Every year, IOM Post Office runs Dog Awareness Week to remind everyone how we can help keep our posties and dogs safe. Thanks to your efforts our local numbers have dropped and we are grateful for your support.

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Royal Mail reports that over the last year a total of 2019 dog attacks on its colleagues were reported. The figure equates to an average of 38 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries. In previous years, majority of attacks on postal workers happened at the front door (1048 which equals 52%) or in the garden (511 which equals 25%).

Fortunately, here on our beautiful island, the numbers have decreased, and we are thankful for your support in keeping our posties safe.

Even friendly dogs can exhibit protective behavior and react unpredictably. Therefore, it’s crucial to take simple steps to prevent these incidents.

Top Tips for Dog Owners

• Keep your dog away when the post arrives. Pop them in a back room or garden before the postie gets to the door.
• Avoid opening the door with your dog close behind. Even calm dogs can rush out if excited or anxious.
• Close off garden access. Make sure your dog can’t sneak from the back to the front during delivery.
• Give them a distraction. A treat or toy can help keep their attention elsewhere.
• Wait a bit before letting them in. Leaving your dog out for about 10 minutes after delivery helps keep things calm.
• Use a letterbox cage. These cages protect your mail, your dog’s mouth, and the postie’s hands from nibbling or injuries.
• Use a secure mailbox. If keeping your dog away is hard, a mailbox at your property edge is a good solution.
  
  

Together we can make the Isle of Man a safe place for both, your dog and our posties.

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