If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: A dog is a man’s best friend.
While this may be the case most of the time, don’t lose sight of the fact that dogs can be extremely dangerous. This holds true regardless of size or breed. For this reason, you must always be prepared if you come face to face with an aggressive dog.
The one thing you always want to remember is that a dog bite or attack can happen anywhere, at any time. So, if you spot a dog, even one that appears friendly, you should take steps to protect yourself.
Here are three times you should be on high alert:
- When visiting someone’s home you don’t know well: For example, if you’re making a delivery to someone’s home, pay close attention to any dogs on the property. If you’re concerned about your safety, get back in your vehicle and consider your options.
- When visiting a loved one’s home: This often leads you to let down your guard. You assume that nothing bad will happen because you know the person. However, it doesn’t mean their dog is friendly.
- When walking on the street: Maybe you’re walking to the mailbox. Maybe you’re taking a jog. As you move down the street, continue to scan for any loose dogs in the area.
All dogs have the potential to attack, so take extreme caution until you’re familiar with the animal. If this does happen, protect yourself, search for safety and receive medical treatment as soon as possible. You can eventually learn more about the attack, which will help you protect your legal rights.