Common Questions > Vicious Dogs

6. What do I do about a vicious dog?

Remember: A vicious dog is the result of an irresponsible owner.

A vicious dog should be confined in a pen in such a way that children cannot come in contact with it. Fence mesh should be small enough that a child cannot stick hisor her hand through it. A vicious dog should not be chained in an open yard where children can get to it.

IF YOU SEE A VICIOUS DOG THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CONFINED,
CALL THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY SHELTER 898-7740.

Never approach a strange dog, especially one that is tied up or confined.

If charged by a dog:

• First try to get to a safe place, such as in a house, in a car or behind a fence.
• If you can't escape, stand perfectly still ("Be a Tree").
• DO NOT RUN. DO NOT SQUEAL.
  (Running and squealing may trigger the prey response.)
• Do not look the dog in the eye. He may consider this a threat.
• If the dog tries to bite you, offer, if possible, something for it to bite on:
  a stick, a loose piece of clothing, etc.
• Do not pull away from a dog bite. This may excite a deeper prey response.
• If knocked to the ground, lie perfectly still and cover your face and ears with your arm and hands ("Be a Rock").
• Adults can try to grab the collar and twist hard. Other sensitive areas are
  the ears and the loose fold of skin at the flank.

Reference: Sandra Evans, Health Experts Urge Efforts to Stem Rising Tide of Attacks by Dogs, Washington Post, Nov 11 97, p Z20