How can I stop my cocker spaniel trying to eat the post when it comes?

Question

Basically what happens is I am here and the post comes through the door my dog goes mad and tries to get it and then eat it! I think so far the best idea is an inside post box so he cant get at it but I agree he needs some training too.

Answer 1

I had the same problem with my Cocker. He used to wait for the post and papers as he used to bring them to us.But the paper boy thought it was fun to hold onto the paper from the other side so then our dog started ripping up anything that came through the letterbox. To resolve the problem we put a lockup post box on the wall outside. They range from £15.00 to £30.00. It did the trick, no more ripped up post or papers or fingers trapped in the letterbox.

I think putting a cage on the inside of the door would drive your dog mad trying to get at the post if you weren't in and could damage it's mouth if it tried to bite the cage.

Answer 2

It's hard to answer since I don't know the exact details but my best (and for the time only) suggestion is that you go to a local (or not so local =P) pet (dog) training facility where you can ask them about the problem and how it can be treated. I think it's possible to put an end to this with clicker training or training that involves treats but unfortunately I can't give you a better answer because I don't know how exactly this goes. But don't be discouraged just go to the training facility aka. dog school =) and ask them about it. GOOD LUCK !!!

P.S.: You can also buy your dog some toys with which it can amuse itself while the mail calmly sits and waits for you =) But I still recommend that you go to the school...

Answer 3

This is a hard question to answer. I don't know the details. Is it a drop box? Are you home when this happens? Is anyone home when this happens?

You may want to confine the dog to a certain part of the house, away from the mail or newspapers.

You can conduct training exercises. Have some one come by and drop it off and do correction techniques such as sit or down when she goes after the mail in training. This will eventually translate to sit or down when she sees the mail or newspaper. They would act as a cue.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Get a wire box that catches the post, and put him on the lead and open the door to greet the postman every day. Have him sit while the postie hands you the letters and says hello. Give the postman a treat to give to the dog.

Answer 5

Get two aluminium trays or saucepan lids and wait for the postman to come, ( or a friend -substitute- posting something through the letterbox). Sit the dog near the door. As soon the dog moves, as the post is put through the letterbox, CRASH the lids/trays.

Answer 6

This is hard to stop if you are not there when the post arrives. The dog either is reacting to it as a game or as something threatening coming through the door. Try to analyse which behaviour it is but you need to divert attention to something more rewarding or take the threat away.

Answer 7

Tell her BAD when she does it but RIGHT at the moment. Dont try and tug the mail away from her (Thats just tug of war) Tell her to drop it! Firm voice, none of that drop it sweetie stuff. When she gives it up, praise her. Repeat and be consistant. Use the same commands and same praises. Dont deviate from this or it will lead to confusion. Buy a dog psychology book.

Answer 8

I have a staff and he kept eating the post as soon as it came through the door and now i have an outside postbox it is for the best as i didn't want him to bite the postman!!!

Answer 9

You could always try fitting one of those mail baskets to the back of the door. The mail wont fall onthe floor then and the dog cant get to it.
Alternatively, get a porch - expensive, I know, but it will do the trick!

Answer 10

l do not under stand what you really are talking about. but if it is the postman then you have to sign it up for socializing classes. if it is the mail that comes thur a slot in the door, then get a out side mail box. you can even have them with locks on them.