My dog, like millions of other dogs, barks at the postman which drives me nuts. I reckon this is because there is no benefit to the dog. The postman walks up to the door, pushes a bunch of stuff through, and then walks away. We rush over, scoop up the stuff and walk away. Nothing for pooch, no recognition, no letters, nothing. Hardly surprising that he goes beserk.

This business service would offer dog owners a daily dog treat delivered by the postman. Sign up for the service and a beef flavoured edible letter addressed to your dog will be posted to your address every day. He can now have the fun of rummaging through the post for something interesting which he can then devour. Now he has a benefit and the postman will be a welcome visitor. He should stop barking but even if he doesn't it will be a welcoming bark rather than a bugger off bark.
-- The_Saint, Dec 06 2009

Could be implemented by a dog treat dispenser attached to the letterbox. [+]
-- 8th of 7, Dec 06 2009


This is a fun and nice idea. [+]
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Dec 06 2009


I shall vote neutral as well for the time being at least. I note that a neutral vote is a two step process. One must first vote for or against before the neutral option appears, and can then be selected.
-- tatterdemalion, Dec 06 2009


//Could be implemented by a dog treat dispenser attached to the letterbox.//

Worth a try at that,
-- outloud, Dec 06 2009


//the neutral option appears// Ahh tatters, you have been on here longer than I but you have not reached that enlightened state where you can select the 'neutral' option merely by staring vacantly at the screen for a moment.
-- pocmloc, Dec 06 2009


"So I'm voting neutrally on this one."
So...you're neutral just because there's no direct benefit to you? Just askin'.
-- phoenix, Dec 07 2009


Operant conditioning dictates that pretty soon, even if the barking stops, you'll have a drool covered floor.

Dog psychology dictates your mail will be delivered to your backyard a day later, shredded, and covered in poo.
-- rocdoc, Dec 07 2009


// One must first vote for or against before the neutral option appears, and can then be selected. //

Isn't that just apathy under a thin, threadbare cloak of decisiveness (because you can't be bothered with anything more substantial ?)

// your mail will be delivered ... shredded, and covered in poo //

Try not giving the postman a Christmas tip and note the change in Quality of Service.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 07 2009


I think it's the opposite, [8th of 7]. There seems to be no other way to be deliberately neutral. Although abstaining from a vote might be considered a neutral vote, it isn't truly a vote at all. In that general sense, a person could be said to have voted neutral on every idea here where they have not voted otherwise, which is clearly an absurd presumption. I choose to be actively neutral.
-- tatterdemalion, Dec 07 2009


// I choose to be actively neutral. //

<Obligatory- Third-Man- Orson-Welles-Swiss -cuckoo-clock-reference>
-- 8th of 7, Dec 07 2009


well, my postman DOES give my dog a treat nearly every day. It has become an obsession; O waits for the postman and as soon as the truck rolls near he starts pacing and woofing. Not widely known to exist but certainly exists. (also neutral)
-- dentworth, Dec 11 2009


//Try not giving the postman a Christmas tip and note the change in Quality of Service.//

Who tips the postman? Isn't a pensionable government job enough?
-- rocdoc, Dec 11 2009


I agree with [dentworth] - all our postman carry dog treats and they give them out at the drive-thru at the bank, too!! (If you have your dog in the car with you.)
-- xandram, Dec 11 2009



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