There are some folks who put others into two categories: dog people or cat people. If you consider yourself a dog person, then you enjoy the company of dogs. You might own one or two. You might also like to meet a new dog on a walk and say, “Hello.”
Unfortunately, if this is a dog and owner you’ve never encountered, you might not know how the dog gets along with people. Even asking, “Is your dog friendly?” is no guarantee that the dog will be friendly to you. There are also some dogs you might encounter on a walk that are aggressive right off the bat.
Being on a leash can provide some measure of control, but what about a dog that is off-leash and aggressive? If that dog lurches and bites you, it could be excruciating and require immediate medical attention.
In most scenarios, the dog owner would be responsible for your medical bills associated with the bite.
Protecting Yourself from Being Bitten
Sadly, there are a lot of dog owners who are reluctant to admit their dog caused harm. They might try to shift the blame to you by claiming you provoked the animal. If a dog has bitten you and there is a dispute about compensation, you’ll want to talk to the attorneys at Thomas Law Offices.
As compassionate Louisville dog bite attorneys, we have helped many clients get what they are due for a dog bite attack.
The following are some helpful tips you can use to handle an aggressive dog when walking.
Use a Whistle
Dogs have sensitive hearing. The sound of a shrill whistle can scare a dog and throw them off their attack stance. You can slip on a whistle while you walk in case you encounter a dog. As an added safety bonus, a whistle can also scare off aggressive humans.
Carry Treats
Every dog likes treats. They can be used to train a dog. They’re also a good way to introduce yourself to a new dog who might accept you as a friendly person. If an aggressive dog approaches, you can toss the treats away from them to cause a distraction.
Bring a Spray Bottle
Cat owners know the benefit of having a spray bottle around the house. One spritz can discourage a cat from climbing or scratching. It can also work out on your walks against aggressive dogs. If you carry a spray bottle of water and use it against a dog, it won’t hurt them. It will probably scare them enough to get them to back off.
Shout Loud Commands
Just as the whistle can startle an aggressive dog, so can a loud, shouted command. While you might not be familiar with how they are trained, the common commands of “stop, off, sit, down, or no” will probably register with the dog. You have to be sure to use the commands loudly and forcefully to show the dog who is the boss.
Switch Your Route
If an aggressive dog is behind a fence on someone’s property, it would be a good idea to switch your route so you can avoid it altogether. In those situations, the dog is protecting property and might be trained to chase anyone who comes close. It is better to avoid the encounter if possible.
What to Avoid with an Aggressive Dog
Louisville law obligates dog owners to always keep their dogs on a leash. Even on a leash, a dog can still attack. If an aggressive dog lurches at you, it will happen in an instant. Your instinct to react in fear is understandable, but there are some actions you should avoid to spare the dog harm and de-escalate the attack.
Consider the following:
- Don’t kick the dog. That might make them bite down harder.
- Don’t run. That might encourage the dog to chase after you.
- Don’t use pepper spray. It could be ineffective with the dog but cause injury to you.
- Don’t stick out your hands. Those could become open targets for the dog.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim
You can file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance if a dog bites you, which should provide coverage if you encounter the dog on a walk. If there is resistance from the insurance company or the dog owner isn’t cooperative, Thomas Law Offices can help.
Contact from a lawyer demonstrates your resolve to seek a fair remedy. Call to schedule a case evaluation to discuss your options for moving forward with your dog bite claim.
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