MEAN DOGS & MARTIAL ARTISTS

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF

- SAM HONNOLD

The moment we’re confronted by a snarling, barking dog, a primal fear awakens in us. It is what prompts many people to claim that confronting a canine unarmed is a losing proposition. That may be true for some people but not necessarily for martial artists.

Because martial artists train to address any threat, they — along with others who are interested in self-defense — no doubt will regard dog attacks as a possibility to prepare for. Like other threats, aggressive canines must be studied so the martial arts skills that have the highest likelihood of working can be applied if the worst comes to pass.

Before we begin, it should be noted that most experts regard a firearm as the best remedy for aggressive dogs, but it is not always practicable — or advisable — to shift to the highest end of the force continuum. A yappy ankle-biter might weigh as much as a football, and a skilled karateka could launch such an aggressor over a goal post (not that this is recommended). In the case of both the gun and the front kick, however, defending oneself against the resulting cruelty-to-animals charge could cost $250,000, according to CCWSafe.com. Yes, you might be able to prove that such force was justified, but the martial arts skills you already possess likely can get you out of the pickle with a lot less hassle and collateral damage.

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZE DOGS 

Problem: These pets pose the majority of canine threats in modern America. They are easy to defeat with basic martial arts skills — but first, you should know that if you actually kick an attacking dog, it probably will mark the end of your friendship with the owner. For that reason, it’s best to avoid this course of action.