Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow safety checklist you can use in real life or for work training when dealing with a charging dog. This is written so it’s quick to remember under stress.
🐕 DOG CHARGING SAFETY CHECKLIST
✅ DO THIS IMMEDIATELY
- Stop moving — do not run
- Turn sideways, not face-on
- Hands down, fists closed
- Avoid eye contact (use peripheral vision)
- Breathe slowly and stay calm
🗣️ USE YOUR VOICE (IF NEEDED)
- Firm, deep voice (not yelling)
- Say: “NO.” “STAY.” “BACK.” “GO HOME.”
- Say it once or twice — don’t shout repeatedly
🧱 CREATE A BARRIER
Put something between you and the dog:
- Backpack
- Jacket
- Trash can lid
- Clipboard
- Umbrella
👉 Keep the object in front of you, not swinging.
🚶 BACK AWAY ONLY IF THE DOG PAUSES
- Move slowly backward
- Do not turn your back
- Keep watching with side vision
- Create distance until you’re safe
🐕🐕 IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE DOGS
- Stop moving
- Put your back to a wall, fence, or vehicle
- Keep all dogs in front of you
- Use a loud, firm “NO”
- Use deterrent spray only if they keep advancing
🐾 IF YOU’RE WITH YOUR OWN DOG
- Keep your dog behind you
- Shorten the leash, keep it low
- Stay calm — dogs mirror your energy
- Do not let leashes tangle
- Use deterrent spray if necessary
❌ NEVER DO THIS
- Don’t run
- Don’t scream
- Don’t wave arms
- Don’t stare the dog down
- Don’t turn your back suddenly
🚨 IF CONTACT HAPPENS
- Protect face, neck, throat
- Curl into a ball if knocked down
- Tuck chin, cover ears
- Get to safety as soon as possible
🧼 AFTER THE INCIDENT
- Wash any bites/scratches immediately
- Seek medical care
- Report to animal control (especially repeat incidents)
🧴 RECOMMENDED TOOLS (FOR WORKERS)
- Citronella spray (safer, effective)
- Pepper spray (effective but use cautiously)
- Whistle or air horn
- Awareness — keep volume low on headphones
Bottom line:
Most charging dogs are warning, protecting territory, or testing you. Calm body language, firm commands, and smart positioning stop most situations before they escalate.