Safety Tailgate: When Dogs and Arborists Meet

Navigating Dog Encounters for Arborists

By Jeff Thierbach, BCMAU, CTSP, RCA
Dawn Thierbach, Certified Arborist, CTSP, RCA
Margaret Hebert, Certified Arborist & Municipal Specialist, CTSP

Dogs are beloved family pets for many, but even the most well-trained dogs can feel frightened or threatened under certain circumstances. Arborists often encounter dogs on job sites, some of which may not be happy, friendly, or well-trained.

After learning about a line clearance company that had 52 dog bites reported in one year, Streamside Green, LLC recognized the importance of addressing this safety issue. Jeff Thierbach, as a Safety Director and Utility Specialist for many years, had encountered this problem first-hand. He decided not only to incorporate this into his safety meetings but also to conduct a webinar on the subject.

The webinar highlighted the widespread nature of the issue: a survey revealed that 100% of participants, instructors included, had encountered aggressive dogs and many had experienced bites.

This issue was important enough to the US Postal Service that it instituted a National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign. It might be time for arborists to pursue something similar. In the meantime, we offer this article as a starting point.

Understanding Dog Behavior

If there is a dog on the property, it likely already knows that you’re there. Dogs not only have better hearing and smell than humans, but their highly developed visual cortex gives them a greater ability to detect even the slightest motion. Whether you encounter a happy or aggressive dog, remember that you are on its territory. Fear, as well as protection of its home, people, or toys are just a couple of reasons that dogs can exhibit aggressive behaviors, and all can result in a bite.

If a barking, growling, snarling dog approaches you:

• Avoid eye contact. Dogs may interpret direct eye contact as a challenge.
• Do not run. Stand still, shake a hat or piece of clothing, and make loud noises while slowly backing away.
• Assume a defensive posture. Raise your knee to shield yourself and be ready to push the dog away. Use any available object, such as a stick, tool, or jacket, to protect yourself while retreating.

Breeds and Bite Force

An animal’s bite force is measured in psi (pounds per square inch). For reference, a lion’s bite force is around 650 psi and humans are around 162. To the right is a list of some common dog breeds with a strong bite force.

No matter the force, any dog bite is traumatic and can cause health complications if not treated properly. It can also result in lost time for the worker and is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reportable incident.

Preventing Dog Bites

General Guidelines for Arborists

• Survey the site. Look for signs of dogs, such as toys, chew bones, paths, dog houses, or waste.
• Communicate with the homeowner. Most issues with dogs stem from human factors, so clear communication is essential.
• Notify the homeowner. Knock on the door to inform them of your presence and request that dogs be secured. Even if they insist their dog is friendly, emphasize that this precaution is for the dog’s safety.
• Use visual reminders. Place cones at entry points to remind homeowners not to let dogs out while work is in progress.
• Carry dog repellent spray. Several effective products are available online.

Residential Arborists:

• Ask during the sale. Confirm whether the homeowner has dogs and note it on the job description.
• Set clear expectations. Inform the homeowner that dogs should remain secured while arborists are present.
• Include dog-related details in pre-job briefings.

Utility Arborists:

• Look for signs. During initial contact, observe for indications of dogs, such as digging or waste, and include these details in reports.
• Leave clear instructions. When leaving a notice, speak with the homeowner if possible and emphasize the need to secure their dogs.
• Communicate with the crew. Ensure the foreman or general foreman discusses dog safety with the homeowner before entering enclosed areas.

What to Do If Bitten

• Assess the wound. Determine its severity.
• Provide immediate care. When possible, clean minor wounds with soap and water, apply antibacterial cream, and bandage as needed. In severe cases, such as deep puncture wounds, the victim will need immediate medical treatment and should always be treated by a medical professional.
• Gather information about the dog. Obtain the dog’s vaccination records from the owner. If the owner is unavailable, ask witnesses for information about the dog.
• Seek medical help. If no owner is found or the dog’s vaccination status cannot be determined, then visit a medical professional immediately.
• Ensure safe transportation. Never let the victim drive themselves home or to the hospital after being bitten — this is a traumatic experience!

One final safety note – while picking up poop is not pleasant, it’s better to scoop it into a plastic bag than try to wash it off your climbing or rigging line. Ask the homeowner to make sure that the yard is cleaned up first, but when inspecting the job site, scoop up and clear any dog poop that is in your work zone.

Stay safe, friends!

About the Authors

Margaret Hebert is the owner of Streamside Green, LLC, a Louisiana and Texas company started in 2010. She is dedicated to keeping green industry businesses growing and workers safe by providing high-quality training. SSG partners with Dawn and Jeff Thierbach with Victorian Gardens for its series of webinars, and Steve Martinko with Banner Sales & Consulting for our PHC/Science webinars. Most courses qualify for CEUs with ISA and/or TCIA. Sign up here for email announcements about SSG webinars.