How to Protect Yourself From Unleashed Dogs

A Guide to Staying Safe During a Stressful Encounter

An encounter with an off-leash dog can be frightening, especially if it is a larger or more aggressive breed. Understanding how to protect yourself from unleashed dogs can be crucial in preventing an attack. In this guide, we will explore some strategies for protecting yourself in the event of a dog charging or approaching while you are walking.

What You Should NOT Do When an Off-Leash Dog Approaches

Dogs are animals and will, therefore, respond instinctively to your actions as they approach. If you take the wrong actions, it could make the situation worse, and the dog will be more likely to attack you.

Here are some things you should NOT do to keep yourself and the dog safe:

• Do NOT run away from the dog, even if you are afraid (this can trigger the prey drive)
• Do NOT scream (this can exasperate the dog)
• Do NOT turn your back toward the dog (this is another sign of vulnerability)

What You SHOULD Do: How to Project Calm and Control

Being proactive in your response can make a huge difference in preventing an attack. Let’s discuss some steps you can take to de-escalate the situation, which can be enough to deter most dogs from hurting you.

Remain Calm and Still

Dogs often respond to the behaviors of people around them, so if you start to panic and move around a lot, this can make them more anxious and potentially more aggressive. Think of yourself as a tree in this situation, standing still, keeping your arms close, and avoiding all sudden movements. If you remain calm, your chances of de-escalating the situation will improve.

Use Your Body Language to De-escalate

Body language is critical when dealing with an approaching dog. If you face them directly, the dog may see this behavior as confrontational. You should also avoid turning your back on them completely. Instead, turn your body slightly to the side while somewhat facing the dog. This suggests that you are neither confrontational nor completely vulnerable.

Additionally, avoid direct eye contact with the dog for a prolonged period, as the dog may interpret this behavior as a challenge.

Create a Barrier Between You and the Dog

If you have any objects nearby, such as a purse, backpack, or jacket, try to hold it up between you and the dog to act as a shield. Similarly, stationary objects, such as road signs or trees, can also serve as a shield when an off-leash dog approaches.

If you have treats on hand, distracting the dog can also be effective, especially if you throw food on the ground and stay calm.

Use a Firm, Authoritative Voice

When you encounter dogs off-leash, you can snap them out of their behavior by using a firm, authoritative voice. Try using a deep-toned command such as “no,” “down,” go home,” or “stay.” Many dogs will be trained well enough to respond to these commands if you use a firm voice when yelling. A sudden and loud noise can also be effective, such as a whistle, air horn, or yelling.

What to Do If the Dog Attacks You

It is crucial to stay calm, even if the previous steps do not prevent the dog from coming after you. If you get knocked over by a big dog, such as a German Shepherd or a pit bull, curl up into a ball on the ground and protect your face, head, and neck area.

If the dog bites you, try to avoid pulling away, as this could exacerbate the tear injuries from the bite. Try to be still, and the dog may eventually figure out that you are not a threat; alternatively, the owner may arrive and regain command of the animal.

How to React if the Off-Leash Dog Attacks Your Dog

One of the fears dog owners have is when others attack their beloved pets. This is especially scary for owners of small dogs.

If another dog attempts to attack or bite your dog while walking, drop the leash to give your pet a chance to defend itself. Try to put an obstacle, such as a bench or fence, between the dogs to keep your dog safe. If the incident continues, focus on disrupting the attacking dog, such as pulling on its hind legs to ruin its balance or grabbing the dog’s leash to protect your dog.

Owner Responsibility for Off-Leash Dogs

In Illinois, the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) states that owners are strictly liable for their dogs attacking and injuring other people. Some states have “one-bite rules,” which exempt owners from liability for a first offense, but this is not the case in Illinois.

If a dog is roaming off-leash in this state, the owner is already acting negligently. As long as the victim can prove that they did not provoke the attack nor trespass on the owner’s property, then liability will be automatically assigned to the owner.

What Makes Us The Best Lawyers for Dog Bite Cases?

Injuries caused by off-leash dogs can be devastating. You may suffer from puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, broken bones, and other severe injuries because of the attack. Since the owner is probably liable for the incident, you can sue them to recover compensation for your legal damages.

A dog bite injury lawyer from our firm can give you a fighting chance at obtaining maximum compensation. Our legal services include:

• Investigating the accident scene
• Gathering evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and medical records
• Interpreting local leash laws
• Assessing all legal damages (lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life)
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

Our team has decades of experience holding negligent owners accountable for their actions. We will help you establish liability for the harm their animals caused.

Our Settlements for Dog Bite Victims

• $1,200,000 – Two-year-old Sophie was mauled by her relative’s Doberman Pinscher while visiting their home. She suffered severe facial wounds that required surgery and left permanent scarring. The young age of the victim and the visible disfigurement were major factors in the case value.
• $885,000 – At a neighborhood cookout, 15-year-old Dylan was attacked by a large dog that knocked him backward into a bonfire. He sustained both burn injuries and bite wounds, leading to an extended recovery. The unusual circumstances and combination of injuries contributed to a higher settlement.
• $375,000 – Three-year-old Ethan was attacked by a pit bull while playing outside. He required surgery for deep facial wounds, which left lasting scars. The young age of the child and permanent disfigurement played a large role in the settlement.
• $165,454 – James, a postal worker, was attacked by a Boxer while on his delivery route. He sustained bite injuries to his arm and hand that required medical care and time off work. The work-related nature of the injury and disruption to his livelihood were central factors in the settlement.

What to Do After an Encounter with an Aggressive Dog

Once the encounter with the off-leash dog has ended, you must know what steps to take to prioritize your health and financial future:

1. Get to safety and seek medical attention immediately to deal with physical injuries
2. Report the loose dog to the local animal control agency to prevent additional attacks
3. Gather evidence from the scene, such as photos of the dog, witness contacts, and surveillance footage

If you want to take legal action against the owner for their negligence, you must act quickly to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer. In Illinois, you only have two years from the date of the incident or discovery of your injuries to file a personal injury claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

Book a Free Consultation

Off-leash dogs can be unpredictable and pose a danger to passersby. Even if you remain calm in the face of an approaching dog, there is no guarantee it won’t attack you and cause significant injuries while you are walking.

At our law firm, we know what it takes to establish liability for a negligent dog owner. We will guide you through the claims process to give you the best chance of earning fair compensation. Our Chicago dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome.

If you have been injured or seriously threatened by an off-leash dog, contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Illinois lawyer.