You are delivering mail on your route and a dog you have never seen before runs toward you aggressively from an unfenced yard. What is the BEST action?

Dog encounters are one of the most common and serious hazards for mail carriers. USPS reports thousands of dog attacks on mail carriers each year.

Proper dog encounter protocol: (1) STOP: do not run — running triggers the dog's chase instinct and escalates the situation; (2) STAND GROUND: face the dog; do not turn your back; (3) USE REPELLENT: USPS issues dog repellent spray (pepper spray); use it if the dog is advancing aggressively; spray toward the dog's face at close range; (4) CREATE BARRIER: use your mail satchel, bag, or any available object between you and the dog; (5) BACK AWAY SLOWLY: once the dog stops advancing, back away slowly without turning; (6) DO NOT DELIVER: skip the address that day — you are not required to risk injury to deliver mail; (7) REPORT: report the hazard to your supervisor and the local postmaster immediately; the customer must be notified and must ensure the dog is secured before delivery resumes; (8) DOCUMENT: document the incident for safety records.

What not to do: approach an aggressive dog; enter an unfenced yard with a dog present; continue delivery past an aggressive dog; attempt to pet or calm an unfamiliar aggressive dog.

Legal protection: mail carriers are protected — property owners/renters are legally responsible for controlling their dogs; USPS has authority to suspend delivery until the hazard is resolved.

After a bite: immediately report to supervisor; seek medical attention; document the incident; follow USPS post-bite procedures.