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To a dog, the mail carrier is some sort of visitor. One that comes every day, yet rarely interacts with anyone in the household. Yet, this visitor has [partial] access to the property (territory). The carrier is allowed to walk right up to the house, even touch its contents or mail slot. The visitor also does not address the dog--at least not usually by name. All the time this visitor brings foreign items as well as scents from other houses, animals, others' mail, and so on. All of these things make the dog feel very imposed upon and confused. If I was a dog I would be very tormented by this.
Dogs may chase mail carriers due to territorial behavior or a desire to protect their home. The mail carrier's uniform and bag of mail can also trigger a dog's prey drive or excitement. Additionally, dogs may have learned to associate the mail carrier with the delivery of the daily mail, making them excited and wanting to investigate.
I used to be a mailman, dogs chase mail deliverers for several reasons.Dogs are territorial and when you enter that territory certain dogs respond in that manner, there are many factors to explain it. The way the dog was raised or trained is a factor,the breed of dog can be an influence, the particular habits and actions of the mailman can be a factor and finally every dog is different from the other.A mailman keeps a schedule and a dog learns that schedule and it gives an outlet for a dog that is territorial.The correct question would be why do dogs chase the things they do.Dogs are territorial and chasing things in that territory is a normal reaction due to characteristics of the species plus factors that may contribute.
Actually that is the short answer, and is not entirely historically accurate.
For a more detailed and deeper understanding of exactly how loyal and trusted our K9 friends have been over the many many thousands of years since they befriended us. I feel I must tell the complete story of the great Dog Vs Postal worker war.
Many Many millenia ago long before we humans had anything that resembled a social structure we were cave dwelling primates that hung out in the regions of south western Asia and Eastern Africa. During this we were hunted by the evil Postalsourus. This beast caught on that our "hurds" would venture out into the fields and trees to collect berries and fruits and small game by day, and then come together at night for sake of feast and sleeping.
The Postalsourus clad with its grayish bland scales, and its dark navy stripe would fiendishly deliver carrion and other rubbish into our caves whilst we were away. This was done so that the stench of the carrion and other filth would disorient us and cause the beast to have the upper hand in capturing us for its dinner.
However new to this planet having just arived from the 4th rock from the dog star were the highly intellectual Dogs. Seeing the Horror happening night after night the dogs befriended these hunter gathers, and protected their caves from the evil beast as they left for the day. This went on for hundreds of years until finally ever cave had a dog, and the postalsourus eventually died out from having no humans to consume.
Now as we all know the postalsourus has long since become extinct (thankfully). However in more recent years with the increase of junk mail and other trash that is being delivered through the postal services our K9 friends are once again reverting back to their ancestoral traits of protecting us humans from disorienting carrion being left in our caves.
The rivalry between the dogs and mailmen goes back to when the first mailman was invented. This took place in ancient Egypt as it was the most advanced society, since cats were the preferred animal of choice, all mailmen were ordered to kill dogs everywhere. They killed hundreds, if not, thousands of dogs. However, one managed to get away. This dog had the gene to automatically hate mailmen for what it did to its brethren. When it bred it gave dogs its genes and now all dogs hate the mailmen and they are trying to extract revenge for what they did to them so long ago.
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MY dog chased the mailman barking at her will there be problems from animal control?
If the mailman was not harmed and no official complaint was made, then it is unlikely that animal control will be involved. However, it's important to train your dog to not chase or bark at strangers to prevent future incidents.
Do dogs chase cats?
Some dogs may have a natural instinct to chase cats due to their prey drive or territorial behavior. However, not all dogs will chase cats, as it can depend on their individual temperament and socialization. Training and supervision can help prevent dogs from chasing cats.
Why do dogs chase their shadows?
Because dogs have something called 'prey drive', or in domesticated dogs, 'ball drive', an instinctual behaviour instilled in wild dogs to motivate them to catch their prey. because there's no need for prey drive any more (assuming you're feeding them...) they get the urge to chase various things, light happens to be a challenge for them to chase (just like balls, cars and even shadows or people sometimes).
Why do cats run away from dogs?
Cats may run away from dogs due to a natural fear response, as dogs are potential predators. Cats are known to be more independent and protective of their territory, so they may choose to flee rather than engage in confrontation with a perceived threat like a dog.
Why do dog chase their tails?
Just about every dog owner has observed the family pet engage in the activity of tail chasing. Dogs chasing their tails is certainly not an unusual phenomenon, but the behavior often baffles the owners and in some cases seems to be so common that the activity borders on being an obsession. Various experts on dogs suggest a number of reasons why dogs chase their tails..
Do dogs chase chickens?
Many dogs will. You can train them not to but most dogs instinct is to chase critters like squirrels.
Why do chihuahuas chase everything?
Because they're dogs and dogs like to chase things.
Do some dogs chase rats like cats do?
Dogs will chase things that run, that is instinct.
Why do dogs chase lizards?
The same reason they chase cats and squirrels and mice. Dogs are predators. Predators chase things to kill and eat.
Do dogs really like to chase cats?
no, dogs just chase just bout anything that moves
Do cats chase dogs or dogs chase them?
Both. Depending on the dog and cat, dogs can chase cats, but some feisty or territorial cats are more than capable in chasing away a dog.
MY dog chased the mailman barking at her will there be problems from animal control?
If the mailman was not harmed and no official complaint was made, then it is unlikely that animal control will be involved. However, it's important to train your dog to not chase or bark at strangers to prevent future incidents.
Name a reason a mailman might have a bad day?
Many dogs on their route, especially if they are lose.
What is Chase Utley's dogs name?
Chase Utley's dog is named Jack
Do Puli dogs chase cats?
Any dog breed can chase cats.
Are Shih Tzus a common breed that chase cats?
All dogs chase cats.
Do cats like too chase dogs or cats .?
they actually like to chase mice
