Staying safe ::

Many serious and deadly dog attacks occur when a child is visiting or living temporarily at the home of a relative or family friend that owns a pit bull or rottweiler.

Most dangerous situations

  • Leaving an infant or toddler alone with any dog breed
  • New or temporary situations involving children and dangerous dog breeds
  • Approaching a chained dog, especially if it is male and unaltered
  • Encountering a pack of loose dogs, known or unknown to you
  • Inserting yourself into a dogfight, especially when pit bulls are involved
  • Approaching a vehicle with a dog inside (or in the bed of a truck)

Always remember

  • Do not pet a dog without first letting the dog see you
  • Do not lean your face close to a dog
  • Do not tease a dog, especially if it is chained
  • Do not startle a sleeping dog
  • Do not bother a dog that is eating
  • Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies
  • Do not turn your back on a dog and run away

If you think you may be attacked

Guidelines from the HSUS

  • Never scream and run
  • Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog
  • Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until the dog is out of sight
  • If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog
  • If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around
View more guidelines »

Related articles:

Do you own a dangerous dog? »

  1. From 2006 to 2008, DogsBite.org recorded 88 fatal dog attacks. 22% (19) of these incidents involved new or temporary situations (0-2 months time span) with children and dogs. Of these incidents, 74% (14) involved pit bulls and rottweilers.