Move of the Week for the week of July 14, 1997

You're very alert because a dog is charging to attack (in this case, a Doberman). As the dog begins to leap, you're starting a slight lateral move. You have been showing the dog a full frontal view for his attack, but you'll pivot back 90 degrees to avoid the leap.

Teeth are sharp. Reach your right hand around behind the dog's head. Pivot your hips for power as you throw the dog to the ground (this could also be a strike if necessary).

Follow through and recover quickly because he'll be back. Now cover as much distance as you can towards safety before he attacks again. Rinse, Repeat as necessary.

Again, avoid those teeth. Against a strong dog, strikes may be ineffective, so concentrate on not being bit.

Don't throw anything fancy because there's no room for error. If you overextend or miss, you're in trouble.

If you play with different dogs, you can begin to recognize when they're going to jump. They have tells just like everyone else. This is a conservative approach to defending against dog attacks. You can counter-strike instead of just defending, but you will increase your chances of leaving an opening for a bite. You can probably stop most dogs with striking, but not a strong breed (ie Rott, Dobie, Pit-Bull).

Never turn and run from a dog. They will always chase, and love attacking from your rear. Face the dog confidently while you calmly get out as fast as you can.

Brian Jones contributed the following information regarding dog attacks. Thanks to him for sharing his knowledge with us. He has a quality web site at http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~bpj31078/ironshirt.html

--when confronted by an aggressive dog, DO NOT LOOK IT IN THE EYES (to dogs this is a challenge). SAY "NO" AND SPEAK FIRMLY TO IT WHILE BACKING AWAY. DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK AND MAKE NO SUDDEN MOVES. --

1. Dogs can be fairly indiscriminate about what they are biting. If you have something in your hands (ie: a purse, groceries, a cattle prod) hold it in your lead hand, presenting it as the nearest target for the dog. While trained dogs may not go for it, an angry pit bull or similar mutt might just clamp down on it . If possible hold onto what it's biting. This can allow you to drag the dog toward your escape route, which could be a gate, door, fence, etc. (as you said, do NOT turn your back on an aggressive animal) If nothing less, it's one more thing between you and teeth.

2. If you can get something in it's mouth, it may then be possible to wrap your arm around it's neck. From there it's easy to fall to the ground with the dog's head controlled and simply hold it until you can yell for help. You want to get into a position where you are behind and in firm control of the dog's head. Take it off it's feet and hold it on the ground so it cannot stand up. (do not be fooled if it calms down. It's not going to be any nicer if you let go. ) There are other ways to get an angry dog into this position (notice the fourth picture in your series), but you should not attempt this unless you are very confident or there is no other choice. Whatever you do, be especially mindful of your midsection and throat.

3. Pay attention to what your wearing. If you've got heavy boots or similar footwear, a straight-forward snap kick at the approaching pooch might not be such a bad idea as your foot is fairly well protected. But make sure you can get your foot back fast. If you're going to kick at them, aim for the throat or lower part of the ribcage with rising kicks. Obviously, never practice this against an animal or use it unless there is no other way to protect yourself. (There has been a rising incidence of stray dogs attacking in small packs, even in city parks. This is just such an encounter as you can't just wrestle away three or four dogs.) If you think you have injured an animal, back away and keep your eyes on it. It could very well get up and give chase. Whatever you do, don't approach it for any reason.

4. What can ya say? Sometimes, you screw up or there's just no way to keep em off ya. If you're gonna get bitten, try to make it on the forearm. Push the arm that's being bitten straight toward the animal as it bites, driving your arm toward it's jaws. Hold on to the back of it's head as well. This is best as it puts your arm between the dog's molars (blunt teeth), it levers the dog's mouth open, and it keeps the back-turned canine teeth from ripping up muscle or veins. Also, if bitten on the arm, try to twist your arm in so that the arteries in your wrists are facing you. That way they are unlikely to be punctured. Once a dog clamps on, there's no use in letting it back off and bite again (some dogs will hold on anyway). If it's got you by the arm, take the opportunity to get yourself into a controlling position. Hold onto the back of it's head, force your already bitten arm right down it's throat (this weakens it's bite considerably). Then pull the dog by the back of it's head toward a gate, door, or anything you can get between the dog and you. Once you're there you can allow the dog to let go just long enough to shut the door (or whatever). As the dog releases it's bite, shove it's head hard to one side, to keep it from biting again. Some dogs won't let go (pit bulls, etc.). In this case hold on just as before, but this time take the dog off it's feet (not tough once it's got you). Roll it onto it's back and kneel on it's throat. This will cut off it's breathing and it will either let go or pass out. Once it let's go, plant it's head on the ground and hold it (getting up now would be real dangerous).

All of these things can sound a little tricky. Really it's a simple matter of common sense. Look for a way out. Get as much between you and the dog as possible. If' you're going to get bitten control the bite and make it the only one. One of the best ways to be comfortable with defending against dog attacks is by being familiar with dogs and their mannerisms. Above all, the best defensive skill is prevention. If you can avoid the dog altogether, it can't bite you. Right?

---- I love dogs. I would hate to injure one. Remember, if attacked only use as much force as necesary. ----

-Brian

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You're very alert because a dog is charging to attack (in this case, a Doberman).	As the dog begins to leap, you're starting a slight lateral move. You have been showing the dog a full frontal view for his attack, but you'll pivot back 90 degrees to avoid the leap.

Teeth are sharp. Reach your right hand around behind the dog's head.	Pivot your hips for power as you throw the dog to the ground (this could also be a strike if necessary).

Follow through and recover quickly because he'll be back. Now cover as much distance as you can towards safety before he attacks again.	Rinse, Repeat as necessary.

Again, avoid those teeth.	Against a strong dog, strikes may be ineffective, so concentrate on not being bit.

Don't throw anything fancy because there's no room for error. If you overextend or miss, you're in trouble.