Royal Mail has issued guidance to the estimated 15.5 million UK households with dogs, urging them to follow a '10-minute rule' to protect postal workers. The advice comes after more than 2,000 dog attacks on postal staff were reported in the last year alone.
According to Royal Mail, even the most lovable dog can become dangerous when feeling territorial. The service advises owners to keep pets in a separate room or the back garden before answering the door, and to wait ten minutes after mail delivery before letting them back into the hallway. Using a toy or treat can help distract the animal during the delivery.
Owners are encouraged to display a free downloadable postcard or handwritten sign on their door to alert posties to a dog on the premises. The highest-risk postcode area for attacks was Sheffield for the second consecutive year.
For households where it is impractical to keep dogs away from delivery workers, Royal Mail recommends installing a secure mailbox at the edge of the property. Options include wall-mounted boxes, through-the-gate boxes, or parcel boxes to handle both letters and packages.
