Stopping a dog attack on your child involves immediate actions to protect the child and long-term strategies to prevent future incidents. Here's how to approach the situation:
Immediate Actions During an Attack
The priority is to protect your child from serious injury.
-
Move Slowly and Deliberately:
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might further agitate the dog. The reference "Move Slowly" highlights that speed will be ineffective as the dog is faster.
- "Move slowly toward the child being sure not to turn your back on the dog."
-
Protect the Child:
- Instruct the child to curl into a ball, covering their face and neck. This protects vital organs. The provided reference advises, "Instruct him or her to curl into a ball if the dog attacks to protect his face and vital organs."
Important Considerations
- Never turn your back on the dog.
- Speak calmly but firmly to both the child and the dog, attempting to de-escalate the situation.
