Written by Tanya Terry
More than 5,400 postal employees were attacked by dogs in the United States in 2021, according to information provided by the United States Postal Service.
Ron Hippensteel, postmaster-Flint, shared with the Courier that in one recent dog bite case involving a local postal worker, the homeowner had the dog inside of the home while the mail carrier delivered the mail. Afterwards, the homeowner let the dog outside, and the mail carrier was attacked from behind. Due to the severity of her injury, the mail carrier continues to receive medical treatment, according to Hippensteel. Hippensteel noted that in addition to the immense physical pain she has been having to endure, there is an emotional aspect that employees in these situations can go through as well.
During a recent training presentation held at the Flint Post Office on Boulevard Dr., Hector Hernandez shared the importance of not wearing headphones and remaining aware of one’s surroundings in case one is attacked from behind by a dog or is in another similar situation.
Alex Stubbs, district safety coordinator-Leonard, Michigan, also shared with the Courier that in another dog attack, a mail carrier who was fairly new received a bite on her finger after being attacked by a white pit bull as she was going out the driveway. The pit bull had tore itself from underneath a chain-link fence. Stubbs note the employee’s injury could have been worse if the worker had not already received training from Hernandez.
“She put her satchel in front of her and she was instructed by Mr. Hernandez, allowing her to safeguard herself,” Stubbs explained.
Doing so was in line with the training Hernandez provided. In the technique, the dog is distracted by the satchel and will move towards it instead of the mail carrier.
Although Hernandez stated although those who are not representing a company or organization can be even more protective than those who do, he said the general public can utilize most of the techniques and tips he offered for avoiding injuries during attacks from dogs in his July 11 training session.
“Look at the dog,” Hernandez advised. “Walk backwards. Get out of there. It could be on video. You represent a company…”
He said pepper spray and dog horns can be used.
“Make sure that you notify the homeowner, or somebody notify the homeowner that you pepper sprayed them to avoid retaliation,” Hernandez added.
According to Hernandez, friendly body language can include the dogs’ whole body moving and dogs’ mouths opening and closing. However even a dog with friendly body language should not be approached by a postal worker or a stranger.
Dangerous body language includes direct eye contact (tunnel vision) and stiffening or freezing of the body.
Hernandez said giving dogs you don’t know treats is not a good idea because they may choke or be allergic to the treats.
“The best places to hit a dog is under the chin or on the ear if you have to-with your leg or punch them if you have to.”
He also said kicking a dog behind the neck is also often very effective.
When attacked by a pack of dogs, Hernandez suggest focusing on the alpha dog.
“The last thing to remember is tell the owner what you want, don’t ask them.”
Hernandez gave telling the owner they need to put their dog away as an example of this.
Hernandez allowed volunteers to get attacked by his own dog, Malo, a Dutch Shepherd, in a controlled environment, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of his techniques to the volunteers and other attendees.
Hernandez said that although postal workers have a right to be on their property when the homeowner is not there, not everyone is aware of this.
“We appreciate the information that was provided by Mr. Hernandez, not only to educate the public, but to educate our employees,” Stubbs said.
Hernandez has been doing dog attack prevention presentations for 22 years. He has visited 25 states and provided demonstrations for the postal service, utility workers, as well as police.
