Welcome Guest Writer Christine Baayen, dog trainer, groomer and owner of The Ugly Pug. Christine will be contributing regular posts about dog training and grooming! Get ready, she knows dogs and she has no bones about sharing her opinions ! (bhaa, see what I did there, damn that was clever! A bone reference. Get it? nevermind).
PEOPLE AND THEIR DOGS
By Christine Baayen
I was asked recently about the etiquette for bringing dogs to other peoples’ homes. I had to really think about this one because people often bring their dogs to our family home simple because we are in the dog business. It really doesn’t bother us 9 times out of 10. We have a dog proof home, fairly easy going dogs and a large fenced in area. So we are the dog owner’s wet dream.
Photo Cred: sofawnedlifestyle.com
Then I thought about it and realized that very rarely do we take our dogs to the homes of others when we go to visit. This is simply because I think it’s rude unless it is specifically requested that we bring a dog for theirs to play with.
My reasoning is very simple. I don’t think anyone else actually likes my dogs as much as I do. It’s kind of like children. I really like mine, and some others but . . . I don’t want to live with other peoples’ kids.
The etiquette of dogs and visiting is, I believe, very easy: Don’t do it. First of all you were invited to have dinner, pool party or a glass of wine. You were invited not the dog. If they wanted your dog the invitation would clearly state your dog’s name. The reasons that your dog is not invited are not vague; they are very personal. Someone in the home, whether family or visiting, could be allergic or, they could even be very uncomfortable with other peoples’ dogs. They could be frightened of dogs. Even though your “Fluffy” is “perfect” you need to respect that. There are also cultural issues with dogs. Really to be perfectly honest in this conversation your dog might simply be a jerk. Little jerk or big jerk is still a jerk.
Perhaps you see growling, the owner sees a happy smiling dog. (Photocred: sofawnedlifestyle.com)
Then there’s the other side of the issue. The homeowner doesn’t want to clean up after your dog or find presents after you have left because your dog probably just HAD to mark its territory in one form or another. Maybe their dog is a jerk and they don’t want to be a referee (this is why your dog isn’t invited to MF’s house). Ever had one of those friends whose kids came over and it was an exhausting battle trying to get them to play well with one another? Try it with 47 razor edge sharp teeth and see how that works for you.
Ok, so lets say “Fluffy” was invited to the party and “Fluffy” isn’t used to other dogs, or different dogs, or maybe both dogs are in a mood. Trust me I see this regularly and usually this is a direct reflection of their owners (I’m just sayin). Things happen when dogs get together. They either rough play or the home dog makes sure the visiting dog realizes this is not his space. If you’re not prepared for a scuffle leave your dog at home.
As I have stated in other comments regarding taking dogs out of your home and environment and into others my best advice is to leave your dog at home. It is not your right to take your dog everywhere. If I hear the excuse that “My dog is lonely, has separation anxiety or he is my family”. That excuse doesn’t fly. Your dog needs to be regularly exercised and I know this is a word that no one wants to hear but trained.
He is still just a dog in the eyes of the law and you need to be respectful of other peoples’ homes, families and even businesses.
CB
Who is Christine Baayen?
Mom/Wife/Dog Trainer/ Dog Groomer/Owner of the Ugly Pug visit her website HERE.
She owns too many dogs and speaks better dog than human.
Her philosophy is positive reinforcement with a no nonsense approach. Cuddles are snuck in occasionally.