Delivery drivers: animal safety and preventing dog bites

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.