Fear of dogs

[DGP1]

I'm ok with dogs its cats i hate. I have a fear of cats.

I quite like pussies

[eian687]

got 3 dogs 2 xbreeds and a rottie, but on delivery if a dogs out i dont go in.....................simple

[dvbuk55]

I'm ok with dogs its cats i hate. I have a fear of cats.

I quite like pussies

Oh yes - me too...............and I have a cat as well.

[RedBagMan]

One walk I've done fairly regularly has three geese in the garden (it's also a bag drop !), and one of them is right protective - head down, neck out, mouth open as it charges towards you. I just charge straight back - it just waddles off and honks like hell !!

Dogs - sometimes I think it's a confidence thing - not been bitten yet (18 months) - but some of the loose dogs I've come across make all the noise - but I go in and say "hello" (always look at eyes NOT waggy tail). Maybe I'd be different if attacked but ... each to their own - if unsure (or not confident) - just stay away, endorse, inform Manager - simplesss ...

[TrueBlueTerrier]

F***ing sh*tted myself today...pushing mail through a letterbox on door and the door was open - so i simply chuck the bundle in the gap - (i didn't reclose the door since i thought it was slightly opened for a reason...left and 2 seconds later a dog started chasing me out of the house - i actually remembered being taught how to use the pouch to put in front of the dog so i don't get bitten, but since the bag was my colleagues and it's designed for bikes the straps were literally stuck on my so no movement at all--- next thing you see is my trying to act calm yet desperately running for my life - luckily a biker went past me and the dog lost attention to me I can honestly tell you that adrenaline rush was one of the highest i have ever had since i didn't realise the barking dog in the house was out to bite me

Report it to the manager on Monday as a very near miss so it can at least be flagged on the WRAP and walk log. A letter as well to alert the resident to how close they came to being in serious trouble if t got you in the street.

[Lounge Lizard]

One thing I've learnt from this job is that all dogs instinctively know two things, whether or not you're afraid of them and whether or not you're a threat to them. If neither's the case then there isn't a problem with practically any dog, even most of those considered by their owners to be guard dogs.

[RTP]

I'm guessing just follow advice and not go if I see a dog is out.

That's best Wally, don't feel guilty at not delivering post if a dog is around, just endorse it and move on to the next house. Your safety comes first it's not worth putting yourself in danger, especially for the ungrateful RM.

This is right, however he still needs to build his confidence up around other dogs.

Wallyman, try talking to the dogs. Seriously, dogs are more clever than people think. Just start with HELLOOOO and you'll be able to tell by the body language of the dog if it's friendly or not. Also it might be worth carrying a few dog biscuits with you. After a while you'll find they are your mates.

One over piece of advice is never turn your back on a dog if you're unsure and never run away unless you're sure of getting away, because runniing is an invitation for a chase.

[Lounge Lizard]

I'm guessing just follow advice and not go if I see a dog is out.

That's best Wally, don't feel guilty at not delivering post if a dog is around, just endorse it and move on to the next house. Your safety comes first it's not worth putting yourself in danger, especially for the ungrateful RM.

This is right, however he still needs to build his confidence up around other dogs.

Wallyman, try talking to the dogs. Seriously, dogs are more clever than people think. Just start with HELLOOOO and you'll be able to tell by the body language of the dog if it's friendly or not. Also it might be worth carrying a few dog biscuits with you. After a while you'll find they are your mates.

One over piece of advice is never turn your back on a dog if you're unsure and never run away unless you're sure of getting away, because runniing is an invitation for a chase.

"Also it might be worth carrying a few dog biscuits with you" - no, definately not, as they soon learn to pester you for one instead of ignoring you.

[RTP]

And they also learn that you're a friend. I have a Jack Russsell on my round that used to appear from nowhere barking at me. Had to walk backwards to my van keeping eye contact with him and talking to him, because if I tried turning my back the little buggar was after my ankles. Took a coulple of weeks and started with leaving a biscuit on the floor for him, but he now sits and gives me his paw for his biscuit. Shame the owners couldn't have trained him first.

[Lounge Lizard]

And they also learn that you're a friend. I have a Jack Russsell on my round that used to appear from nowhere barking at me. Had to walk backwards to my van keeping eye contact with him and talking to him, because if I tried turning my back the little buggar was after my ankles. Took a coulple of weeks and started with leaving a biscuit on the floor for him, but he now sits and gives me his paw for his biscuit. Shame the owners couldn't have trained him first.

Strange ones, Jack Russels, some vicious nipping at the back of your leg, others daft as a brush and friendly as any other dog.
Beware of Jack Russel puppies though, so excited that they wee all over your boots.

[keithposty]

And they also learn that you're a friend. I have a Jack Russsell on my round that used to appear from nowhere barking at me. Had to walk backwards to my van keeping eye contact with him and talking to him, because if I tried turning my back the little buggar was after my ankles. Took a coulple of weeks and started with leaving a biscuit on the floor for him, but he now sits and gives me his paw for his biscuit. Shame the owners couldn't have trained him first.

Strange ones, Jack Russels, some vicious nipping at the back of your leg, others daft as a brush and friendly as any other dog.
Beware of Jack Russel puppies though, so excited that they wee all over your boots.

leaving a biscuit is all well and good but what about the postman doing your relief on your day off, holiday etc

the dog will still expect a biscuit and will be mighty annoyed when he does not get his treat

some thing to think on that

[thecyclingexpostie]

try this for a non-orthadox solution;

i was once out cycling up a really steep hill - basically it was all i could do to turn the pedals enough to keep upright and going forward. out of a driveway came a nasty little dog, staffy possibly, who started trying to run alongside and bite my leg. as escape was not an option, i made a growling, air raid style noise like a cat makes in a stand off with another cat.

the dog ran off, although whether it was the noise, or something else catching his attention i don't know…

[Darren Bent]

Most of dogs are ok at work, just need to watch those dogs breed especially

Alsation (I hate them) they get too excited and make me nervous.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - I had got on all right with most of them but one walk it got a really nasty one loose running round the estate. It the tall is waggling happy it is ok.

Rottweiller - No problem with them so far but it is always under control.

Doberman - Rarely seen them

Jack Russell - Snappy little bugger

Cross breed dogs

You just need common sense and don't enter the garden when dog is loose especially when you don't know it well.

[junior1]

Fng! People still shouldn't have their dogs loose in their front gardens when they know postman is coming, it is well known for dogs to take a disliking to posties over other people as we evade their personal property by posting letters through their door. Therefore we are far more likely to get bitten and after being bitten it makes you nervous and the dogs sense that. I know my dog wudnt hurt anybody but I wudnt leave him in the front garden as I know some people fear dogs.

Page one, paragraph one, sentance one of the posties hand book " If there is a dog out - dont go in".
(some) People are always going to leave dogs out without any thought for anyone - part of life part of the job - never ever going to change - time to put up or shut up - do it or leave.

To fng do you really expect people to put up or shut up - do it or leave, in this day and age to be treated as though we are a toy or dog food. People should have more control over their dogs and show people who are trying to earn a living and bring their mail to their door some respect. In any other job you have a right for health and safety in the work place. Our work place is vast but we still should have the same protection as everybody else out there trying to earn a wage.
I have been bitten by a Rotweiller not sure of the spelling, it came out of the house didn't know it was there.
I've been bitten by a Boxer dog while pushing my bike on the pavement, the dog was on a lead. No warning! Hospital visit.
I've had an Alsaition set on me by a child, she wanted to see what it would do when it saw me, she had to get it out of its kennel and open her back gate I said Hello nicely and because it didn't do anything she nudged it and it attacked me. Hospital visit. The worst was a Sha Pei having to have 6 stitches.
I've be attacked by an Irish wolf hound, Yorkshire terrior, Staffordshire bull terrior a Westy, another Boxer and another Alsaition there are more but I think I've gone on enough. I now have a rational fear of dogs. Why should this be part of the job? In my mind it shouldn't and it should change. I have never put myself at risk I have always followed the rules. Maybe I'm unlucky. I'll answer that, No I'm not. dog owners should be more responsible.

[justdeno]

[quote="Darren Bent"]Most of dogs are ok at work, just need to watch those dogs breed especially

Alsation (I hate them) they get too excited and make me nervous.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - I had got on all right with most of them but one walk it got a really nasty one loose running round the estate. It the tall is waggling happy it is ok.

Rottweiller - No problem with them so far but it is always under control.

Doberman - Rarely seen them

Jack Russell - Snappy little bugger

Cross breed dogs
Alsation's like all dogs are ok, but it's the owners. I have always had large dogs GSD's, Rottys, it's the owners. The other day GSD, came after me , stuck between a car and wall, within 2 inches. I called the owner, ( lights are on, no one at home) after several attempts to ask the owner to get the dog, did not move, she got it, doh. I have now told the owner's
(this is not the first time) that if the gates are shut, will not go in,and they need a box on the gate. I nearly died while the owner watched, not joking, 4 month's off. If in doubt endorse RM don't care.