Dog behaviour experts are encouraging owners to leave a brief note on the front door for callers and delivery drivers to help reduce barking. This should make it easier when you have Royal Mail, Evri and other delivery drivers at your door.
Why dogs bark at the door
Dogs Trust stresses that your beloved pet isn't making noise to be difficult: barking, whining and howling can be sparked by all sorts of things, and shouldn't automatically be written off as 'naughty' behaviour.
It explains: "Barking is a normal way for dogs to show their feelings, wants and needs. Just like us, some dogs naturally communicate their feelings more than others."
"Research suggests that some breeds bark due to their historic working roles, like herding and guarding. Personality, learnt experiences, genetics and health status all play their part too."
What to put on your door
If your dog barks at visitors or delivery drivers at the door, the experts say that owners can "place a note on your door asking visitors or delivery drivers to phone you instead of knocking when they arrive." So the next time DPD, Royal Mail, Evri or any other courier knocks at your door, it's more likely to be a calmer experience for both you and your dog.
You can also:
- Reward calm and quiet behaviour whenever you see it
- Use a radio to mask the sound of approaching vehicles and voices
- Create a safe space for your dog and encourage them to use it
- Block your dog's view of people approaching your home with stair gates, puppy pens, blinds, curtains, or frosted window film. Move furniture if it gives them a vantage point
- Make a note of when the post arrives and follow tracking updates on parcels. This will help you to work out what to do ahead of time
- Arrange for parcels and deliveries to be collected from a designated, local site
- Install an external letterbox outside of your home
Royal Mail request
To keep everyone safe, Royal Mail suggests: "Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers. Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable. Please help us to deliver your post safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before the post person arrives."
