them and escort them home to their doorsteps. A dog that is well-fed and looked after by the neighbourhood will never bite. Wildlife experts will tell you that even wild animals like lions or tigers are not necessarily man-eaters unless they are starving. However, every living being has a self-preservation instinct and if threatened or ill-treated will react with hostility."

(DISCLAIMER: The following techniques are only for self-defence and not to be used on harmless animals)