Letter Carriers Bite Back on Eyewitness News Channel 7

THE LONG BEACH PRESS TELEGRAM

More than 4.7 million people are attacked and bitten by dogs each year. Because thousands of those victims are letter carriers, the U.S. Postal Service and some officials have decided to bite back.
Under the watchful eyes of about 100 postal workers, Luciano "Lucky" Aguilar, owner and head trainer at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Los Angeles, demonstrated a dog attack at the Spring Carrier Annex in Long Beach on Friday.
With 3-year-old Hurricane, a pitbull rescued from hurricane Katrina, and Ajax, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, Aguilar showed the proper actions a mail carrier should take if attacked and to avoid being attacked.
"The thing I hope they (carriers) take away from this is that maybe it's something they are doing that is provoking the dogs," Aguilar said.
Carriers should never show fear and use their satchels as a barrier, he said.
"Also, be aware of your surroundings. You get comfortable, and you put yourself at risk. You never know what's going on and the more distracted you are, the less you are aware of your surroundings."
But, it's not just carriers who need to be alert.
"I think owners need to be aware, take responsibility and take an active role in educating their dogs," said Aguilar. "A dog has a mind and can think and learn different things. They can think to do right or wrong. If we just leave them in the yard then they are going to do wrong. Everybody wants to call them their baby, but nobody wants to take an active role in teaching them right from wrong."

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• united
• states
• post
• office
• dog
• attacks
• pit
• bulls
• rottweilers
• german
• shepards
• malinois
• bite
• aggressive

[5050Judy]

I was the one wearing the suit! it was fun! I have been bitten 4 times and still love dogs!1

[iamcondescending]

you know what every dog attack can be traced back to a bad owner or someone doing something stupid its never the dogs fault all a dog ever wants is to be loved and paid attention to and you can take that to the bank

[Brent376]

I have used Halt Dog Repellent since 1994 and it has worked everytime.

[LoadedSS]

lol

[komjong]

Simple solution. Carry a few porkchops in your back pocket. the way to a dogs heart is between those sharp teeth and to its stomach.

[ThePrimeSpotcom]

I've never had to use dog spray.

My satchel and a high-pitched voice that seems to CONFUSE the dog(s) have gotten me out of trouble.

No matter how big they are, I talk to them like they are tiny tiny furballs and so far it has worked!

KaRi

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