Staying Safe: A Delivery Driver's Guide to Handling Aggressive Dogs

Couriers face unique risks on the job, and encounters with aggressive dogs are among the most common—and dangerous. In 2024 alone, the U.S. Postal Service reported over 6,000 attacks on its employees. While USPS carriers bear much of the burden, Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and gig service drivers experience similar threats.

This guide provides practical, expert-backed strategies to recognise, de-escalate, and protect yourself from aggressive dogs—while still completing your deliveries safely.

Why Dogs Become Aggressive

Dogs don't wake up wanting to bite couriers. Aggression is usually a response to something in their environment. Understanding these triggers helps you avoid dangerous situations.

• Territorial behaviour: Your intrusion into their "home zone" triggers a protective response. The dog sees you as a threat to their territory and family.
• Fear-based aggression: Anxious or poorly socialised dogs may attack because they're scared. A timid dog that wasn't exposed to strangers will default to defensive behaviour.
• Protective instincts: Some breeds are naturally protective (Rottweilers, German Shepherds, pit bulls). This doesn't mean they're "evil"—it's genetic predisposition.
• Frustration: A dog on a chain or behind a fence may lunge aggressively out of frustration and confinement stress.
• Resource guarding: If a dog is protecting toys, food, or puppies, they may attack to defend those resources.

Even small or typically friendly breeds can bite under stress. Size doesn't determine danger—a Chihuahua bite might not cause serious injury, but a German Shepherd bite can.

Recognizing Aggressive Warning Signs

A dog doesn't go from calm to attacking instantly. There are observable warning signs. Learning to read these signals gives you crucial seconds to react safely.

• Stiff body posture: Rigid stance, raised hackles (hair on back and neck), and tense muscles signal aggression is imminent.
• Intense, fixed stare: A dog making hard eye contact with dilated pupils is escalating toward an attack.
• Raised or tucked tail: A raised tail shows confidence and potential dominance; a tucked tail shows fear, which can also trigger defensive biting.
• Growling or snarling: These vocalizations are last warnings. The dog is telling you to back away. Listen.
• Forward-leaning posture: If the dog's weight is shifted forward (ready to lunge), immediate action is needed.
• Bared teeth: This is not a "smile." It's a threat display indicating the dog is ready to bite.
• Ears pinned back or forward: Alert ears pinned forward suggest focus and aggression; backward ears show stress and fear.

Key Safety Strategies: Step-by-Step

1. Prevention First—Use Awareness

The best defense is avoiding the encounter entirely. As you approach a property:

• Look for dogs in yards before opening gates or fences
• Listen for barking or growling before you're within striking distance
• Avoid properties with warning signs like "Beware of Dog" or "Guard Dog on Duty"
• Knock or call out before entering—announce your presence to avoid surprising a dog
• If you see a loose dog, do not approach. Back away slowly toward your vehicle

2. If You Encounter a Dog—Stay Calm

Dogs can sense your fear and stress through body language and scent. Panic triggers predatory responses. Here's what to do:

• Don't run: Running triggers a chase response. A dog will catch you. Stand your ground or back away slowly.
• Maintain calm body language: Don't make sudden movements. Speak in a low, calm voice.
• Avoid direct eye contact: To a dog, staring can be a challenge. Look at the ground or periphery instead.
• Turn sideways: Make yourself a smaller target. Face the dog but angle your body.
• Use a commanding tone: Say "Go home" or "No" firmly. Sometimes confidence stops an attack.

3. Create a Physical Barrier

If the dog is advancing and you can't back away:

• Hold your delivery bag, package, or backpack in front of you as a shield
• Put the package between you and the dog if it attacks
• Use a jacket or sweater to wrap around your arm if bitten
• Create distance by moving toward your vehicle or a safe structure

4. Carry Protective Equipment (Where Legal)

Before carrying anything, check your local laws and your employer's policy. Options include:

• Dog deterrent spray: Legal in most areas and extremely effective. Spray into the dog's face if it attacks. Practice using it so you're familiar with the mechanism.
• Dog treats: Carry high-value dog treats. Tossing treats can distract an aggressive dog long enough for you to back away or enter the property.
• Whistle: A loud whistle can startle a dog and break its focus.
• Personal alarm: The sudden sound may frighten the dog away.

5. If You're Bitten—Act Fast

Dog bites can cause serious infections and trauma:

• Get to safety first: If the dog is still attacking, protect yourself and move away
• Clean the wound: Wash immediately with soap and water for at least 5 minutes
• Get medical attention: Even small puncture wounds can get infected. Seek professional care
• Report the incident: Notify animal control, your employer, and document everything for insurance
• Get rabies prophylaxis: If the dog's vaccination status is unknown, get post-exposure rabies prevention treatment

Technology & Tools That Help

Modern delivery apps are stepping up to help drivers stay safe around dogs.

Routed helps by letting you add custom notes to every stop (e.g., "Aggressive dog on property—leave at side gate" or "Friendly dog—may jump"). These notes sync across your team, so other drivers know what to expect. You can also mark properties with special handling instructions, reducing surprises and giving you time to prepare.

For more comprehensive safety practices, check our full guide on 10 essential safety tips for delivery drivers.