Here’s how to protect yourself during dog attacks in Metro Detroit

DETROIT – Harold Phillips, 35, died last Friday, just days after he was attacked by three pit bull mix dogs while walking from a bus stop on Detroit’s west side.

Detroit Animal Control and Care said the three dogs got out of a fenced yard, and that ultimately led to the father of six and husband being taken away from his family.

“It’s incredibly tragic,” said Certified Dog Trainer and Certified K-9 Behavior Consultant Ash Rose.

Rose, with My Sidekick Dog Training, said there are ways to protect yourself from a dog attack.

“If you think you are about to be attacked by a dog, you don’t want to run or yell,” Rose said. “You want to move slowly and calmly. Use non-threatening body language to communicate you are not a threat to the dog.”

Rose also suggested moving to higher ground, like a car, to escape a dog attack.

If a dog is actively attacking you, Rose said yelling or hitting the dog could make the attack worse.

The best thing you can do is stay on your feet, Rose said.

“If you have anything that you can put towards the dog to give them to bite, your coat, or a bag, anything you can put in a dog’s mouth, they will bite what’s closest to their face first,” Rose said.

Rose said fatal dog attacks are rare, but being prepared is good.

Rose said she carries a pet corrector, which makes a sound that could scare a dog away, and a bite stick to pry open the dog’s jaws if they are latched on.

The three dogs involved in the death of Phillips have been euthanized. The dogs’ owners were given several citations as well.

Rose said dog owners need to be more responsible and proactive to prevent a dog attack from happening.

—> Previous report: Father attacked by dogs at bus stop on Detroit’s west side

The following video is a report from Feb. 1, 2024: