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Five ways to pacify an angry hound...
It may be tempting to match the ferocity of an aggressive dog with a nasty bark and bite of your own, but not only will this make you look incredibly silly it may also leave
you with some serious injuries to nurse. We asked a selection of local breeders, vets, dog handlers and pet psychologists how they would deal with the situation
and this is a compilation of their expert advice.
Don't get too close
Dogs are very territorial so get out of their sphere of aggression. Calmly and slowly walk backwards. Never turn your back on the mutt and run. If you really must get close, try slowly circling the dog, barging straight in is a sign of all-out war. Also, you'll pose lessof a threat if you crouch down to their level.
Avoid eye contact
As you're calmly edging away sideways with your hands by your sides, avoid eyeballing the dog. They interpret this as a challenge. Watch the dog out of the corner of your eye, but never gaze into the pupils of a peeved pooch.
Stay cool
It's an old cliché but dogs 'smell' fear. Hard as it seems, just relax and keep your wits about you. The dog has most probably had a hard time with humans and if you look by any means aggressive you're dinner. Apparently licking your lips and blinking your eyes shows the dog you mean no harm.
Leave it to the pros
The Crocodile Dundee scene where Mick Dundee hynotises a buffalo with eye contact and a horned hand gesture springs to mind, but stick true to your roots city boy, it won't wash with a rottweiler. The macho act fails, so don't bother taking care of the animal all by yourself. Just call in the pros asap. The municipality, local vets and lost and found centres are all on hand.
If the dog turns master
Worst case scenario, now your life is flashing before your eyes. While being attacked, curl into a ball and put your hands over your head, do everything you can to protect your head, face and neck.
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