Rivalries have always occurred during our history; Rome versus Carthage, the USA versus USSR, Manchester United versus Liverpool – but no rivalry has endured throughout the ages as long as the epic conflict between postmen and women and dog. Where did it stem from, and will it ever end?
To gain an understanding of the beef, we should look back of the dog versus postman origin story. No one quite knows when the symbiotic relationship began between man and dog began, but historians believe dogs were domesticated in Siberia around 20,000 years ago. The upper classes lived harmoniously alongside our canine companions throughout the millennia, until 1516. On a fateful day in the 16th Century, the postal service was created by Henry VIII, and the first postmen entered the fray. The Royal Mail stayed as a private service for the Royal family for over a hundred years until 31st July 1635, when Charles I made the exclusive service available to the public.
During this time, the general population of the entirety of Europe didn’t own pets. The middle classes of European nations began welcoming dogs into their homes in the 1700’s, and our love for pooches spread to the masses in the following years. The rivalry began as soon as the general population became accustomed to domesticated dogs as well as the regular delivery of mail – two crazy ideas to our ancestors.
In more recent times, there have been numerous occasions where the war between pooch and postman has been portrayed. Disney’s 1959 live-action classic ‘The Shaggy Dog’ portrayed the protagonist’s father as a retired mailman who hates canines and is allergic to them! In addition to that, Gnasher the dog always contending with the postman in the Beano.
The way the relationship between dogs and mailmen is perceived by us and portrayed in pop culture isn’t conjured up out of thin air! Last year, postmen were attacked 1690 times by dogs, and 53% of postal workers say that their work is hindered by dogs. It’s no wonder then, that 62% of mail carriers often felt unsafe on their regular delivery route! All of this begs the question – why don’t dogs get on with postmen? There are a few reasons. Despite daily visits from the men and women in red, dogs may assume that postal workers are intruders. Usually when friends and family come over, they are greeted, and may make a fuss of your pooch. The post people, more often than not, will silently approach a house. This will cause all dogs to be suspicious. Also, when they drop the cards through the letter box, the noise of them hitting the ground may startle our furry friends. If the dogs weren’t defensive beforehand, the arrival of yet another Amazon parcel slamming against the floor below your front door will certainly set them off. Also, different schedules for different postal services mean your dogs can’t get accustomed to arrival times. This means they are regularly being surprised by their long-term rivals.
There is a way the beef could be squashed. Rewarding calm and positive behaviour at the time of delivery may help. Additionally, if your postman is cooperative, an introduction may be in order. Who knows? They may really get on!
