First, let's get one thing straight: Mailmen DO NOT USE MACE. It is diluted pepper spray and it is harmless. It does not cause blindness or any other type of injury. It was developed with the assistance of veteranarians who would never have approved its use if it did cause any kind of damage. There is a possibility of damage with the use of mace, which is why the U.S. Postal Service does not use it. The pepper spray used is under the brand name of either "Halt" or "Back Off". It causes a stinging sensation in the eyes and nose for a maximum of ten minutes. This is to give the mailman enough time to get away from the dog and to safety. The stinging eventually wears off on its own, though most dogs just wipe it away by rubbing their face in the grass. Speaking as one who has had to use this product a few times in my long career as a Postal Carrier, I will also report that it does not work with all breeds. (I'm not going to reveal which ones.) In a perfect world, Mailmen would not need to use these products, and dog owners wouldn't become so angered when they do. Sadly, we do not live in a world where all dog owners are responsible with their dogs, and it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the barrel. Even though an owner knows how to "read" his dog, a Mailman cannot always tell if a charging dog is on the attack, or will stop short. If he can, he will hold his satchel out to the dog in hopes the animal will bite it instead. If not, the Mailman has no other means to protect himself but use the spray. I can also report that the old joke of the "dog biting the Mailman" is not as funny as it would seem. I have seen some horrific injuries done to my colleagues. Those who purchase specifiic breeds of dog because of their reputation for "stopping power" can certainly appreciate this. Finally, be forewarned that if your dog bites your Postman, you will face legal action. Dog bites fall under the category of "on the job injury". That means the Post Office has to report it to Workman's Compensation. With so many bites occurring, the only way the Postal Service can keep its W.C. premiums in check is to counter with lawsuits or out of court settlements.

First of all why would he have to use mace? Either you keep your dog inside or you leave it in the back. You should train your dog not to be aggressive twards people and other animals. The pepper spray may cause an allergic reaction in some dogs be cause every dog is different. Thats my fact and opinion please don't feel offended.

The answser by Santaanacanyon was right on. A few years ago, my Austrailian Shepard, Teebeau, was sitting in my front yard. When a mail carrier approached from across the street, my dog ran up to the curb in a friendly manner to greet him. My dog stopped at the curb (as he was trained not to go into the street). The mailman proceeded to walk onto my property, calmly pulled out his pepper spray and began chasing my dog all over the front yard, spraying him in the face. Needless to say I was upset. I told the mailman to leave my dog alone and just step back onto the street if he were concerned about being attacked by my now traumatized dog. The upshot was my dog had no lasting effects from the incident. I on the other hand had to pick up my mail at the post office for two weeks, for "having my dog off-leash during normal mail delivery hours. I was told by a post office director that there could have been legal ramifications for my dog "attacking" the postman, but since the postman, himself, did not use proper protocal by stepping onto my property, when he clearly saw the dog, he too was at fault. For the safety of both you and your dog, I'd recommend keeping your dog away from all mail carriers. They're libel to go "postal" on you and your dog.

What is to stop a mailman from purchasing mace and using that instead. Seems like anybody can buy mace or pepper spray. I keep my dog behind a gate. Once I saw the mailman teasing my dog and getting him really upset. Now I have noticed that my dog has a lot of stuff coming out of his eyes and he coughs. I am afraid that this crazy person may hate dogs and since my dog, being a territorial German Shepherd, always barks at him, he may have a personal issue with my dog. Now this person decided not to deliver my mail. Don't know why. I am taking my dog to the vet to see if chemicals is the cause of his coughing and eye problems. If it is, well lets put it this way, I really love my dog. I will take this matter as high up as I can. Afterall, my dog is behind a 7' rod iron gate. I've also noticed that my dog's hair stands up when he sees this mailman and his barking is more fierce. Now he too has a personal issue with this mailman. : ) Well, that's my story.

It is your responsibility to control your dogs. Not ahving them on leash or in a closed area is not controling them. I have 32 stiches in my buttocks from the same ignorant mentality you have. You people think you own the world and dont have to control your dog. You are one of the most selfish groups I know. Dog not on a leash owner. I have a three year old and dont enjoy going to the park or walking down the street because you people wont leash or otherwise control your dogs.

It is your responsibility to control your dogs. Not ahving them on leash or in a closed area is not controling them. I have 32 stiches in my buttocks from the same ignorant mentality you have. You people think you own the world and dont have to control your dog. You are one of the most selfish groups I know. Dog not on a leash owner. I have a three year old and dont enjoy going to the park or walking down the street because you people wont leash or otherwise control your dogs.

Oh grow up dude. Not everyone is like that.. I agree some people don't think about controlling their dogs, but I could say the same about people with bratty kids. but seriously....grow up and stop ACTING like a three year old. Some peoples dog are hard to control- there are many situations where shit happens. Try and keep your dog inside and yes ALWAYS put them on a leash- its not worth the risk of your pet getting hurt or someone else. As for the mace..... your dogs eyes will probably be fine. I d call a vet to ask to be sure and keep your dogs in doors or in the backyard.

It will make the eyes burn and very sore but clean them out and there should be no long term effects.

Today my husband was outside in the driveway with my 9lb. Yorkie. Yes, he was unleashed on OUR property. A mailman other than our usual carrier walked up to the house and my Yorkie ran toward him and started barking. The mailcarrier had the nerve to pull out his peper spray like he was going to use it. WTF?!? This dog is 9lbs and only as tall as your ankle. If he was that afraid of a tiny dog, maybe he should work INSIDE the post office and stop threatening small dogs who will obivously not hurt him. Pansy-ass punk wouldve had big problems if he had gone through with it. Seriously... 9lbs vs. King Kong, who do you think is the bigger threat?

I am having the same problem with my mailman..she sprays my dog several times just to be mean.(Witnessed by neighbor) My dog is in a fence where he cannot get to her and she does it anyway! They must use something pretty powerful because the vet said my dog will go blind from this! He has damage to his retina and had to have an antibiotic for his eyes. So I don't know about this "pet friendly mace" according to my vet it will cause a dog to go blind if the mailman sprays him often and well...mail is delivered 6 days a week and from the looks of his eyes this has been an ongoing thing! Also this is considered animal abuse! I called the SPCA and they said if the dog is not able to come into contact with the mailman then they have no right to mace the dog...Also they never said anything about this "pet friendly mace" either...actually they told me to report it to the police! So as you can see this is serious. I love my dog and I am very responsible FOR him and I'm going the extra mile to make sure he is not sprayed again! If it's harmfull or not I'm not taking that chance! You wouldn't let the mailman spray your child! Don't let them get away with it! Report him or her!

I am not sure what to think. Yes some people with dogs think everyone loves their dog and they don't. Many people are so involved with the dogs. I think if I were a mail carrier I would be one to carry Mace and if a dog was coming at me yes I would use it. 9 times out of 10 the owner will blame someone other then their dog. I would think if a dog was sprayed many times it would have a reaction to pepper spray. They now make a Dog Chaser that is used to train dogs I carry one when I walk The Dog Chaser Dog Repeller stops unwanted approaching dogs up to 15 feet. http://www.guardyourselfnow.com/dogchaser.htm

Earlier today, I was outside with my dog.. The mailman approched right up to us, and asked if she was friendly, I said shes nice, she just barks at you, especially if you dont pet her!! Shes barking- more like yipping, and wagging her tail. He gives me my mail and she follows him near the road, I call for her and she starts to turn around.... Thats when he maced her! I told him she wouldnt have hurt you, she just wants a "ride". He said, Yeah sorry I see that now. Shes a good dog. Sorry- just wash her eyes!!!!!!!!!! --If he could tell, why mace the dog?