Kids Are Home for the Holidays**
•  With children around, the risk of unintentional dog escapes increases, as they might inadvertently let the dog out while you’re on the property.

An Increase in Dogs in Your Service Areas
• The holiday season brings friends and family visiting with their dogs, which means you’ll encounter more dogs in the yards you service.

Unpredictable Behavior of Visiting Dogs
• It’s crucial to remember that you cannot predict how these visiting dogs will react when interacting with your customers’ pets.

Potential Dangers Posed by Children
• Children might come outside with an aggressive dog, escalating the risk of a dangerous encounter.

Always Carry a Protective Tool
• Dogs instinctively bite whatever they encounter first. For your safety, always carry a protective item, such as a dog stick or a pop action umbrella, instead of using your hands, arms, or legs. This is especially important near major arteries, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Other effective makeshift shields could include a garbage lid, lawn chair, rake, or any nearby object.
• Being prepared is vital, always carry something for protection; you never know when an aggressive dog might show up!
Stay Alert to Your Surroundings, Situational Awareness!
• From the moment you exit your vehicle, be vigilant and aware of your surroundings to identify any potential dangers.

Essential Advice for Customers
• Increased Risk When Families Are Present
• Employee safety is at its most vulnerable when families are at home.
• With everyone under one roof for the holidays, dogs often become more alert and may exhibit increased confidence and aggression in the presence of their family.

Secure Your Dog for Everyone’s Safety
• To protect your assets and the well-being of your employees, keep your dog secured in a separate room until the employee has left. Keep in mind that many attorneys specialize in dog bite cases; these cases are often straightforward to win and can typically be easily settled with your insurance company.

Understanding Legal Implications
• Be aware that many companies support employees in civil lawsuits for workers’ compensation claims related to injuries sustained on the job.

Update your signs from “Beware of Dog” to “Dog Is Present.
• Reconsider Your Warning Signs
• This simple change can protect you legally, as “Beware of Dog” may be seen as an admission of potential aggression, implying that you are aware your dog may bite. Be proactive in safeguarding your interests.