Until recently I would have disagreed with Over9Five here. My thinking was the homeowner made a mistake and if the dog didn't break skin I would let it slide.
I have since changed my opinion, because I now have a "dog problem" at a certain house on my route (or the driver next to mine's route?). Its become my problem because our dispatch sup. gives me this section from the driver next to me. That would be fine, but this same driver is getting a section of of my route??? (I know this is a different subject, but why give me a section of of his route and him a section off of my route? Wouldn't it just make sense to keep us in our own area???)
Anyway, I have a problem everytime I deliver to this residence (they get stuff everyday). This dog hates the sound of the truck and ran out in the street when I was headed back to the center one night ( I did not have this house a stop on my route at the time) . It was pitch black out and its a miracle that I did not run the dog over. For some reason, the seriousness of the situation did not register with the homeowners.
The house is about 1/16th of a mile from the road. I beep the horn at least 5 times when I pull up. I get out of the truck and proceed to the house. The dog is chained and barking like crazy every time. Problem is, the dog can get me if I want to leave the package at the door. This ignorant family doesn't have the courtesy to even come out and get the package from me, and this is why I don't like them. They say "he's harmless" but the dog weighs about as much as I do and would trear me apart.
They get "shipper release" Gevalia coffee all the time and I throw it in their driveway without hesitation. You would think they would have an inkling of what its like to walk in my shoes up to their property. Apparently they are ingnorant to the fact!
The DIAD is a wonderful anti-dog weapon. I have used it to combat several dogs. Swing it as hard as you can (think home run), at their head. Success is when you literally send them rolling across the ground. Have no mercy, you do not want to get hurt because some stupid dog owner won't control their mutt.
If I ever get bit, I would do exactly as Rod said. Police report, make sure it had its shots, AND ESPECIALLY SUE THEM! They deserve it for allowing their vicious animal to attack you. What if it had been a small child instead?
I have no sympathy for stupid dog owners either.