Dog friendly places - small dog only - WHY?

zircon

no one has any business bringing an aggressive dog into a hotal situation with strange noises and unfamiliar people.

I've seen this stated or implied a few times in this thread, and honestly, I don't get it. I have an aggressive dog, and yes, she does occasionally travel with me. Why? Well, for starters, I can't/won't board her because of her behavior. Also, she's just as much a part of my family as a friendly dog would be. AND she's constantly under my control, which can't be said for a lot of people with friendly dogs. Why shouldn't she travel with me?

I agree that it would be irresponsible to allow a dog to threaten or otherwise show aggression to people, but why is it irresponsible to travel with an aggressive dog at all?

BTW.."aggressive" doesn't mean she barks constantly or is out of control..it simply means she is not friendly, and if a stranger tried to pet her, she would likely growl, bark, snarl, or lunge. The simple solution for this is just that I don't allow anyone close enough to her to trigger the behavior. IMO she's less of a bite risk than many "friendly" dogs, simply because I do not allow strangers to come near her.

jenns

Well, for those who have been turned down at a hotel because their dog is too large, have any of you bothered to ask them WHY the weight restriction is in place? Would seem a lot more constructive than arguing about hypotheses as to what the reason is on the forum, no?

On target Jenns!!

Try having 3 dogs and one talking cockatiel and having to get out because a hurricane is coming!!  Try finding a dog-friendly hotel that will take all those pets then?? phew.

I wanted to make several points here tho:

• "weight limit" -- usually there are no two places that have exactly the same reasons for that 'limit'.  I've had some admit to me that it keeps out "dangerous breeds" -- not just pits, shepherds, etc. -- but MIXES of any of them.  People are afraid of them and rather than deal with upset guests they just say "no".  Other places may deal mostly in retirees who travel -- and people who travel habitually often have small dogs who are "portable" (ask Glenda about living in a small RV with as many as she's got!! phew).  But they may allow the 'small dogs' specifically to appease *some* people but not having to deal with others.  Also it can get *really* discriminatory because not only does a 20 # limit keep out pits, etc. -- but it keeps out "those kinds of people" -- which is ludicrous because most folks wanting to cause trouble with dogs aren't paying to stay in a nice motel!!! Often the rules aren't made logically -- they're made after a bad experience!!  They aren't meant to bde fair -- they're a band-aid!!
• CGC -- Because our dogs are all in CGC training, do pet therapy, etc. -- I've often had that alone be enough to get them in.  Case in point -- 2 weeks ago we went to Lauderdale and stayed in a La Quinta.  MOST La Quintas are completely dog friendly.  Not cheap, but dog friendly.  This particular one wasn't.  They had a serious 2 dog limit.  I have 3 dogs.  I called ahead, asked to speak with a manager and actually got permission *before* we went to stay there and they had it in the reservation notes.  That particular time was clinched because I told them these dogs all do pet therapy, and if they wanted I'd be willing to get recommendations from Give Kids the World, Grandma's House or my vet. 
• That lmit truly usually isn't about 'size' -- it's usually about excluding almost all dogs except the very few they would like to let in.  It *can* be quite mean-spirited.  It *can* be simply a smoke screen for 'we really don't want dogs at all but we HAVE to let Mrs. Schmuckatella and Fifi stay cos she's the boss's cousin!!'
• CRATES -- any time I call to ask permission about our dogs I always start the sentence with "we will have crates with us and our dogs won't be left unattended in the room out of the crate at all -- nor will be be gone for long periods - I will not allow them to bark.
• It used to be AAA and most other qualifying organizations just plain said "no dogs" -- that was before Frontline and Advantage because dogs brought fleas.  So most places really don't know what TO do with dogs and they're terrified a dog will bite or scare someone.
• It may also be weird local laws or insurance regulations that impose that rule.  I've seen some weird ones in Florida.  St. Pete Beach actually has a city ordinance that no dog can be in any motel room where there are any "ammenities" -- like -- even a coffee maker!!  Originally that was to keep Mr. and Mrs. Snowbird from coming down here and letting their dog lick out the refrigerator (I actually had a motel owner tell me that) -- but it's become absurd, but the city ordinance still stands so if you even have a coffeemaker in the room (and most rooms at fridge/microwave, etc. now).  But if you didn't know about that city ordinance you'd despair of finding a motel over there that will take pets.  You just plain have to leave St. Pete Beach entirely!

Chelsea B you are right. Of course people with aggressive dogs should be able to travel with them. I should have worded it differently. What I was getting at was that I have trouble with the idea of bringing a truly aggressive dog into a crowded lobby or leaving their dog in the room when the maid comes in. Although from your description I would not necessarily have used the word "aggressive" to describe her behavior, since it is provoked in a way. I guess I don't have a lot of faith in the average dog owner since I've run into many who deny their own dogs aggressive tendencies. As is often the case, people who post on dog forums like yourself are more knowledgable than the average owner so I hope I did not offend you.

I think a lot of places are leary that big dogs will be under control period, be it by causing damage or aggression. 

I've found that if I speak to the hotel or owner directly I can usually plead my case and Willow is allowed to stay. 

In fact, the hotel that we stayed at in November almost banned dogs completely after a lady with three small dogs destroyed the room so badly that they had to repair it before they could use it again.  I usually ask for a room at the end of the hall that way we have to walk by less rooms to get in and out with her and less noise from the hallway. 

jenns

Well, for those who have been turned down at a hotel because their dog is too large, have any of you bothered to ask them WHY the weight restriction is in place?

Indeed, I have... want to hear the answers???

Aside from the reasons I have already mentioned - potential damage to property/people, allergies, etc 

"Larger dogs make larger poop messes".... which implies that either only small dog owners pick up their messes, or no dog owner does and they don't mind picking up smaller poop.  Either way, I find it laughable.

"It's just our policy"... which means they have no idea why, either.

a very vague: "It's a liability" - again, the presumption that larger dogs present a larger liability - which I could pretty much accept, but the statement was so often followed by examples of such damaging dogs as "Rottweilers and German Shepherds and such"

Look, I agree that it's private property and they have the right to set rules.  I realize I have the right to use their services sans dog, or w/some small dog, or NOT.  But here's the thing - about 60% of it is hype/hysteria, 30% insurance rules, and about 10% whatever else.  (totally random figures I'm just making up, of course).  But let's be real.  The weight discrimination is REALLY just a veiled breed discrimination.  Fine, do it.  But don't think people shouldn't have the right to point it out.  And don't think it shouldn't be challenged.  The folks don't often put these rules in retroactive to some damage caused by a large dog.  If it was, then they WOULD ban ALL dogs, imho.

My mum ran a motel once.

 We allowed all pets, dogs big or small. They put a 50 dollar damage deposit (it was a small motel room, so there wasn't THAT much to be damaged) before staying, and we checked out the place before they checked out.

I really don't understand the weight limit.. it's really quite annoying... from a renting perspective and motels/hotels.

I think in a lot of cases, at least ones I've had experience with, there was one or two people that made a big enough stink that management decided to appease them.  Twice now when I've applied for housing I was told "no pets" because a previous renter did something idiotic like getting a puppy and not house training it.  In both cases, I was able to talk sense into the landlord and convince them otherwise, both by offering a hefty pet deposit and by inviting them to check my references with regard to how I care for my pets.  I'm assuming the same sort of thing happens a lot with other rentals and hotels - there's one bad experience and management decides it's just not worth it.  Judging by what I've seen from pet owners, I hardly blame the landlords and managers.  I think it's just easier to say "no pets". 

I'm guessing the weight limit is mainly to restrict the large, supposedly aggressive breeds.  Last time I had Kenya at a hotel I was taking her out to potty, had her on a 4' leash.  We passed by another room where some little girls were standing inside their doorway and they all started screaming and running, even though Kenya was on a short leash, in heel, paying zero attention to anyone else as usual.  It's like the saying "perception is reality."  Unfortunately, a lot of people perceive our large dogs as ill-mannered and aggressive, so that is the reality the hotel managers and property managers have to deal with.  If they want to make money, they need to appease the lowest common denominator.

To date, I've had pretty good success convincing people that my dog should be allowed to stay/rent.  I really don't have the time or energy to convince them to change the policies as a whole, I just do what I can to prove *I* am a responsible owner and let that speak for itself.  I know this is not feasible for everyone, but for those that have done this, make sure to mention the dog's titles.  When I tell people Kenya has a CGC, passed a pet therapy course and evaluation, and has an obedience title, that helps a LOT.  We're also doing the Therapy Dog Intl evaluation next month and hopefully the American Temperament Test Society's TT in July.  I don't *need* to do any of these tests, but they are cheap enough that for me it has been worth it.  You know how people think that just b/c a purebred dog is "AKC registered" it must be worth the thousands of dollars to get from the puppy mill?  Well, throw a couple temperament titles in someone's face and it's amazing how fast they go from calling your dog a liability to bending over backward for you. 

Liesje

I think in a lot of cases, at least ones I've had experience with, there was one or two people that made a big enough stink that management decided to appease them.  Twice now when I've applied for housing I was told "no pets" because a previous renter did something idiotic like getting a puppy and not house training it.  In both cases, I was able to talk sense into the landlord and convince them otherwise, both by offering a hefty pet deposit and by inviting them to check my references with regard to how I care for my pets.  I'm assuming the same sort of thing happens a lot with other rentals and hotels - there's one bad experience and management decides it's just not worth it.  Judging by what I've seen from pet owners, I hardly blame the landlords and managers.  I think it's just easier to say "no pets". 

I'm guessing the weight limit is mainly to restrict the large, supposedly aggressive breeds.  Last time I had Kenya at a hotel I was taking her out to potty, had her on a 4' leash.  We passed by another room where some little girls were standing inside their doorway and they all started screaming and running, even though Kenya was on a short leash, in heel, paying zero attention to anyone else as usual.  It's like the saying "perception is reality."  Unfortunately, a lot of people perceive our large dogs as ill-mannered and aggressive, so that is the reality the hotel managers and property managers have to deal with.  If they want to make money, they need to appease the lowest common denominator.

To date, I've had pretty good success convincing people that my dog should be allowed to stay/rent.  I really don't have the time or energy to convince them to change the policies as a whole, I just do what I can to prove *I* am a responsible owner and let that speak for itself.  I know this is not feasible for everyone, but for those that have done this, make sure to mention the dog's titles.  When I tell people Kenya has a CGC, passed a pet therapy course and evaluation, and has an obedience title, that helps a LOT.  We're also doing the Therapy Dog Intl evaluation next month and hopefully the American Temperament Test Society's TT in July.  I don't *need* to do any of these tests, but they are cheap enough that for me it has been worth it.  You know how people think that just b/c a purebred dog is "AKC registered" it must be worth the thousands of dollars to get from the puppy mill?  Well, throw a couple temperament titles in someone's face and it's amazing how fast they go from calling your dog a liability to bending over backward for you. 

ABSO-friggin-LUTELY!!!!

Just the CGC -- I carry copies of it everywhere we go with the dogs -- people may not even know what it is, but it's obviously proof that you've gone WAY out of your way to train your dog.  If people would routinely get their dogs CGCs we would be well on our way towards dealing with BSL and high insurance premiums (or no coverage for some breeds) because then we could get such temperament testing and extra obedience title as criteria for proof what what your dog is capable of and what lengths you, as an owner, go to in order to have them under control.

those titles are THE best weapon those of us who are true dog lovers HAVE towards getting fair and equitable treatment

Our maids will not go into a room if there is a dog in there. Not just becasue they are scared of dogs but they cant be held responsible for containing the dog if it is not crate trained. Not to mention I don't know how many dogs will take kindly to strange ladies milling about there room with the vaccum going, LOL.

Customers are advised to give a wave, call or honk when they are going to be out and about with the dog so the maids can go in. All of our rooms have sweet patios or enclosed yards so I fond that peopel will just hang out in teh sun with the dogs while the room is being cleaned. Some opt to just have towels and whatnot dropped off instead of a full clean. Working around the dogs is less of a nusiance then you'd think and the happiness peopel get from being allowed to bring their dog is so worth it.

AuroraLove

Some opt to just have towels and whatnot dropped off instead of a full clean.

That's what I do when I'm in a motel with Cherokee. Put the little "no cleaning needed" or whatever sign on the door, and ask for clean towels and such when the maid passes by. Cherokee's one of the ones who would definitely not take kindly to a strange lady with a vacuum.

My dog is under 25 lbs, but when we travel, we're usually with a Doberman, who is around 65 lbs. Emma and Trouble are both rally titled, both CGCs, and Trouble has an obedience title. Both are totally leash trained, crate trained, and house trained. Of course, people are scared of Trouble, and not of Emma (which is totally insane, because Trouble is a doll, and Emma is... not). We do crate them when we leave the room (just for dinner), but Saturday, we arrived to both dogs loose, and nothing disturbed. Emma figured out how to open her new crate, and freed her friend, as well. They slept on the bed together til we got back.

We always get a room on the end (less neighbors), and the dogs know to be quiet. Emma still has the occasional "guardy" bark if I don't watch her closely, but it's one, muffled bark. She knows that more than one will have her spending the evening in her crate, instead of hanging out with me on the bed.

I don't stay in hotels that have size limits, or don't allow certain breeds.  I spend a lot of money on hotel rooms and stinky dog fees. I would rather give that to someone who allows ALL dogs than someone who allows only small or only non-scary dogs.