Tips for Dealing with Unfamiliar Dogs at Showings - REALTOR® Safety - REALTOR® Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale

All REALTORS^® come across this situation: You let yourself and your client into an empty home, close the door, and turn to find a large, silent dog watching you. What do you do?

Remember, even if you are a dog-lover and comfortable around these animals, you are intruding on the dog's territory and may be seen as a threat.

Your best defense is to always ask clients if they own dogs and if so, what they plan to do with the dog or dogs during showings. Discuss how friendly the pets are with strangers, including children. If your clients have reason to believe their dog will react to strangers entering the home, ask that they lock the dog in a certain room or make arrangements to keep the dog off site if they cannot be present to control the dog.

Even with these precautions, you may occasionally find yourself face-to-face with a strange dog. Here are some tips on how to handle this situation:

Try to leave the home as quickly as you can do so safely.
Never approach an unfamiliar dog. If the dog approaches you, stand still. If the dog appears friendly -head and ears up, tail wagging-let it sniff you and speak to it in a soothing voice.
Don't look an unfamiliar dog in the eye; dogs see this as aggressive behavior. Don't run or scream; you cannot outrun a dog-even a big, heavy slow dog like a Rottweiler.
If the dog is growling, has bared its teeth and otherwise gives you reason to believe it is aggressive, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a briefcase or coat. Slowly back away. If the dog starts to circle you, turn with it rather than letting it get behind you.
Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. And never play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
If a dog knocks you over, your best defense is to roll into a ball, cover your face or neck and stay still.

If You Are Bitten

You should seek medical attention for a dog bite immediately. For minor bites, you should be able to control the bleeding with cold water and/or pressure, and wash the area of the bite thoroughly with soap and water.

Because serious dog bites can cause permanent scarring, ask emergency room personnel for a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This ensures that the doctor is uniquely qualified to perform reconstructive and cosmetic procedures on the face and all areas of the body.

(Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, "How to Defend Yourself against a Dog Attack" by Adam Katz and "Preventing and Surviving Dog Attacks" by Cheryl Morrissette)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS'^® 2006 REALTOR^® Safety Week Kit.