It’s natural to feel like you should run away from a dangerous dog when it approaches you. If you’re out for a walk and someone’s dog charges out of their backyard, you may be tempted to turn and run the other way down the sidewalk.
However, this is not a good idea and could actually make your situation much worse. Below are three reasons why.
1. The dog is faster than you
First and foremost, outrunning a dog is not effective. Even if you run at a full sprint, the dog is likely much faster than you are. Some dogs can run 30 to 40 miles an hour. There is just no way that running is actually going to help you escape if the dog is intent on catching you.
2. Dogs have a prey drive
Dogs also have a prey drive, or a natural instinct to chase. Running away can trigger this instinct. In other words, the dog may approach you aggressively, but with no intent to actually bite you. But if you run away, then the dog may instinctively chase you, and you could be bitten.
3. You shouldn’t turn your back
Finally, while it is important to avoid eye contact with a dangerous dog, you do not necessarily want to turn your back on the dog. You are much better off staying sideways or backing away slowly. If you run, you are turning your back and making the dog more likely to attack.
That said, just because you ran from a dangerous dog does not mean that it is your fault if you have been bitten. The dog’s owner may have been negligent and failed to contain a dangerous animal, so you may be able to seek significant financial compensation.