• Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
• If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.
• People choosing to pet dogs should obtain permission from the owner first and always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.
• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
Have you ever been bitten? Got any other tips you can add? Comment here.
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| Photo by Lorna Hunter |
12 comments:
I carried for 3 years and fortunately was never bitten, but know people who have. Most of my customers kept their dogs confined during delivery times.
Most dogs are very conditiioned to the term 'No!' when delivered in an emphatic, serious voice.
Sometimes this can prevent an attack, most times it will cause the dog to hesitate long enough to get a 'shield'in place.
Once, when I was trying to seperate a neighbors dog that was mating with mine. They were stuck together. By the way, throwing water on them dosen't work. I found out later that it's quite common for dogs to become "stuck".
If the dog is already in "attack mode" A Strong "NO" may work but don't count on it. My uncle trains police dogs for attack. A large dog's first run is not to bit but to knock you off your feet. Be sure to plant your feet and prepare your satchel to protect your arms and neck. If the dog is an "ankle biter" small again try the "NO" it will probably be more than enough to stop the dog and you can slowly back away. No quick moves no other conversation with the dog-just "NO".
I was never bitten, but was "stalked" by a dog who followed me around my delivery loop, stopping a short distance behind me each time I stopped. But my Grandbaby was bitten by my own dog! That confirmed for me, once and for all, that all dogs will bite, under certain circumstances, so precautions need to be taken. In my Grandson's case, he had shown an interest in the dog's feeding dish, into which someone had put some leftover French fries.
As a Rural Carrier I was bitten twice. I was "heeled" by a Queensland Heeler as I left his yard and I was nipped by a Dachshund who was hiding under a car. I can't even remember how many customers told me "Don't be afraid, my dog won't bite" or made fun of me for leaving a notice instead of their parcel when their dog was loose. I know their dog doesn't bite them, but mail carriers are a whole different deal. I once took a picture of a snarling, growling dog through my window so I could show the owner what his "sweet" dog looked like when I drove in his yard. He was very surprised!
My dogs have never bit anyone, but I take precautions so they wont. I have my carrier leave my packages at the post office because I know his job in on the line if he does get bit. I would hate for him to lose his job because I said "my dogs wont bite" because you never know!
Don't act scared if you see a dog, he can sence that you are scared and will want to attack, just walk by slowly and pretend you don't see him, if he starts chasing you, try to get down low and put your hands over your ears with your elbows in front of your face to protect your face and try to be very still. If he doesn't see you as a threat he may leave. Don't scream or run or try hitting a dog with anything. It may make things worse.
I thought I had no problem with dogs, until one day a lady met me by her mail box with her nice quiet dog. I handed her the mail, the dog took my hand in his mouth.
Don't even trust a dog you have known for a long time. Both my husband and I were bitten in the face by my father-in-law's "dear dog," whom he held up to greet us.
A dog that is normally friendly can be a different animal if there are kids (or adults) in the yard. They can be very protective. Also, as a rural carrier, a dog can be ok until I go to dismount from my car. He doesn't perceive me as a threat as long as I stay in the car.
Always believe a beware of dog sign.
We have a small dog who is usually very friendly with people. But, one day an acquaintance came to our house, and our dog just barked and growled at her. There was something about her that he didn't like, and we couldn't figure out what it was. He had never done it before and hasn't done it since, but it just goes to show that you can't predict an animal's instinct.
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