Lots of UK homes have the same risky factor that could be a 'danger' to staff10:51, 17 Jul 2026The Royal Mail has advice for anyone in the UK who owns a dog at home, urging them to follow a '10-minute rule' for safety reasons. The guidance affects many people, as there are an estimated 15.5 million dogs living in UK households. There are some simple solutions the postal service has shared online to make the job easier for Royal Mail workers, homeowners, and pets.‌On its website, Royal Mail said: "Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal staff. Dogs are territorial by nature, and if they feel they need to protect their owners, they can become unpredictable."‌It advises dog owners to never open the door when their dog is behind them. Instead, before answering a knock at the door, put your pet in the back garden or a faraway room so it is "out of the way before the postman or postwoman arrives".‌The national service also suggests that some food or a toy could help distract them while your mail is being delivered. Then, it's about keeping things calm so they learn not to react badly in the future.Explaining its 10-minute guidance, the Royal Mail added: "Wait 10 minutes after your mail has arrived to let your pet back into your hallway. Keep everything as calm and low-key as possible."‌There is also a free-to-download postcard that you can print and place on your door or window to let posties know you have a dog at home. If you don't have access to a printer, a handwritten sign works just as well.The reminder comes after reports from Royal Mail claim that more than 2,000 postal workers suffered 'dog attacks' in the last year alone. While this figure is down from previous years, it is still largely preventable.The 10 highest-risk postcode areas for dog attacks on Royal Mail postal workers were revealed as part of the public safety reminder, naming Sheffield for the second consecutive year as the postcode with the highest number of incidents.‌What can I do if I won't be home to secure my dog?Royal Mail delivery times are rarely the exact same every week, meaning people who work and leave their dogs home alone cannot predict when the post will arrive - and if they'll be around to stop any incidents. Delivery times depend on the postal worker's route, the amount of mail they have that day, and local staff levels.Royal Mail added: "If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away from a postman or postwoman delivering your mail, please consider fitting a secure mailbox on the edge of your property." Items like this are available at a variety of stores, including Amazon, B&Q, Dunelm, Homebase, and more.Article continues belowThe main choices are standard wall-mounted mailboxes or specialised "through-the-gate" boxes that can keep delivery workers safely outside your perimeter. People who get regular packages might want to consider investing in a parcel box instead, as this can handle both bulky boxes and letters.