German Shepherd Attacks Me – What Should I Do?

I never thought I’d be writing about this until it happened to me. Last month, I was walking through my neighborhood when a German Shepherd suddenly charged at me from behind a fence that had apparently been left open. In those terrifying moments, I realized I had no idea what to do.

After researching extensively and speaking with animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and dog trainers, I want to share what I’ve learned about handling German Shepherd attacks – both in the moment and afterward.

What I Learned About German Shepherds and Aggression

German Shepherds are naturally protective dogs, bred for guarding and police work. When I researched after my incident, I discovered that most “attacks” aren’t random acts of aggression. They’re usually territorial responses, fear-based reactions, or protective behaviors gone wrong. Understanding this helped me process what happened and prepare for the future.

The key thing I learned is that German Shepherds rarely attack without warning signs. I just hadn’t known what to look for.

What I Should Have Done During the Attack (And What You Should Do)

Looking back, I made several mistakes during my encounter. Here’s what I wish I had known:

Stay Calm and Don’t Run

I’ll admit it – my first instinct was to run. This was exactly the wrong thing to do. Running triggers a dog’s chase instinct and can escalate the situation dramatically. Instead, I should have:

• Remained as still as possible
• Avoided direct eye contact (which dogs interpret as a challenge)
• Kept my hands visible and moved slowly
• Spoken in a calm, low voice

Use Your Body Language Wisely

I now know that how I position my body matters enormously. If I face a similar situation again, I’ll:

• Turn slightly sideways rather than face the dog head-on
• Make myself appear larger by slowly raising my arms
• Back away slowly while keeping the dog in my peripheral vision
• Never turn my back on an aggressive dog

What to Do If Physical Contact Becomes Unavoidable

If a German Shepherd actually makes contact, I’ve learned these critical techniques:

• Protect my face, neck, and torso by curling into a ball
• Use anything available (jacket, bag, stick) as a barrier
• If knocked down, stay down and protect my vital areas
• Never try to grab the dog’s collar or mouth

Immediate Steps I Took After the Attack

Even though my encounter ended without serious injury, I learned there are crucial steps to take immediately after any dog attack:

Document Everything

I took photos of my torn clothing and minor scratches, even though they seemed insignificant at the time. I also wrote down exactly what happened while the details were fresh in my memory. This documentation proved valuable when I filed a report.

Seek Medical Attention

I initially thought I was fine, but I’m glad I went to urgent care anyway. Even minor puncture wounds can become seriously infected. The medical professional cleaned the wounds properly and updated my tetanus shot.

Report the Incident

I contacted animal control within 24 hours. This wasn’t about getting the dog “in trouble” – it was about creating an official record and ensuring the incident was properly investigated. I learned that unreported incidents often lead to more serious attacks later.

Gather Information

I spoke with witnesses and got contact information for the dog’s owner. I also took photos of the area where the attack occurred, noting any broken fencing or other hazards that might have contributed to the situation.

Long-Term Actions I’m Taking

The attack affected me more than I initially realized. Here’s how I’m addressing the ongoing impact:

Working with Professionals

I’m seeing a counselor who specializes in trauma recovery. Even “minor” animal attacks can create lasting anxiety, and I don’t want that to control my life. I’m also taking a dog safety course offered by our local animal shelter.

Legal Considerations

I consulted with a personal injury attorney to understand my rights and options. While I decided not to pursue legal action in my case, I learned about important concepts like “strict liability” and “one bite rules” that vary by state.

Following Up on the Dog

I stayed in contact with animal control to ensure proper follow-up occurred. The dog in question underwent behavioral evaluation, and I learned the owner was required to improve their fencing and attend responsible ownership classes.

Prevention Strategies I Now Use

My experience taught me that prevention is infinitely better than reaction. Here’s what I do differently now:

When Walking in Neighborhoods

• I stay alert and aware of my surroundings
• I carry a small air horn for emergencies
• I avoid walking alone in areas with known aggressive dogs
• I research dog body language and warning signs

When Encountering Unknown Dogs

• I never approach dogs without permission from their owners
• I let dogs approach me rather than reaching toward them
• I watch for signs of stress or aggression: stiff posture, raised hackles, intense staring
• I trust my instincts – if something feels off, I remove myself from the situation

What I Want Other People to Know

If you find yourself facing an aggressive German Shepherd or any large dog, remember that your safety is the priority. Don’t worry about looking foolish or overreacting. I learned that most dog owners, even those whose dogs have behavioral issues, want to prevent incidents too.

I also discovered that many attacks are preventable through better communication between dog owners and the community. Since my incident, I’ve gotten to know the dog owners in my neighborhood better, and we look out for each other.

Resources That Helped Me

During my recovery and research process, I found these resources invaluable:

• The American Veterinary Medical Association’s guidelines on dog bite prevention
• Local animal behaviorist consultations
• Dog safety courses through community education programs
• Support groups for people who’ve experienced animal attacks

Moving Forward

My encounter with an aggressive German Shepherd was frightening, but it taught me valuable lessons about dog behavior, personal safety, and community responsibility. I’m more confident now because I’m better prepared. I know what warning signs to watch for, how to react appropriately, and what steps to take if prevention fails.

Most importantly, I learned that one negative experience shouldn’t define my relationship with dogs. German Shepherds can be wonderful, loyal companions when properly trained and socialized. My incident was the result of specific circumstances – not an indictment of the entire breed.

If you’ve experienced a similar situation, know that it’s normal to feel shaken, angry, or anxious afterward. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. With the right knowledge and preparation, we can all feel more confident and safe in our communities.

Remember: every situation is unique, and when in doubt, prioritize your safety above all else. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and don’t let fear control your life.