Barking Mad at the Post? This Dog Awareness Week Vets explain how to ditch the doorbell drama

06 July 2026

This Dog Awareness Week 6-10 July 2026, the leading pet charity PDSA is urging pet owners to learn how to recognise when their dog may be stressed and teach their dogs how to stay calm when the post arrives, turning doorbell dramas into calmer, happier arrivals. Every day across the UK, thousands of dogs erupt into barking, jumping, and racing to the front door the moment the post person arrives. But according to PDSA, what many pet owners see as bad or naughty behaviour, is often a learned response, often associated with dogs feeling stressed, and one that can be changed over time.

As part of Dog Awareness Week 2026, PDSA is encouraging pet owners to take up simple reward-based training that can help dogs stay calm, reduce stress and even lower the risk of bites when someone comes to the door.

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh said:  "Dogs often see the front door as part of their territory, so when someone arrives unexpectedly, their instinct is to investigate or alert their family. While this behaviour is completely normal, it can quickly become stressful for both dogs and pet owners if it gets out of hand, and in some extreme cases can even lead to a dog biting."

Many dogs unknowingly rehearse the same behaviour every single day.

"From your dog's perspective, barking works. The post person arrives, your dog barks and then the post person leaves. Your dog may genuinely believe they've chased the visitor away, which reinforces the behaviour every time it happens."

Rather than telling dogs off, PDSA suggests that pet owners should teach them a new routine: "Instead of focusing on stopping the barking, teach your dog what you'd like them to do instead. For example, training them to go to their bed or mat when the doorbell rings gives them a clear job, helps them feel secure and makes answering the door much calmer for everyone." 

PDSA's seven tips to stop doorbell stress: 

• Train your dog to go to their bed or mat whenever the doorbell rings.
• Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.
• Practise with recorded doorbell sounds or loud knocks before moving onto real visitors.
• Give your dog a stuffed food toy, puzzle feeder, or safe chew while you answer the door.
• Reward them whenever they choose to relax on their bed or mat.
• Never shout or punish barking, as this can increase the dog’s fear and excitement.
• Keep training short, positive, and consistent. 

However, the charity also highlights that barking is not always excitement. It can also be a sign that a pet is struggling. PDSA recommends that you also look out for these signs in your dog: 

• Excessive barking or jumping up
• Pacing and panting
• Whining, trembling, or hiding away
• Ears pinned back
• Difficulty settling after visitors leave

Shauna added: "Punishing a dog for barking is likely to make the situation worse because they're often already feeling worried or overwhelmed. Rewarding calm behaviour is far more effective and helps build your dog's confidence." 

"Most dogs can learn to stay calm when the doorbell rings, but it takes patience and practice. Teaching an alternative behaviour and rewarding calm responses can make postal deliveries and visitors arriving much less stressful for everyone." 

If a dog becomes highly distressed when someone comes to the door, or pet owners are not seeing any improvement with training, PDSA recommends speaking to a vet.