When you work in a job where you’re constantly in and out of other people’s homes, you start to notice a few things. One of them? Dogs. And let me tell you, the ones that don’t bite seem to cause the most trouble. Ever been chased by a dog that’s “just being friendly”? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a random growl or a full-on sprint towards your legs, it happens way too often. Here’s the thing though—it’s not the dog’s fault. Most of the time, it’s the owner who just doesn’t understand that their dog might not always be as friendly as they think.
The Fine Line Between “Friendly” and “Dangerous”
We’ve all heard it before, right? The reassuring words from a homeowner: “Oh, don’t worry, my dog doesn’t bite.” Maybe they even add a little chuckle for good measure, but that doesn’t always ease the nervous feeling creeping up your spine when you’re dropping off a package, or, heaven forbid, the dog decides you’re the new best friend and wants to play a little too aggressively. I mean, sure, it’s nice that the dog isn’t out for blood, but when their enthusiasm leads to a chase, it can quickly become dangerous.
You know what? It’s not even about being scared of dogs. It’s about staying safe. There’s a lot of space between “this dog doesn’t bite” and “this dog could seriously hurt someone.” So, when people say their dog’s friendly, sometimes that’s the last thing on your mind if you’re not sure whether their definition of “friendly” means a soft nudge or an enthusiastic dive at your legs.
Personal Safety vs. The Package: A Constant Tug of War
Let’s get something straight: no package is worth putting your safety at risk. And yet, when you’re in the middle of your route, trying to deliver one package after another, some people seem to forget that their dog is still learning boundaries—or hasn’t learned them at all. You know how it goes: you ring the doorbell, set the package down, and bam—there it is. The dog comes charging out of nowhere.
There’s a lot of talk among rural carriers about how to handle this, too. Many carriers have shared stories of dogs charging at them so frequently, it’s almost like a part of their route. One thing that’s come up more than once? The importance of those “dog letters.” You know, the ones where the homeowner is supposed to acknowledge that they understand their dog can be a safety risk? It’s all about making sure both parties—carrier and dog—are on the same page before the interaction even begins.
You Can’t Control Every Dog, But You Can Train Your Own
Patience and training: two key things that could save both you and your furry friend from a bad situation. I mean, I get it. Not every dog is a “good boy” 100% of the time. But training goes a long way in making sure that the dog isn’t lunging at your legs or running into traffic every time someone rings the doorbell. My 10-week-old puppy is proof that it can be done—when she hears a snap of my fingers, she stops everything, sits, and waits. No chaos. No surprise sprints. Just calm.
So, here’s the big question: why doesn’t everyone train their dog? Some people just don’t know where to start. Others might have that “my dog is fine” mentality, but we all know that the consequences of an uncontrolled dog can go beyond just a harmless nip.
Not All Dogs Are Like This, But Some Owners Don’t See the Signs
Let me take a quick detour. Not all dogs are this intense, right? I’ve encountered dogs who are as gentle as can be, like a beagle I used to know. The dog wouldn’t bite you in a million years. But the problem is, owners can’t always gauge how their dog reacts in the moment. The same dog that seems chill one day might decide to take a chunk out of your leg the next.
It’s not always about the dog being “bad.” Sometimes, it’s about the fact that the owner didn’t see the signs. A friendly dog doesn’t necessarily know the difference between excitement and aggression, especially when it comes to unexpected encounters like a delivery person just trying to do their job. That’s where the gap in understanding happens, and it can lead to dangerous situations.
The Reality: More Likely to Get Bit by People Than Dogs
Here’s a wild but true thought: sometimes, people on your route are more of a threat than their dogs. I know, crazy, right? But think about it: it’s not just the dogs that are out of control. It’s also the humans who don’t take responsibility for their pets or communicate about potential hazards. I’ve had my fair share of tense moments where, instead of apologizing for the dog’s behavior, homeowners just stare blankly when I’m nearly knocked over by their four-legged friend.
You’ve probably been there too. Someone’s dog comes out running, and instead of a “sorry” or a “my dog’s friendly,” all you get is a shrug and a hurried grab for the package. It’s as if they expect you to just deal with it without a second thought. In those moments, it’s hard not to feel like the person doesn’t even understand the responsibility that comes with having a dog.
Standing Your Ground: No Package is Worth Your Safety
For those of us in this line of work—whether we’re rural carriers or anyone else delivering packages or services—the key takeaway is this: your safety should never be sacrificed. When it comes to dogs, you have to be firm and take control of the situation. If you feel like a dog is a threat, you have every right to refuse delivery. No amount of mail or packages is worth putting yourself in harm’s way.
And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. In my 25+ years of experience, every manager I’ve worked with has always supported my decision to put safety first—no matter what. No package is worth being bitten, chased, or cornered.
The Takeaway: Training, Patience, and Communication Are Key
At the end of the day, it’s all about setting boundaries—for both you and your dog.
As a pet owner, take the time to train your dog. Learn to read their body language and make sure they’re safe around strangers. As a carrier, take a moment to assess the situation before you get too close. And, remember: if a dog looks like it’s about to chase you down, it’s okay to step back and wait until it’s safe.
So, next time you’re out there delivering, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and remember: you deserve to feel safe while doing your job—just as much as the dog deserves to feel safe at home.