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Pet Professional Guild Australia calls for immediate education and humane strategies to support postal worker safety
The Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) has reiterated its position that citronella spray is not a dog training or management tool, in response to Australia Post’s announcement that its delivery workers will be issued the spray as a workplace health and safety measure.
While the PPGA recognises that delivery workers must be protected and that self-defence in the face of an active dog attack may require emergency measures, it maintains that citronella spray is not an acceptable or effective long-term solution to the rising number of dog-related incidents.
“When used as a last resort to stop an active, unavoidable attack, an aversive like citronella spray may interrupt dangerous behaviour in progress,” said PPGA President Sarah Campbell.
The Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) has reiterated its position that citronella spray is not a dog training or management tool, in response to Australia Post’s announcement that its delivery workers will be issued the spray as a workplace health and safety measure.
While the PPGA recognises that delivery workers must be protected and that self-defence in the face of an active dog attack may require emergency measures, it maintains that citronella spray is not an acceptable or effective long-term solution to the rising number of dog-related incidents.
“When used as a last resort to stop an active, unavoidable attack, an aversive like citronella spray may interrupt dangerous behaviour in progress,” said PPGA President Sarah Campbell.
“But it’s not behaviour modification. It’s not training. It’s not a solution.”
PPGA asserts that loose and uncontained dogs pose a serious issue, not just to posties, but to dog walkers, neighbours, and the broader community. The prevalence of dog attacks reflects deeper, systemic issues in how we manage companion animals.
The Problem Isn’t the Dogs—It’s the Lack of Support for Guardians and Workers
The Problem Isn’t the Dogs—It’s the Lack of Support for Guardians and Workers
Citronella spray relies on fear, startle, and confusion, rather than addressing the causes of behaviour such as fear, territoriality, or poor socialisation.
Studies show the startle reflex is heightened in animals already experiencing fear (Lang, Bradley, & Cuthbert, 1990), meaning citronella spray can worsen anxiety and trigger further aggression.
What Can Be Done Instead? Humane, Practical Strategies for Safer Workplaces
PPGA proposes that postal workers be offered accessible, humane, and practical training and tools, including:
✔️ Situational awareness strategies, including how to assess body language and posture from a distance.
✔️ Physical barriers such as clipboards, satchels, or car doors to safely interrupt a charge without physical contact.
✔️ Sound-based deterrents (e.g. airhorns), used only during active attacks, which may startle a dog without introducing lingering aversive scent or negative associations.
✔️ Free, evidence-based webinars on dog body language, offered by PPGA to delivery workers and other at-risk field staff.
“We’re offering to help,” Campbell said. “PPGA is prepared to provide a free, practical training webinar for delivery staff on canine body language and safe interactions. It’s a small step that could make a big difference.”
PPGA is also calling on local councils, postal and delivery services, and regulatory bodies to collaborate with humane training organisations to develop evidence-led prevention strategies that protect workers without harming animals.
Emergency Response Vs Routine Management
PPGA remains firm in its stance that citronella spray must never be normalised as a day-to-day behavioural management tool. While its use in an emergency may be unavoidable, it should not be mistaken for a solution—and it must not set a precedent for everyday use in pet guardianship or public policy.
“No one wants to see a postie injured. But punishing dogs after we’ve failed to support their guardians isn’t the answer,” said Campbell.
“We need to build capacity for prevention, not rely on fear.”
To search for PPGA dog trainers, visit www.ppgaustralia.net.au
About PPGAThe Pet Professional Guild (PPG) is a 501(c)6 international member organisation founded on the principles of force-free training and pet care. Its membership represents pet industry professionals who are committed to force-free training, pet care philosophies, practices and methods.
Pet Professional Guild members understand force-free to mean that shock, pain, choke, fear, physical force and compulsion-based methods are never employed in training or caring for a pet. Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) is a registered not-for-profit organization incorporated in Australia that operates under a license agreement with PPG.
To discover more, visit www.ppgaustralia.net.au
MEDIA RELEASE, 15 June 2025
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