BLOG POST - Dogs and postmen: the best of friends

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Oct 2008, 15:24

http://www.iavireportonline.org/

Got this via Google Alerts and I thought I would post it here so customers could read up on it. Oh apologies for the spelling its an American article.

It seems like such a cliche: your dog hates your postman, and your postman is afraid of your dog. As cartoonish as it sounds, dogs and postmen often have trouble getting along. For reasons other than territorial aggression, your pet may bark and even bite at the mail carrier. For obvious safety reasons (not to mention humanly ones), it?s up to you to make friends between the two.

There are many reasons why your pooch may dislike your mailman. Territorial aggression is one such reason. If your pet barks at anything and everything that comes within so many feet of your home, then territorial aggression may be the culprit. On the other hand, many owners raise their pets to be territorially aggressive (hence, a guard dog). A guard dog may exhibit hostility toward the postman because he was raised to do so.

Dogs are naturally territorial to an extent. Dominant dogs are normally not fearful of the trespasser, while less dominant dogs may be fearful at first. So, what would make a less dominant dog confident enough to chase the postman? Well, think about the postman?s job. He comes to your home around the same time everyday, essentially establishing a routine. He goes to the mailbox, fills it with mail, and then leaves; all the while your dog is going crazy. Now, think about things from your dog?s point of view. Whether or not he is initially fearful of the mailman, he will still bark when he is present. He barks and barks and barks while the mailman does his job. Then, the mailman leaves. To your pooch, the mailman leaving is a sign that he (the dog) scared him away. As this happens day after day, even the most timid dog will start to build confidence. Eventually the mailman is no longer a threat, and your pet may start to show true, possibly dangerous, signs of aggression. Your postman will pick up on the aggressive behavior and may become afraid of the dog; however, your dog is great at reading body language. A fearful postman can only add to the dog?s confidence.

There is no reason to let your pooch constantly intimidate or put the postman in danger. The best thing you can do is to start training early. Take a day off from work, and introduce your dog to the mailman; since the mail runs on Saturdays, you may not even have to take a day off. Encourage the mailman to play with the dog for a few minutes (don?t forget he?s probably busy), and let him give the dog a couple of treats. If you are home everyday when the postman arrives, then try to take your dog outside to get accustomed to the routine. They don?t have to play together everyday, but your dog will understand by your actions that the postman is not a threat.

Now if your pooch is no longer a puppy, you can still institute similar training. Use the same socialization techniques that you would use at a dog park or public place. Keep you pooch on a leash, and give the two the opportunity to meet each other. Carefully monitor your dog?s behavior and do not allow him to snap at the postman. If allowable, ask the postman to give your pet a treat. Some mailmen carry dog treats along with them. You could give him a plastic bag full of your dog?s favorite, so that he can make friends every time he stops by. Just like any other training, reward your dog for the behavior that you want him to display; don?t encourage the wrong behavior.

If you are not around when the postman drops the mail, then you may need to find an alternative place for your dog to stay during the day. Consider taking him indoors or building a fence to keep him in. You want the postman to be safe, while making sure your dog is secure. Ask the postman to ignore your dog by not making eye contact or anxious gestures. If all else fails, you may need to request a post office box where you can pick up your own mail.

Your mailman is just doing his job; there is no reason he should have to put up with a potentially harmful situation. If you start early, then you can get your puppy accustomed to the uniformed person. If not, you can still make friends between the two, but you will have to closely monitor the interactions. Sometimes, a pet simply does not like a person. If in any way the postman can be harmed, it?s up to you to come up with an avoidance plan.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop where you can find great deals on aluminum dog crates, pet carriers and pet gates.

DGP1 · Post by **DGP1** » 01 Oct 2008, 15:50

Any chance of 30 million copies of this to be delivered to every house in the country

Stormproof · Post by **Stormproof** » 01 Oct 2008, 16:03

Can I get a tax rebate for dog treats? The dogs on my delivery have already gone through a box of Winalot Shapes this month. Now they've got used to me they only get a treat when they stop barking and sit down

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 01 Oct 2008, 16:32

k66yla wrote:Can I get a tax rebate for dog treats? The dogs on my delivery have already gone through a box of Winalot Shapes this month. Now they've got used to me they only get a treat when they stop barking and sit down

Those dog's must love you but the amount of dog's on my round mean's i would need a truck full of treat's (Winalot shapes) I suggest we all get some voucher's for the free advertising of thier product!.

norbert · Post by **norbert** » 01 Oct 2008, 17:11

k979aaa wrote:
k66yla wrote:Can I get a tax rebate for dog treats? The dogs on my delivery have already gone through a box of Winalot Shapes this month. Now they've got used to me they only get a treat when they stop barking and sit down
Those dog's must love you but the amount of dog's on my round mean's i would need a truck full of treat's (Winalot shapes) I suggest we all get some voucher's for the free advertising of thier product!.

:lfo has had a few of them in his Mars Salesman days - pity he wasn't knocked down by a bus in the High Street trying to lick his b**locks

Post by **Thorby Bislam** » 18 Oct 2008, 21:40

Oh dear, Oh dear. This is so wrong. I know they mean well but it is just not practible or reasonable. for one thing, we dont have time to 'make friends' with all the dogs on our walks. And for another, for most dogs and their owners, making friends is the last thing on their tiny minds.

And what about the postman who has to follow the misguided fool who gives treats to dogs. I've been in that position. When you've had a pack of dogs chase you up the street, let out deliberately by the householder because they haven't had their daily petting from the postie. When you're desperately trying to use the bike as a shield while also trying to twat them with your mail pouch, you lose all sympathy for dog owners.

It would be much more useful to educate dog owners to keep their mangy mutts fastened up while we are delivering their post. It's really very simple. dogs and postmen do not mix, anytime.

Post by **Lounge Lizard** » 19 Oct 2008, 06:25

Thorby Bislam wrote:Oh dear, Oh dear. This is so wrong. I know they mean well but it is just not practible or reasonable. for one thing, we dont have time to 'make friends' with all the dogs on our walks. And for another, for most dogs and their owners, making friends is the last thing on their tiny minds.

And what about the postman who has to follow the misguided fool who gives treats to dogs. I've been in that position. When you've had a pack of dogs chase you up the street, let out deliberately by the householder because they haven't had their daily petting from the postie. When you're desperately trying to use the bike as a shield while also trying to twat them with your mail pouch, you lose all sympathy for dog owners.

It would be much more useful to educate dog owners to keep their mangy mutts fastened up while we are delivering their post. It's really very simple. dogs and postmen do not mix, anytime.

That's right.
The previous postman on my walk gave every do a biscuit and he/me was pestered until it was given.
After a month of giving nothing to dogs they just ignore me making my delivery much easier and quieter.

Up Hill Down Hill · Post by **Up Hill Down Hill** » 19 Nov 2008, 16:35

Good read to be honest.

I have a few dogs on my round I am starting not to trust, One was great when it was a puppy but as it got bigger it got more aggressive, It started 'nipping' me playfully but now barks constantly at me and when in the garden I simply don't go through.

Why should I?

Pat Ostman · Post by **Pat Ostman** » 20 Nov 2008, 15:38

Thorby Bislam wrote:Oh dear, Oh dear. This is so wrong. I know they mean well but it is just not practible or reasonable. for one thing, we dont have time to 'make friends' with all the dogs on our walks. And for another, for most dogs and their owners, making friends is the last thing on their tiny minds.

And what about the postman who has to follow the misguided fool who gives treats to dogs. I've been in that position. When you've had a pack of dogs chase you up the street, let out deliberately by the householder because they haven't had their daily petting from the postie. When you're desperately trying to use the bike as a shield while also trying to twat them with your mail pouch, you lose all sympathy for dog owners.

It would be much more useful to educate dog owners to keep their mangy mutts fastened up while we are delivering their post. It's really very simple. dogs and postmen do not mix, anytime.

S6 Stroller · Post by **S6 Stroller** » 13 Sep 2009, 20:26

Thorby Bislam wrote:Oh dear, Oh dear. This is so wrong. I know they mean well but it is just not practible or reasonable. for one thing, we dont have time to 'make friends' with all the dogs on our walks. And for another, for most dogs and their owners, making friends is the last thing on their tiny minds.

And what about the postman who has to follow the misguided fool who gives treats to dogs. I've been in that position. When you've had a pack of dogs chase you up the street, let out deliberately by the householder because they haven't had their daily petting from the postie. When you're desperately trying to use the bike as a shield while also trying to twat them with your mail pouch, you lose all sympathy for dog owners.

It would be much more useful to educate dog owners to keep their mangy mutts fastened up while we are delivering their post. It's really very simple. dogs and postmen do not mix, anytime.

Well said.
Dog owners, by and large, are selfish idiots when it comes to overseeing how their dog interacts with people outside their family.

Stormproof · Post by **Stormproof** » 13 Sep 2009, 20:36

Wish I had some of those treats last week that I used to give to dogs then I might not have got bitten!

shadow · Post by **shadow** » 13 Sep 2009, 22:04

Doggy treats have saved my arse a few times.

BELIAL · Post by **BELIAL** » 13 Sep 2009, 22:36

shadow wrote:Doggy treats have saved my arse a few times.

Tend to keep mine in a pocket

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 14 Sep 2009, 14:17

BELIAL wrote:
shadow wrote:Doggy treats have saved my arse a few times.
Tend to keep mine in a pocket

Certainly easier to get when you in a rush

DGP1 · Post by **DGP1** » 14 Sep 2009, 16:59

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
BELIAL wrote:
shadow wrote:Doggy treats have saved my arse a few times.
Tend to keep mine in a pocket
Certainly easier to get when you in a rush

Trust me, when a big dog is charging at you, your arse might be to fastest way to despense things (at the very least it might provide a slippery surface)

ROYALMAILCHAT