Dog Attack Safety Tips for Carriers

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a public service campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased owner responsibility in the prevention of dog attacks.

From nips and bites to vicious attacks, aggressive dog behavior poses a serious threat to our employees.

Make an effort every day to do the following:  

• Carry dog repellent.
• Update Dog Warning cards, if necessary. The safety of your coworkers starts with you.
• Take messages on your Mobile Delivery Device (MDD) seriously when you receive an alert about hazards, such as dogs, on your route.
• Report any dog incidents, i.e. close calls, to your supervisor. An "almost bite" today could be a "bite" tomorrow.

Remember these simple rules: 

• If approached by a dog, resist the impulse to scream and run away. Running will trigger a chase response.
• Remain still, place your satchel between you and the dog, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
• Once the dog has calmed down, back away. Do not turn your back on a dog because a fearful dog may unexpectedly bite.
• Be aware of your surroundings to protect yourself: Stay alert at all times, carefully observe the area, don't wear earbuds or Bluetooth devices that could affect your ability to hear what is going on around you.
• Be aware of common places dogs may hide, i.e. under parked cars, under hedges, or on porches.
• Rattle the gate before entering a fenced-in yard.

If you encounter a dog: 

• Never assume that a dog won't bite, even if it has been friendly in the past. Any dog can bite.
• Always keep your eye on the dog. Dogs are more likely to bite when you aren't  looking.
  
• Never startle a dog. If it is asleep, make some kind of non-startling noise, such as a soft whistling, or call its name if you know the dog. Do this before getting close to the dog to ensure time and space for an "out." Never reach out and pet the dog.
• Stand your ground. Turn and face the dog. Hold something like your satchel in front of you and slowly back away to ensure you don't stumble and fall. Never turn and run!
• Keep at least one full can of dog repellent spray within reach at all times. If a dog attacks, use the repellent to protect yourself. Before going on your route, make sure  your can has not expired.

Use these preventative measures:

No one likes a surprise, Fill out a Dog Warning card for your route so the information can be entered into the system and sent via MDD.

Notify your supervisor that there is an unresolved dog hazard that makes you fearful on the route.

Remember: Safety depends on you!

 

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a registered trademark of the American Veterinary Medical Association.