Toronto woman speaks out after vicious dog attack Here's how to protect yourself in just such a scenario, according to an expert

A Toronto woman is speaking out after being viciously attacked by two dogs last week and left with “life-changing” injuries.

Anita Brown spoke to reporters about the story that changed her forever.

“I'm on the ground, huddled under my jacket and praying. I see my daughter, she is beating me with two dogs on my head and side,'' he said in an interview with Global News wearing a white bandage.

READ MORE: Toronto police issue safety alert after woman suffers life-changing injuries in dog attack

A woman living in Toronto's Rexdale neighborhood was attacked by two dogs, biting and tearing at her face and arm, breaking her arm. The dogs were off leash and the owner was nowhere to be found.

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The dogs, which police described as black and white pit bull terriers or a similar breed, bit and mauled his face. He fell to the ground and injured his hand after breaking it.

It all happened last Wednesday night when Brown was told he was waiting at a bus stop on the west side until 9 p.m. That's when he saw two dogs running towards him before pausing and slowly attacking him. They are off leash and owned by no one.

After the attack, she said she lost feeling in her hand and feared it was gone, but thankfully, she regained feeling in her hand.

Police have released photos of both dogs and are asking the public to help them locate them.

HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF POTENTIAL DOGS

According to renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell and described by Brown, the first sign of trouble before a dog attacks is when it freezes or slows down, which involves a moment of tension in which the dog's body stiffens.

“A dog about to attack slows down to give it time to think about whether to attack or walk away. “They are looking at the distance they have to cover to reach their goal and how to get in and out with the least amount of injury,” Stilwell writes on his Positive blog.

She shares that if a dog's barking sound changes, or if he growls loudly while baring his teeth and drooling, it's best to take the following steps.

WHAT TO DO TO AVOID AN ATTACK

Stillwell says your best bet is to avoid eye contact and keep your head down when looking away from the dog.

“Slowly turn your body to the side, but do not turn your back to the dog. Stand still with your arms crossed over your chest. Do not talk to the dog, do not shout,” he writes.

After all these steps are taken and the dog is still, he slowly backs away and tells him not to run.

And if you're not too scared, you can give the dog a treat or throw an object to the side to get the dog's attention.

WHAT IF THE DOG IS ON ME?

During the attack, Brown said he was held close to his body as he lay on the ground, something Stilwell gave his stamp of approval.

“If you're on the ground, slowly bend your knees into a ball, clasping your hands behind your neck to protect your head and throat. Resist yelling or fighting back. If a dog reaches the point of attacking, they stop thinking and just act. So they will fight until they feel you are no longer a threat. If you are calm and composed, you will no longer be in danger and they will stop.”

CAN DOG FARMING PROFIT?

Most people always carry animal repellant, including dog, bear and coyote spray, among others.

However, Stilwell believes it could do more harm than good.

“If the dog hasn't attacked you yet, spraying it with pepper spray can cause an explosion. As always, responding to aggression with aggression only makes things worse,” he said.

For more tips on how to best protect yourself, click here.