People frequently brand the Pit Bull as a “dangerous dog breed.” But knowing how to stop a pit bull attack—and using those same strategies with any dog—can help protect you and your loved ones from harm. The potential for a pit bull attack, or any dog attack, often arises when dogs are mistreated, poorly trained, or provoked.
While many believe there’s no such thing as a bad dog breed—just bad owners—the fact remains that some breeds have the size and strength to cause serious injuries if they do become aggressive. That’s why it’s essential to understand the risks and apply these tips to any dog, no matter the breed, to stay safer around all kinds of dogs.
Are Pit Bulls Aggressive?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pit Bulls accounted for 66% of dog bite-related fatalities in the United States between 2005 and 2019. That figure makes them potentially deadly, not merely dangerous.
“Sex differences do emerge from data on various types of aggression. Intact (unneutered) male dogs represented 90% of dogs presented to veterinary behaviorists for dominance aggression, the most commonly diagnosed type of aggression.”— American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Additionally, a study by the AAHA found that Pit Bulls were responsible for the highest number of dog bite injuries requiring emergency medical attention.
“Nearly five million people in the US are bitten by dogs each year. The most common victims are children, most of whom are bitten by family pets. But which breed bites the most? That’s hard to say, because according to a new study, ‘unknown’ tops the list.
“Pitbulls were responsible for the highest percentage of reported bites by a specific breed across all the studies (22.5%), followed by mixed breeds (21.2%), and German shepherds (17.8%).”—American Animal Hospital Association as dictated by Washington Injury.
🔥 Did You Know?
According to the CDC, Pit Bulls were involved in over 65% of dog bite-related fatalities in the U.S. between 2005 and 2019. And yet, many attacks happen in familiar places—often involving pets the victims know.
While not all pit bulls are dangerous or aggressive, their strength and powerful jaws can make them more capable of causing serious injury if they do attack. Like any dog, proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership are key to preventing problems. Still, it’s wise to stay alert and know the risks, especially when dealing with large, strong breeds.
How to Stop a Pit Bull Attack
When learning how to stop a pit bull attack, it is vital to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself.
Here are a few tips:
Be Cautious Around Unfamiliar Dogs
Even if a dog appears friendly, it is important to remember that any dog can be unpredictable. Be aware of your surroundings and the behavior of dogs you may encounter. It’s also a good practice to familiarize yourself with common body language and warning signs of an aggressive dog, such as growling, baring teeth, and raised hackles.
Never Approach a Tied-Up or Confined Pitbull
Do not approach a tied-up dog, as the dog may feel threatened and territorial. A cornered dog is likely to attack or become aggressive if approached.
Avoid Eye Contact With a Pit Bull
Avoid making direct eye contact with a pit bull or other large dog. Many dogs view direct eye contact as a challenge or a threat, especially pit bulls and other breeds that have a history of aggression. Instead, keep a close eye on the dog’s body language for clues as to how it may react.
Don’t Run
Don’t run or turn your back on a dog. Dogs are natural predators, and they may perceive running or turning your back as an act of prey.
Remain Calm
If an aggressive dog approaches you, remain calm and still. Do not make any sudden movements or loud noises. If possible, attempt to slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the dog and avoiding direct eye contact. Seek help where possible.
What to Do If a Pit Bull Attacks You
If a pit bull attacks you, here’s how to stop a pit bull attack quickly and effectively:
- Use a loud, commanding voice to try and get the dog to stop the attack. This can startle the dog and distract it from attacking. Yelling commands such as “stop” or “no” in a firm tone can help to interrupt the dog’s aggressive behavior.
- Protect your head and neck with your arms. This can help to reduce the severity of any potential injuries.
- Try to put something between you and the dog. Find an item to act as a barrier between you and the dog, such as a bag or a jacket, or pick up a large stick to help ward off the aggressive dog and make it more difficult for the dog to bite you.
- If you fall to the ground, curl into a ball and protect your face and throat with your hands. Try to remain still and quiet in this position until help arrives.
Now that you know what to do during a pitbull attack, here is what you can carry to help you in the moment..
Things to Carry As Protection Against a Pit Bull or Big Dog
The Pet Safe Spray Shield Animal Deterrent with Clip is an excellent safety device to carry when walking your dog or jogging. This citronella-based repellent is a safe and effective deterrent to defend you or your pet from a strange and possibly dangerous dog while walking or jogging.
Eighty-three percent of the 3,290 verified buyers rated Pet Safe with a four- or five-star review.
Likewise, the same measures you would use to fend off an attack by a human are effective against dogs. Pepper spray and tasers are effective in defending yourself against crazed dogs. Furthermore, dogs cannot take it away and use it against you as some humans can.
But what should you do if you’ve been attacked by a dog already?
What to Do After a Pit Bull Attack
Being attacked by a pit bull is a terrifying and traumatic experience. Knowing what to do afterward can help you recover physically, emotionally, and legally. Here’s how to take action:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can become serious if left untreated.
- Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, the location, and any damage.
- Report the attack. Contact the police and animal control to report the incident and help prevent future attacks.
- Talk to animal control or a dog trainer. If the dog is yours or you know the owner, work with professionals to address the behavior and prevent further incidents.
- Consider legal action. Consult a personal injury lawyer to hold the dog’s owner accountable and recover any costs related to your injuries.
- Take care of your mental health. Traumatic events like dog attacks can cause lasting fear and anxiety. If it’s interfering with your life, reach out to a therapist for help. If you seek further reading on dealing with the aftermath of a scary incident, check out our article: How to Care for Your Mental Health After an Attack.
Sometimes a dog bite can happen unexpectedly. Knowing how to treat it quickly can make all the difference before medical help arrives.
Dog Bite First Aid: How to Treat a Bite Before Help Arrives
Even a minor dog bite can lead to infections or complications if not treated properly. Knowing how to treat a dog bite quickly can make a big difference while waiting for medical help.
Here’s what to do right away:
- Stay calm. Try not to panic. Getting anxious can make bleeding worse.
- Wash the wound. Rinse the bite area with clean, running water for at least 5 minutes. Use mild soap if possible.
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding. Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply gentle pressure until the bleeding slows down.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment. If you have it, apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream or ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
- Cover the wound. Use a sterile bandage or clean gauze to cover the bite.
- Seek medical attention. Even small bites can become infected, so it’s important to have a doctor check it out.
If the bite is severe or if you notice signs of infection—like redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain—get professional medical help right away.
Knowing how to respond after an attack is just as important as knowing how to prevent one. Let’s wrap things up with a final look at how these tips can help you handle any dangerous dog breed.
Beyond Pit Bulls: Stay Safe from Any Aggressive Dog
In conclusion, pit bull attacks can cause serious injuries or even death, but knowing how to stop a pit bull attack—and using these same strategies with any dog—can make a real difference in your safety. By staying aware of the potential risks and learning how to react, you can better protect yourself and others.
If a dangerous dog has attacked you, seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to the police and animal control, and take steps to prevent future attacks. Remember, knowledge and preparation are your best defense against any dog attack.
Which is why reading up on the subject is so important, so if you’re looking for further reading, this article from Briefly with 3 important tips to prevent a pit bull attack has some great tips as well!
Have questions, thoughts, or your own experiences to share? Drop a comment below—your story might help someone else stay safe too! 🐾
Be aware, and stay safe!
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