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Delivery drivers: animal safety and preventing dog bites

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Delivery drivers often encounter animals while working, especially dogs. While many dogs may appear friendly, they can easily become aggressive in an instant. Some employers allow drivers to skip a delivery if a vicious dog is present, but it’s still important to know how to identify an unsafe situation and to respond quickly to a dog’s aggressive behavior.

Signs of aggressive or fearful behavior

  • Growling 
  • Cowering or crouching
  • Furrowing brows with ears to the side
  • Raised hair on back and neck
  • Showing hypervigilance
  • Pacing
  • Hiding or moving away from you

What to do if a dog exhibits aggressive behavior

  • Avoid prolonged eye contact, but ensure they stay in your line of sight 
  • Put the package between you and the dog, if possible
  • Back away slowly, confidently, and calmly, but never turn your back
  • Don’t make any sudden movements or loud or high-pitched sounds
  • Never run away

Prevent dog bites

  • Never assume a dog is friendly, even if you have positive history with them
  • Look for common hiding places (under cars, hedges, on porches)
  • Be alert to dog warning signs
  • Rattle the gate before entering a fenced-in yard
  • Try not to startle or bother a dog
  • Do not initiate contact with a dog, either through petting or feeding

Takeaways

  • Scan your environment and look for signs of a dog
  • Always assume the dog could exhibit dangerous behavior
  • If confronted with an aggressive dog, back away slowly and calmly, avoiding sudden movements and loud noises (NEVER turn and run!)


For more on this topic, visit saif.com/deliverydrivers.