With warmer weather bringing more kids and families outside, experts say it’s a good time to refresh your dog-safety basics following recent dog attacks in Metro Detroit.
“The dog usually shows you what they’re thinking,” said Michael Burkey, the CEO of Michigan Dog Training in Plymouth. “It could be aggressive, it could be shy, or it could be happy-go-friendly. So, it’s really important to see the behavior so you know what to do to stay safe.”
If you see a loose dog:
Don’t: Run away
Burkey said the most common mistake is running because it can trigger a chase instinct.
“People are afraid, they want to run. But the dog is going to catch you,” he said.
Do:
- Stop and stand still.
- Cover your core.
- Slowly back away
Eye contact: Don’t challenge the dog
Don’t: Stare directly at the dog. Burkey said a hard stare can feel confrontational to a dog.
Do: Look slightly to the side while keeping the dog in your peripheral vision so you can still track what it’s doing.
Talking to the dog: Keep it calm
Do: Use a calm voice. Burkey said a high-pitched voice can excite a dog — “either good or bad.”
Do: Try one basic command.If you’re going to say anything, Burkey suggests trying: “Sit.” Many dogs recognize it, he said.
If a dog attacks: Protect the parts of your body that matter most
If the situation turns into an attack, Burkey recommends focusing on protection and getting help.
Do:
- Stand as still as you can and cover your core.
- If you end up on the ground, cover your ears and neck area.
- Call for help if the dog is biting.
If someone else is being attacked:
Seeing a child or another person being attacked can cause people to rush in and grab the dog. Burkey says that can backfire.
Don’t: Grab the dog by the collar.He warns the dog may “redirect” and bite you.
Do: Use the “wheelbarrow” method (if you can do it safely).Burkey recommends:
- Grab the dog by its hind legs.
- Lift and pull back, creating a “wheelbarrow” position.
- Turn with the dog as needed because it may try to twist its head toward you.
- Pull the dog away from the victim.
Carry a simple deterrent
Burkey says it can help to have something on hand if you’re regularly out walking or taking kids to parks:
- Dog treats - he suggests tossing them away from you, or throwing the pouch
- Citronella spray to scare a dog off
He recommends products such as “Direct Stop” or “Spray Shield.”
Prevention: Leashes matter
Burkey emphasized prevention, including knowing your dog and taking steps to prevent it from running loose.
Report loose dogs before there’s an incident
Don’t assume a roaming dog is friendly. In Detroit, people can report unrestrained animals to Detroit Animal Care and Control at 313-224-6356 or call their local police non-emergency line.