A Center For Disease Control (CDC) study reports there are 4.7 million dog bites in the U.S. each year, and 800,000 of those result in a need for medical attention.
Any dog can bite, even friendly ones. You should be aware of the dog’s body language and watch for threatening behaviors. If possible, avoid entering the dog’s territory, keep clear of any feeding areas and watch for protective dog parents around puppy litters.
Avoid trespassing onto property where security dogs may patrol.
If you are approached by an aggressive dog, do not talk to it or touch it, and do not make direct eye contact or show your teeth.
Stay calm, keep your eyes on the dog and do not turn your back to it. Rather, you should start to back away slowly.
Try to move to a place where there is a solid obstacle between the dog and you.
If you are attacked by a dog, do not consider yourself at fault. Dog owners have a duty of care to prevent situations where their dog can present a threat to people.