There are millions of dogs across the country. In fact, dogs have been the most popular household pets for many years in the U.S. This is the case because they have many good qualities. They can be friendly, loyal and very welcoming.
Nonetheless, it is important to remember that dogs are animals, after all. They have a different biological makeup and instincts from humans. While dog attacks are rare, they do happen. What can you do when faced with such a situation? Should you run from an aggressive dog?
You can’t outrun them
Small breeds such as dachshunds may appear harmless, and they usually are. That being said, they still have very sharp teeth and powerful jaws. If they bite you, then you are going to know about it. Surprisingly, these short-legged breeds can also run at a fast pace. On average, Dachshunds can achieve 15-22 mph at top speed. This is much faster than the average human. Put simply, you just aren’t going to outrun even a smaller breed of dog.
Their instincts will kick in
If a dog barks at you when you approach, it may just be giving you a warning that it feels uncomfortable. In these scenarios, you’ll often have an opportunity to back away slowly. Sprinting away at speed will generally just make the dog more anxious, and they have a natural instinct to chase prey. This could kick in if you attempt to get away by running as fast as you can.
The onus is on owners to keep their dogs under control. If you have been bitten and injured, then you may be able to hold the owner to account. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options.