During the Attack:

• Stay Calm: This might be the hardest part, but staying calm will help you make the best decisions for your dog and yourself.
• Do Not Engage: Yelling or trying to physically intervene can escalate the situation. It’s best to focus on de-escalating and protecting your dog.
• Create a Barrier: Use your body, leash, purse, or any available object to create a physical barrier between your dog and the attacking dog.
• Distract the Other Dog (if safe): If possible, try to distract the attacking dog with a loud noise or object, such as clapping your hands or yelling “No!”
• Call for Help: Shout for help from bystanders or anyone nearby.

Once the Attack is Over:

• Assess the Situation: Check your dog for injuries as quickly and calmly as possible. Look for bleeding, bites, or signs of shock.
• Move to a Safe Location: If your dog is injured, move to a safe location where you can assess their condition further.
• Contact Emergency Personnel: Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may need to call animal control or seek veterinary help immediately.

Reporting the Attack:

• File a Police Report: Even if your dog seems okay, filing a police report will document the incident.
• Contact Animal Control: If the attacking dog’s owner is unknown, animal control can help identify them and enforce leash laws.
• Contact Your Service Dog Trainer: Your trainer can offer support and guidance as you navigate this stressful situation. They may also be able to help you with any necessary retraining after the attack.

Additional Tips:

• While not required, carry a Service Dog ID Card: Having this readily available can help educate bystanders on your dog’s legal status.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Try to avoid situations where your dog might encounter off-leash dogs or overly aggressive animals.
• Practice De-escalation Techniques: Train your dog to remain calm in potentially stressful situations, like encountering another dog.

Resources:

• The United States Service Dog Registry https://www.usservicedogregistry.org/
• The American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/
• The Association of Professional Dog Trainers: https://apdt.com/

Remember:

You and your service dog are a team. By staying calm and taking the right steps, you can protect your furry partner and keep them safe.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

We hope this information helps! If you’ve experienced a service dog attack, please share your story (anonymously if preferred) in the comments below. Let’s create a supportive community for service dog handlers.