The average postal carrier has a definite aversion to certain words and phrases.
"We need the moisture" is one such phrase.
But if you really want to make a postal carrier nervous, try, "Don't worry, he's friendly.'' Not only does that mean that the dog is loose, but the postal carrier knows that these words are frequently followed by, "Gee! I'm terribly sorry. He's never done that before!"
Postal carriers really have a hard time when it comes to neighborhood dogs. The dogs perceive them as intruders and challenge them routinely. The dogs think they're just doing their job. From the dog's perspective, these people come into their neighborhood, wander from place to place very suspiciously and then leave, audaciously coming back again and again.
Seeing the intruder in the neighborhood drives some dogs into a frenzy. The closer the intruder comes to the property, the more frenzied the dog becomes. Eventually, the postal carrier goes on to the next area. But from the dog's point of view, its barking and aggressive display chased the dangerous intruder away - again and again, day after day. The intruder is driven away by Fluffy's vicious display of heroics at the bay window or front gate.
But what happens if Fluffy gets out of the yard? As the dog successfully chases this dangerous intruder away from the house every day for weeks, months, or some times, years, its ego and self-confidence as it relates to being aggressive to potential intruders goes off the charts. Fluffy becomes Super Dog, defender of family, home and property. And postal carrier beware, if Fluffy can get to you to bite you, he will. In his mind, he's won every "fight" he's been faced with each time the carrier gets close to his house.
I've tried to contact the Fort Collins Post Master in order to set up a workshop to teach the Fort Collins carriers how to handle aggressive dogs, but no one ever returns my calls. So, I guess I'll just use my column to try and help these poor people out.
If you have a dog that acts aggressively toward your postal carrier, UPS driver, meter reader or anyone else just trying to do their job, you need to take immediate action to stop the behavior. It can be done. It’s one thing if the Fluffy you own is a Pekinese or other small dog. But if your Fluffy is a big dog, your postal carrier or others are in danger.
Make sure your dog understands that there are consequences to aggression. And remember, your carrier doesn’t want to hear, “Don’t worry, he’s friendly.” He wants to hear, “Don’t worry, he’s locked up.”
You won’t be making your dog less of a watch dog. You’ll be making him a safer house pet.
Original Article:
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/COLUMNISTS62/803060324/1024/LIFESTYLE