🐾 When the Ban Backfires: What to Do If You're Attacked by a Dog

By Christian Pace

With the implementation of bully breed bans, we’re now seeing the predicted spike in abandonment—ironically, the very outcome these bans claimed to prevent. The reporting rates don’t reflect the true scale of the issue. I see it daily: Facebook posts full of public outcry that never reach the authorities.

But I’m not here to preach about legal tools (maybe next time). I’m here to guide you through what to do if you’re attacked.

In the meantime, have a look at the GARC seminars about dog body language earlier this year— visual learners may find this more useful 😊.

Go over the plan you’ve built a mental video of how you’d respond. You need to be prepared before step one even begins. That mental video is your muscle memory—it’ll let you do this correctly on your first try and program your tools.

⚠️ Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess

• Pull in your limbs. Scan for exits, barriers, or safe zones like cars or buildings.

• Be aware of other risks—moving vehicles, fences, gates.

• Get off your phone. You need situational awareness, not screen time.

• Not every off-leash dog is charging. Sometimes you just spotted them late and could’ve given a wider berth.

• Learn dog body language. Breed conformation affects how cues show up. I’ll cover this in upcoming videos, but don’t wait—start observing dogs now. Not your own. You’re biased. Watch how other dogs interact and respond.

• Properly socialized dogs read others better. My Joy was my best feedback tool before “retiring.” Your dog might be your best cue—if you learn to read and hear them as equals.

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🧤 Step 2: Use What You Have

• Food, bag, jacket—anything that can be bitten and sacrificed.

• Food works best. Make it visible. Throw a chunk early, when you can still read the dog’s face and pivot if needed.

• If the dog charges, drop the food. You’ll need your hands free to remove your backpack or jacket anyway—items you can redirect the bite to and then drop as you back away.

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🚧 Step 3: If the Dog Is Guarding

• If they’re standing ground, back away slowly.

• Assess: does standing still keep them from advancing?

• Dogs have comfort distances. Their bark tells you a lot—listen for “go away” vs “come here” tones.

• I prefer backing away when barking stops. If they get closer, you were already too close.

• Step, pause, reassess. If they’re triggered, cross your arms and wait until they're bored.

• That’s your moment to drop food or gear and facilitate your exit.

🐕 Step 4: If the Dog Charges

• Stay colder than your adrenaline wants you to be.

• Be ready to shove the bag or jacket into the dog’s mouth mid-lunge.

• Fight for the item briefly—just long enough for it to become valuable to the dog.

• If they’re in grab-bite mode, thank your luck. Let go and back away to safety.

✋ Step 5: If They Get Your Hand

• Don’t pull. That triggers fight response.

• Push fingers inward to trigger the gag reflex. It’s a survival override that protects the airway.

• You become irrelevant for a moment. Use it.

• Try the jacket or bag again—or get away if you can.

• If the dog maintains a sustained grip, and you’ve been trained to use one, a bite stick (break stick) may help release the jaws. Insert behind the molars and twist gently. This is a last-resort tool and should only be used if you know how.

📱 Step 6: Now Your Phone Matters

• If you’re barricaded or injured, call for help.

• Always report the incident to the police station. Every time.

This guide isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation. You deserve to walk safely, and you deserve tools that respect your autonomy. I’ll be releasing more resources soon, including videos on dog body language and situational awareness.

In the meantime, I added the first session below of the GARC seminars from earlier this year. They’re gold for building your visual fluency and response timing with professional guidance😊.

Until then, stay alert, stay grounded, and stay safe.