Working As A Delivery Driver? How To Deal With Aggressive Dogs

If you have taken a job as a delivery driver for the first time, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all of the requirements of the job as well as all of the issues that you may need to deal with on a daily basis in your capacity as a delivery driver. One of the concerns that you may have about your new job is the issue of aggressive dogs in the yards or the homes that you are visiting in the course of making your daily deliveries. If you are worried about the possibility of aggressive dogs or you have already encountered them and are still unsure of what to do, get to know some of the ways that you should deal with aggressive dogs so that you can feel safer while performing your job duties.

Know That Barking Dogs Are Not Always Aggressive Dogs

When you are out on deliveries, it can be very easy to assume of feel that any dog that barks at you is being aggressive, but this is not necessarily the case. Just because a dog barks does not mean it is in attack mode and would cause harm if it comes into contact with you. However, if you show any signs of aggression toward the dog or act afraid, their basic demeanor may become more aggressive. So, keep in mind, that your behavior and demeanor may also trigger certain reactions in the dogs that you encounter.

Know The Signs Of Canine Aggression

Dogs, unlike people, are not mysterious in the signs that they give when they are upset. Barking is a sign that they are unhappy or unsure of a situation. However, barking is the way that dogs most often vocalize or communicate and cannot be the only sign that you rely on as previously mentioned.

If a dog is being aggressive, they are more likely to snarl and growl in addition to barking. They will also bare their teeth which is essentially a sign that they are strong and willing to fight if necessarily. Dogs that are aggressive also tend to couch low so that they can spring forward or pounce more easily and readily.

And, of course, if a dog has a line of raised fur going down its spine, they are instinctively trying to make themselves look larger and more intimidating. This is a clear sign that they perceive you as a threat and may react aggressively.

Know How to Handle Canine Aggression

When you come across a dog that is clearly being aggressive, you will need to know how to react. First and foremost, do not try to sprint or run away from an aggressive dog. Even if you are almost sure you could get to the fence or your truck before they catch you, running away is dangerous and will trigger a dog's aggressive instincts even further as they may perceive you as prey.

Instead, stand your ground and do not move any closer to the dog. If they do not seem to be making any move toward you, simply back up slowly without turning your back to the dog (which would make your vulnerable). Keep your eyes on the dog at all times as you move away and only turn away once there is no way for the dog to get to you.

However, sometimes you can do everything right but the dog will still try to attack. This is why you should carry pepper spray like Sound Defense with you as a form of protection to deal with a dog that attempts to actually attack. Keep it on your person at all times and make sure it is easy to grab and use quickly.

With these tips in mind, you can better deal with aggressive dogs while you are out for deliveries.

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