Dilemna... guests that are afraid of dogs!

When people come to my house, if I have the opportunity to do so I crate all of my dogs to give people a chance to get in the door without getting the full effects of the welcome wagon. If they like dogs, I'll let them out. If not, for a short visit I have no problem crating my dogs - especially if someone is unsure of dogs, or afraid. I figure they're a guest in my home, and it doesn't hurt my dogs' feelings to crate with a yummy for a couple of hours.

If we're talking about more than a few hours, different rules apply. My dogs live there too.

I think I'd have (in fact, I have had) a problem crating my dogs when someone came over before they'd had a chance to see who it was in their house and what they were doing there. It would work fine if they got a chance to see/sniff whoever it was that came in the door, but pre-emptive crating would definately result in a lot of whining/barking from the bedroom (where the crates are). I sometimes send them outside or to their crates when we have people over and they're just being roadblocks (we have a small house and large dogs), but only after they've had a chance to fully investigate the visitor/s.

The one time I tried to pre-emptively crate, it was a disaster. We had a home inspector over who had to, of course, go completely through every area of the house and yard, so I couldn't just toss them outside or put them in another room. The guy made no effort to hide the fact that he didn't like dogs (uh, maybe he should investigate a line of work that doesn't involve walking around strangers' houses all day?) and that my dogs in particular were too big. So while he was still out in the street, I crated them and they just about blew a gasket. I really can't say that I blame them: some random stranger who's voice they didn't even recognize was casing their house and they weren't even allowed to see or sniff him.

My dogs are very low key about visitors normally--they don't jump or lick or bark non-stop. They'll bark once to let me know someone's at the door, and as the person comes in, they give a quick sniff-down, approve the person for entry, and that's it. If someone can't handle that amount of attention from a dog, I suggest they just not come over. If we're all on the third floor and a friend comes over who just lets themself in and comes up, the dogs won't even bother to get up from their naps--like, the person has already gotten this far, we're not responsible for whatever happens now.

I would say it depends how long she is going to be there. If it's for a short period of time maybe crate for a little while then put her outside for a while. It depends how well you get on with the MIL. A good excuse to take the dog outside and play for a while and to get away from her.
 
People know when they come to our house they have to put up with the dog, I do however put him out for a while, especially if they are there for a meal. My MIL has a small dog so when they come it's for a week, but I will not lock my dog out for hers to be inside. Her dog just has to get use to it. Like it or lump it.
 
This is going to be placed at our front door of our new home for all to see.
 
I love my dogs, this is their home.
It's my hope, they never roam.
 
My faithfull freinds, they are the best.
This is their home, you are a guest.
 
If to you, they are a peeve.
Then by all means, feel free to leave.,
 
If people don't like my dog then don't come to my house simple.

What a great sign!  I love it.  I'd probably do the same as most of you - in a room for a short visit.  But then - he'd come out the doggy door and stand looking in the slider to the dining room ... and I'd have to look at that sad little face staring in and wondering why he'd been locked out of the fun.  I'm sure I'd cave and let him back in. []

Joyce

ORIGINAL: mallymute

I would say it depends how long she is going to be there. If it's for a short period of time maybe crate for a little while then put her outside for a while. It depends how well you get on with the MIL. A good excuse to take the dog outside and play for a while and to get away from her.

People know when they come to our house they have to put up with the dog, I do however put him out for a while, especially if they are there for a meal. My MIL has a small dog so when they come it's for a week, but I will not lock my dog out for hers to be inside. Her dog just has to get use to it. Like it or lump it.

This is going to be placed at our front door of our new home for all to see.

I love my dogs, this is their home.
It's my hope, they never roam.

My faithfull freinds, they are the best.
This is their home, you are a guest.

If to you, they are a peeve.
Then by all means, feel free to leave.,

If people don't like my dog then don't come to my house simple.

 
My mother in law comes for a few hours, but I don't like the way she looks at Sammy... like he's beneath her.  She's an okay person, but I like Sammy better than her (and many other people, I've come to find out []).  I think I'll put him on a leash.  I like that. 
 
I love that sign!!!!  I'm going to put that on canvas and hang it in my foyer! [8D]

ORIGINAL: natali

Yeah, I know a couple of people like that. They are extremly afraid of dogs. But I would never put Bruno in a seperate room or the backyard because he's going to to start whining and and scratching the doors and barking. Usually if he ever comes near them I'll just sharply call his name so he'll come to me.

 
Your Bruno is a very handsome guy!  I'd love to see a full face shot of him!  [sm=wink2.gif]

If I invite people to my house it's my job as hostess to make them comfortable.  If that means making the dogs go away for a bit - so be it.  It's not gonna kill the dogs to be put in another room or out in our field for a few hours.

One of my Brothers-in-law was very afraid of our Shepherds when he first met them.  Now he likes it when Riggs or Neke bring him a toy to throw for them.

My other BIL has MS and I worry about the dogs knocking into him when he's up and moving around.  So I tend to at least lock Neke up when he's here (she's getting so old she doesn't know where all four feet are anymore).

Now, if someone stops by unannounced for a visit - the dogs get to stay out.  Maybe that's why no-one stops by unannounced!

If people don't like my dog then don't come to my house simple.

Hey that's my line!!

ORIGINAL: Xerxes

If people don't like my dog then don't come to my house simple.

Hey that's my line!!

 
 
Amen !!!!!
 
The only thing I do is vacuum the furniture for my allergic friends. I guess I am lucky I dont have anyone visit that doesnt love my two.

When people come over Jake is allowed to meet and greet.  If he does not settle down then I will put him in my room with a chewy or a treat of some kind.  Most of our friends know and love Jake so its not a problem.  I like the idea of leashing your dog to you too.  Kinda like saying " I will not lock my dog away for you to be here,  you may not want him near you but I want him near me!"  My in-laws think our dog is toooo big.  Which is fine with me cause they either don't come over or don't stay long. LOL