How can you tell if a dog is just barking or intends to bite you?
Ace asked:
I just started a job with the electric company as a meter reader, which frequently requires me to go into people’s back yards, dogs or not. For some reason dogs have always liked me, even shy or usually aggressive ones. However I’m know that some dogs are going to bite no matter what. I’m sure every dog is different and that there’s no hard and fast rule, but generally speaking what are some signs that a dog isn’t just all bark and no bite? And is there anything you can do to discourage them? Thanks!
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I just started a job with the electric company as a meter reader, which frequently requires me to go into people’s back yards, dogs or not. For some reason dogs have always liked me, even shy or usually aggressive ones. However I’m know that some dogs are going to bite no matter what. I’m sure every dog is different and that there’s no hard and fast rule, but generally speaking what are some signs that a dog isn’t just all bark and no bite? And is there anything you can do to discourage them? Thanks!
June 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 am
Get a spray bottle full of bleach and spray. That’ll scare ‘em away. MM
June 5th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
If the ears are laid back against the head, it’s a tell tale sign the dog is in bite/protect mode.
I’d suggest ringing the doorbell and asking the people nicely to put their dog up while you do your job. Maybe try carrying some cheap dog treats with you? rockstar[6 July 2009!]
June 6th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
There is really no way to tell unless they just up and bite you. You can, however, carry pepper spray to deter them which you can get at any ammo store. A taser would work as well, but check to make sure its legal for you to carry before you do this. Usually the pepper spray is enough, but there are some that just take more to put down.
Carry some dog biscuits or dog treats and leave them behind. The dogs you have to deal with will then learn to associate your arrival with the treats and will behave since they want that treat. Kimmy3
June 9th, 2010 at 11:00 am
When approaching dogs, stand sideways, don’t look them in the eye and don’t make sudden movements. Let them know you’re the submissive one and don’t mean any harm. Other than that, ignore them. Approaching them head on, looking them in the face is a display of dominance. Euphoria
June 11th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The subtleties of a dogs body language is way too complex to explain in a few words. Ears up or down, tail wagging or not, haired up or not, barking or not doesn’t really give you a clear enough explanation. Many dogs appear that they are trying to kill you, when in reality, staring them directly in the eye and yelling at them will run them off. It would probably take a few years looking at dogs one after another, 12 hours a day, 6 days a week for you to look at one and determine it’s motives. The majority of untrained dogs would prefer to run away, or bite you when you turn your back. You see it time and time again in here when people say, “He’ll protect me to the death”….normally, this means he puts on a big show, but would choke in the end and run away. If you however are scared enough to try to run, he’ll be glad to chase you and bite from behind. Dutchman