How to Protect Yourself from Stray Dogs
Point 1. See the dogs body language -
Is it aggressive or afraid?
Signs of aggression include: baring teeth, lifted tail, raised ears and hackles (the fur behind the neck, in many large breeds the hackles are very easy to see when they are lifted).
Signs of fear include: tucking the tail, laid back ears and also snarling or barking.
Barking is a sure sign that the dog doesn't want you any closer than you already are.
Point 2. Most dogs, big and small, are not aggressive and are likely to be afraid of you.
The most common situation is that a dog is lost, scared, and doesn't trust you.
Even if they look frightening, their first instinct will be to repel you and get away.
Point 3. For scared dogs, back away slowly until the dog is at ease.
Keep facing them when you back away but do not look them in the eye.
Do not try to command them. They will retreat once they feel you are far enough not to cause them any harm.
Point 4. For an aggressive dog, the first priority should be to protect yourself.
DO NOT RUN, as the dog will catch you and will be encouraged to bite.
Many dogs instinctively know how to "take down" a runner, and the last place you want to be is on the ground. Search for something to climb onto and call for help.
Point 5. If there is nothing that can safely remove you from an aggressive dog, you should use your arm to deflect or absorb any bites.
Do not aggravate an aggressive dog by shouting at it or staring into its eyes. Eye contact is aggressive and will likely spur an attack.
Point 6. Very few dogs will actually bite a human being, if unprovoked. Stay calm and try to keep your stance tall and confident. Walk away, if you aren't being chased. Dogs are pack animals. When they are alone, they are not usually looking for confrontation. Even in packs they usually chase people they do not know, who are new to their territory.
Point 7. Befriend dogs in your area. Once in a while if you are outside and see some dogs who live in the area, it is worth sharing a cheap packet of biscuits with them. Do not feed them directly but break each biscuit into two parts and throw them one pc by one pc towards the dog. This way the dog will regard you as an Ann Daata and will also listen to you. more