Keeping our posties and dogs safe

Dogs and the Postman – a rivalry for the ages. Your furry friend might see the postman as a foe, but by keeping them safe and secure in your yard and with a little guidance, they can become best buds, just like Mike and Sully, Woody and Buzz, or even Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.

Understanding the Dynamic

Ever wonder why your dog is so wary of the postman? Well, dogs are quick learners. They bark, and the stranger goes away – in their minds, they’ve just done a very good job of protecting their home and their people because when they woof, the postman leaves. 

Creating Positive Associations

It's always possible to change the narrative. Imagine if, instead of seeing the postman as a threat, your dog associates their arrival with getting the good treats (not just the ordinary treats, the really good stuff!).

• Start Slowly: Scatter some irresistible treats as soon as your dog hears or sees the postman. You could even leave a bag of treats outside with a note for the delivery person to give your pooch a treat by throwing some over the fence.

• Redirect Barking: When your dog starts barking, calmly direct them to a designated spot, like their bed or crate. Reward them when they’re calm.
   

We caught up with a veteran postie who's been delivering mail for 25 years. His secret? Treats. He started tossing treats to barking dogs as he made his rounds, and soon, they were eagerly awaiting his visits. Now, the neighbourhood pups are his biggest fans. He says it also makes it easier and safer to approach a neighbourhood dog and get them home if they've wandered from their yard.

Establishing Boundaries

To keep both your dog and the postie safe, create space.

• Install a gate: Restrict access to the front door, keep your dog in a separate room during deliveries or install a baby gate.

• Introduce them: If your postie is open to it, gradually introduce your dog. Start from a distance with your dog on a leash out the front of your house, and give your dog treats when they see the delivery person. Over time, close the distance between yourselves and the postman until your dog is calm and comfortable with meeting the postie.

Safety First

• Supervise: Never leave your dog unsupervised around delivery people (like Uber or anyone that might come to your house - like tradies doing maintenance, utility services like power, for example). Start with treats tossed from a safe distance.

• Use Signs: A 'Dog on Property' sign can alert your delivery person and prevent surprises.

• Secure your yard: Ensure your yard is fenced and secure, keeping your dog safely contained and away from the letterbox or the front door.

Make Delivering Your Parcels Easy

With the surge in online shopping, posties are busier than ever. The trouble is, our parcels don’t fit in our letterboxes that are designed for letters!

• Parcel Box: Consider replacing your letterbox with a secure parcel box to ensure the safe delivery of your parcels. Make sure it’s away from the fence, and your postie can access it without having to enter your property. 

Following these tips can build a positive relationship between your dog and the Postman, ensuring safe, smooth deliveries and perhaps even a newfound friendship.

Banner image via Pexels-Karolina-Grabowska-4750326