First Class Maul

[Hum]

Terrified postmen are being given psychology lessons on how to unleash their 'inner dog' to stop them getting bitten on their rounds in Germany.

Animal behaviour experts hired by the country's Deutsche Post service claim they are already cutting back on the 1,800-a-year cases of posties mauled by mutts while carrying out their duties.

"They learn to think like dogs, use their own dog instincts, and see what is in the dog's mind," said trainer Jorg Ulbricht.

Postmen are taught how to empathise with a dog trying to defend its home against an intruder.

"The main problem is that the postman it is entering a dog's territory and is going to have to keep doing that every day.

"If a dog chases you off once, its confidence grows while yours shrinks.

'Out students have to work out a relationship with the animal where they are on top," explained trainer Jorg.

"And if that doesn't work they've got dog biscuits and pepper spray too," he added.

Initial results show a massive 80 per cent drop in reported attacks, which some postman require weeks to recover from.

Bite victim Sabine Tiefenbeck said after taking the course: "I have been bitten twice and the fear stays with you. It takes a while to get your nerve back and this helps."

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