The relationship between pets and postmen has been a dynamic one ever since the postal service was first established. In particular, between dogs and postmen. While a cat’s attention can also certainly be arrested by the arrival of the post, it’s dogs that view it as the supreme entertainment of the day.
Most postmen have met at least one dog on their rounds that will haunt their dreams well into retirement. It may be small and yappy, or it may be menacing but quiet – to the postman’s mind, they will forever be a menace.
And with a recent ruling that states dog owners could face up to five years in prison if their pet were to bite a Royal Mail postman, you certainly want to prevent any altercations between them.
What is it about the postie and dogs anyway?
A Love-Hate Relationship
Let’s examine the encounter from all angels. While we may be pretty certain our dog would never bite anyone, we wouldn’t be as ready to guarantee a neighbour’s dog is not likely to commit the same offense. It’s just our love for our pet that makes us forget about their natural instincts.
Look at it from the dog’s perspective though. Someone’s hand reaches through the door and drops something on the floor. Or someone approaches the door, rustles about, then leaves. What is a dog supposed to think?
The reason dogs have such an incredible dislike for postmen is simple: they never get to see them or interact with them. Other people, namely your family’s guests, also come up to the door, ring the bell, and are promptly let inside. This never happens with the postman.
The postman is then, clearly, an undesirable guest, and someone the family must be protected from. The dog gets to know their scent, gets to know their sounds and habits, and identifies the unlucky postal worker as a threat. The only logical thing to be done is rather obvious, at least from the dog’s point of view.
There is a solution readily available of course – one that will be beneficial both for your dog (or cat), for yourself and for the unfortunate postie. A parcel delivery box.
Here’s what it can do:
Prevent Unnecessary Stress
If we tend to get a bit annoyed by all the ringing and knocking that comes with frequent deliveries, imagine what it must feel like for our pets. They may be snoozing on the sofa only to be awoken by that rather unpleasant sound.
If your pet is of a curious nature, they will also have to go investigate the matter, which means you have to be extra careful about letting them out the door (especially if your cat is an indoor pet), and ensuring they don’t try to take a bite out of the postman.
This can further distress your pet, as they are now being shut away in a room while you go to face unknown dangers by yourself. Not the best of situations.
When you are the proud owner of a post box, a delivery man or postman need never ring your doorbell again. They may call you on the phone and notify you of their imminent arrival, but as you can simply direct them to your parcel delivery box, your pet can keep snoozing undisturbed.
Reduce the Level of Noise
When you do manage to lock your pet in a room they can’t get out of while you deal with the delivery, they are likely going to make some noise to notify you of their displeasure. They may also end up breaking something, scratching at the door, or running around the room trying to find a way out, if they feel in particular distress.
This perfectly natural behaviour can add to the unpleasantness of the situation, as you try to calm them down remotely, explain the situation to the postman, and get your hands on that parcel as quickly as you can.
If you live in a flat, the noise can cause a rift between your neighbours and your family, especially if some of them are a bit on the grumpy side.
With a post box, this entire scenario is completely averted, and you will have a perfectly calm animal on your hands. If that is their usual disposition, that is.
No More Compromise on the Walkies
Dogs like to have a routine. They like their walks, they like to know when a walk is coming, and they certainly don’t appreciate being made to wait when they have to answer a call of nature.
One of the things that can disrupt a dog’s usual walking schedule is the imminent arrival of a parcel that is now forcing their owner to stay at home. Because, chances are, the delivery van will rock up at your door the minute you get to the farthest distance from your house.
While no responsible pet owner wants to make their pet suffer, sometimes they do just choose to grab that delivery and postpone the walk. Not the end of the world by any means, but not what the pet would prefer, if they had their own way.
When you invest in a parcel drop box, you never have to spend any time waiting for a delivery ever again. You can take your dog on a 5k walk, and arrive home to find your parcel has arrived while you were out. The dog won’t even be aware of all the postal delivery fun they have missed out on.
To Sum It Up
In plain terms, a parcel delivery box can save both you and your pets some stress and anxiety. You are both able to go about your usual day without the distraction of a delivery, and are able to live with less noise and fewer disruptions.
Take a look at some of our parcel boxes and decide on the size, colour and installation options that best fit with your home. Once you take possession of this final delivery personally, you can rest assured all of your future deliveries will need very little involvement on your part. The dog is now able to take you for a walk whenever he so pleases.
