Proper Etiquette for Pet Owners: Avoiding Unwanted Greetings and Germs

[Chef Kearns]

I wish there was such a thing! Why do people, especially when they are expecting someone--a stranger no less, let their big ole dog answer the door? Then even if it is a "harmless" dog you end up getting goosed by the darn thing! It is very annoying to me to walk into someone's home and have an animal jump up on me and/or stick their nose in my crotch. There should be some kind of etiquette class for animal owners! I don't like dog spit all over me (not on my hands, legs and ESPECIALLY not my face!!). It is not cute! It makes me cringe! And I hate to cook in someone's kitchen (or eat at their house) when I see the dog lick them in the face or on the hands and they don't go wash. Don't give me all of that "dogs mouths are cleaner than..." nonsense. It is gross!! Plain and simple!

 

[rebeccastt]

Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!

Can you tell I'm passionate about this too?

 

[pc ri lisa]

As an animal owner. I agree with you 110%. When I have company I always put the girls away. They have a habit of being overly friendly. They are not very big 20 lbs each or very drooly but I agree that there is no need for them to jump all over company. Thanks for bringing this up. I have in the past used my fear of dogs to ask a kost politely to please find a place for the dog. It has always worked =)

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Don't sugar coat it, tell us what you really think.

 

[kcjodih]

Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!

Can you tell I'm passionate about this too?

and one more....AMEN!!

I was at my daughter's soccer game tonight and the darn man next to me had his beagle on a leash but left it slack and it kept walking UNDER my foldup chair and I was getting goosed from BELOW! After many nasty looks on my behalf, I gave up and just moved down the line! Give me a break, keep your pets close folks. I have pets too, but respect others!

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Dog loverI love dogs!!

BUT I AGREE!! I have been at people's homes where their animal is practically trying to sit in my lap or trying to sniff me and it's really annoying. I agree that this should be something that a person with common sense would know. I mean it's one thing to get close to your pets at home but someone else's pets is another story. I don't want to be rude but I usually use my pregnancy as an excuse.

"Oh no I don't want that dog to jump on my stomach, OUCH!"

or

"I love dogs but can you put him away, I am already off balance and would hate to fall and have my baby in your home."
LOL

This usually gets them to put their pooch away, but for heaven's sake I would think they would just do that. I have a small maltipoo puppy who probably weighs like 5 lbs wet but I still put him and our cat away whenever we have guests unless they insist we let them out.

Debbie

 

[PamperChefCarol]

Let me speak for the dogs out here...

"We just want to be your friend. And by the way, let's play!"

Being a dog owner of a 122 lb golden (yes, he is huge) he is not allowed on the furniture, or in people's laps. He will sniff you when you come into his home, but only because he wants to make sure you are ok to be around his people. After that he is happy to lay at your feet and look adoring in your direction. He is extremely social, and we never put him away. Where would we put him?? He grew out of the largest crate they make before he was 6 months old.

People are told before they come over that he is part of the family. But we don't tolerate him being a big, fercious animal when people come by. He doesn't bark, doesn't beg, doesn't take food off the dining table (even though he is tall enough to be able to reach the dining room table), coffee table or whereever else it may be.

Dogs are a responsibilty, and some people don't treat them as such. It's about training and sadly, some owners don't take the time to teach their pets manners and obediance.

There, I will now get off my soap box full of dog food.

By the way, that's my boy in my pic.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Good for you

Let me speak for the dogs out here...

"We just want to be your friend. And by the way, let's play!"

Being a dog owner of a 122 lb golden (yes, he is huge) he is not allowed on the furniture, or in people's laps. He will sniff you when you come into his home, but only because he wants to make sure you are ok to be around his people. After that he is happy to lay at your feet and look adoring in your direction. He is extremely social, and we never put him away. Where would we put him?? He grew out of the largest crate they make before he was 6 months old.

People are told before they come over that he is part of the family. But we don't tolerate him being a big, fercious animal when people come by. He doesn't bark, doesn't beg, doesn't take food off the dining table (even though he is tall enough to be able to reach the dining room table), coffee table or whereever else it may be.

Dogs are a responsibilty, and some people don't treat them as such. It's about training and sadly, some owners don't take the time to teach their pets manners and obediance.

There, I will now get off my soap box full of dog food.

By the way, that's my boy in my pic.

Well that's great, but we are talking about people who don't give their dogs any obedience training and pretty much let their animals run the house!!

I plan to get a German shepherd soon and I know this big dog will be put through obedience training and given simple commands that will keep him from jumping on people, making a nuisance of himself to strangers and licking people who don't want to be licked.

I am looking forward to having the dog near me when strangers come to the house, for protection of course, and having him outside with my four kids while they play and having some peace of mind. But I would never let my pet cross the boundaries of being friendly by slobbering on someone or climbing in someone's lap. It surprises me to have to even say something like "Can you get this dog off me?" LOL

Debbie

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Putting him in....Oh and as far as putting him somewhere:

Garage
Laundry room
One of the bedrooms with a child
Backyard

If the dog can't be controlled. Otherwise I have no problem with it. I have been around dogs who are well trained and just sat in a certain spot until I left.

Debbie

 

[Paula R. Lewis]

I totally agree with you. We have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and he is probably one of the best breeds EVER!!

Maverick is a very good dog, and listens well. He does tend to be overly "friendly" when someone comes over. If I can't calm him down BEFORE I open the door, I usually put him in his cage before I open the door.

If you don't know what this type of dog looks like, well, they look sort of like a miniature Collie. They have a collie face, Daschund shaped body/legs (very short to the ground), and no tail.
The problem here is, he tries soooo hard to be obedient, but, because he's so short to the ground, he almost has to jump in order to reach someone to get them to pet him!! It's almost comical, really.
I don't want him to jump on people though, so I do try very hard to make sure he's "caged" until he calms down.
What I usually explain to people is....I've got a dog. He doesn't bite, but he may try to jump on you. He's a big baby is all, and he honestly just thinks you've come over to see him! And, he's hoping, to play!! lol

He gets soooo excited, but he has no tail, so his whole butt actually shakes!! He's adorable!

But, nobody appreciates being "mauled", so everyone should be paying attention to their pets!! Oh, and the kissing the face thing? I totally agree....a big YUCK!!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I have Scottish Terrierists. They are trained, but when something comes up that fits into the category of rodent, all training goes right out the window.

 

[DebbieJ]

Yeah, dealing with my hosts huge German Shepherd last Friday was so much fun. NOT!

 

[Stampaholic1961]

I wish there was such a thing! Why do people, especially when they are expecting someone--a stranger no less, let their big ole dog answer the door? Then even if it is a "harmless" dog you end up getting goosed by the darn thing! It is very annoying to me to walk into someone's home and have an animal jump up on me and/or stick their nose in my crotch. There should be some kind of etiquette class for animal owners! I don't like dog spit all over me (not on my hands, legs and ESPECIALLY not my face!!). It is not cute! It makes me cringe! And I hate to cook in someone's kitchen (or eat at their house) when I see the dog lick them in the face or on the hands and they don't go wash. Don't give me all of that "dogs mouths are cleaner than..." nonsense. It is gross!! Plain and simple!

Finally someone who understands me!!! I've never understood rational people saying that dogs mouths are cleaner! How can a mouth that licks itself (& others) eats poop & vomit be cleaner than mine? Stupid!!

 

[raebates]

As much as I dislike being goosed by a nosy dog, I actually prefer that to the cat that climbs all over my stuff.

 

[pamperedgirl3]

As much as I dislike being goosed by a nosy dog, I actually prefer that to the cat that climbs all over my stuff.

I agree. I had a cat at a recent show that I found licking my small bamboo spoon in my crate--it was used. Yuck! I'm not an animal person, but I can tolerate them. But I would rather they get put away when I'm trying to cook for guests!

 

[chefann]

The person who was worst about this (at least that I ever met) was my SIL. She likes BIG dogs. Not Bull Mastiffs, but big labs, German shepherds, etc. My grandmother-in-law (her grandmother) is really afraid of dogs because she was bitten as a small child. And what does SIL do when Grandma comes over for a family dinner? Does she put the dog in the (fenced) backyard or a spare bedroom? No! She lets the dog jump all over Grandma, and then laughs. B*itch. (SIL, not the dog.)

I try to keep my pets in line, but they tend to bite me when I put them away, so DH has to do it. We do get funny looks from people when Beaker flies through the house. (Wheeeeeeee!)

 

[JAE]

I'm so glad someone started this thread because I was thinking the same thing. Honestly, I don't want the dog sniffing me, either because that usually means it's in my way! I don't think it's cute for any dog to jump on me or put their wet nose on my feet no matter how much a part of the family it is. I assume many people with dogs/pets don't even understand how someone couldn't appreciate a pet because owners many times just ignore the obvious...me pushing the dog away with my foot (not kicking), me stopping as I see the dog coming and saying something like "uh oh" or "oooh", me tripping over the dog while I'm carrying things, etc.
I had a show for a very good friend of mine and I was washing off my SA large tray before using it and the dish rag had dog hair on it. YUCK! DISGUSTING! GROSS! Needless to say, I started over on that.

 

[jenniferknapp]

I understand where everyone is coming from. But my Springer Spaniel seems to have an identity problem. He thinks he is a person! He does jump, and get really excited when someone comes over... although he is getting SO much better about not jumping! We try to put him outside when we know someone is coming over, but he will bark, bark and bark for hours. I feel like that is just as annoying! (he needs to be WITH people, he won't even stay outside alone!) When we have a lot of people coming over, we board him. (What a pain!!) But... it isn't always as easy as it sounds. We went through obedience classes and all... didn't help!When I have a show at someone's house that has pets, if it is a dog I usually put all of my stuff up on a counter/table. If they have a cat, it doesn't matter where you put it because the cat will usually be on counters/tables/etc. (yuck)

 

[ChefLisa]

How do you feel when your host or her husband greets you by licking your face and toes, jumps up and down on you when you walk through the door of their home, barks to the point of scaring you or humps your leg? I personally find it a little annoying. Yes, these are members of the family just like the dogs and cats. If it is okay for the pets to do, shouldn't it be okay for the host and the rest of her family?

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[pamperedbecky]

I understand where everyone is coming from. But my Springer Spaniel seems to have an identity problem. He thinks he is a person!

Just had to say I LOVE Springers. I grew up with one (her name was Spring) and she lived until 14 years old. I'd love to see a picture of yours! I want a dog badly, but can barely keep the house clean with two small kids along with my PC business. So, if we ever get one, it'll be way down the line when the kids are bigger AND I can convince my husband that dogs are awesome.

I agree though about the obnoxious dogs at host's homes who don't seem to have any training by their owners. I've been pretty lucky, I guess, and haven't run into too many of those.

 

[tpchefrebecca]

I have a 4mo. old beagle, Nutmeg. She is adorable and cute, BUT highly active. She loves people and loves to bark. She is annoyed when we crate her and leave for a few hours. HOWEVER, I am taking her to puppy classes which ends in 2 weeks. She hasn't gotten very far, but the teacher makes great points when it comes to dogs "greeting" others. We as owners need to block them and put them in a 'sit' and 'stay'. Sometimes this works, but she is a puppy and consistency is key. So it will take time.
Now with that said it is tougher with kids mine, are 8 and 4. I do my best with them to be consistent with Nutmeg. I am determined to have a well mannered dog. I even bought a bark controller collar, which should arrive today, so that she will learn not to bark at the door bell or when being crated when we leave. (teacher didn't like it, but oh well) We will see how it works.
I do give her tons of treats to help train but she is also a treat snob so sometimes that is an obsticle too.

 

[pcchris]

I have a Lhasa Poodle mix (mutt). She loves people, but also loves to jump up on people when they stop in. If I put her in her cage, she makes the most obnoxious noises I've ever heard. However, if I hold her when people come in, she's okay. After greeting everyone, she goes in the other room. She just gets so excited when people come over! ugh! I am a "cat" person...love cats, but can't have one due to allergies (everyone else in my family, not me). We got this dog because she does not shed. She is a royal pain. I love her to death, as she is a member of the family, but dogs are a pain in the you-know-what. As far as dogs/cats at shows I've done, I only had one problem with the dog trying to stick his nose into the bag where the food was, then the owner put him outside for a while, and then it was fine.

 

[rennea]

I'd like to think my kids are good!Sorry have to pipe in here..................as most who read my posts know I have three kids, all of the 4 legged kind. My dogs are all low to the ground and don't sniff people's crotches But my home is there home too, if people don't like it don't come over!!!!!!!!! They have never bitten anyone or been mean in anyway to our guests. Dogs have a sense of when people don't like them and they seem to act out even more then. My MIL doesn't like my basett hound and he won't leave her alone and as you know they drool big time when they get excited Otherwise he is very well behaved. We spent a lot of time training our kids to behave and would be very upset if there were sniffing people the wrong way. They also know that jumping isn't good as well.

I do agree with people who won't do anything with there kids though, it's hard to handle. Screaming, running around the house, spilling juice, tossing around your artwork, MANNERS

 

[rennea]

I have a Lhasa Poodle mix (mutt). However, if I hold her when people come in, she's okay. After greeting everyone, she goes in the other room. She just gets so excited when people come over!

Most dogs will calm down and go lay down after they have been greeted. People must realize how they would feel if somebody came over and walked by without saying hello

 

[etteluap70PC]

First I will say I have never owned a dog but want one in a year or so when my kids are older. I have had my fair share of cats.

I am all for pets being treated as a member of the family, but I am working to teach my children how to behave properly why should it be different for pets? I would not tollerate my children jumping all over visitors to my home.

After I had a few guests at my shows visibly upset by the behavior of a hosts animals. Not to mention me being grossed out by a cat walking all over my tools that I was set up to demo. I added a note to my host letter regarding pets.

This is at the end of my letter:

"One last request… I Love animals but If you have pets I ask that you keep them away from the area where we will be working. Many times I have had cats or dogs roaming arround my tools prior to a show and this can be very unsanitary. And disconcerting to your guests.

I will be calling you soon to talk about your goals and how together we can achieve them! Feel free to call me any time!"

I try to make a point to make sure they read this and it has helped tremendously!

 

[chefann]

I usually ask my host during host coaching whether there is a pet in the house, and suggest that they be put outside or in another room so that I don't accidentally drop something and harm the pet. It's a tactful way to mention that the pet probably shouldn't be in the same room as the demo.

 

[rennea]

I have a 4mo. old beagle, Nutmeg. She is adorable and cute, BUT highly active. She loves people and loves to bark. She is annoyed when we crate her and leave for a few hours. HOWEVER, I am taking her to puppy classes which ends in 2 weeks. She hasn't gotten very far, but the teacher makes great points when it comes to dogs "greeting" others. We as owners need to block them and put them in a 'sit' and 'stay'. Sometimes this works, but she is a puppy and consistency is key. So it will take time.
Now with that said it is tougher with kids mine, are 8 and 4. I do my best with them to be consistent with Nutmeg. I am determined to have a well mannered dog. I even bought a bark controller collar, which should arrive today, so that she will learn not to bark at the door bell or when being crated when we leave. (teacher didn't like it, but oh well) We will see how it works.
I do give her tons of treats to help train but she is also a treat snob so sometimes that is an obsticle too.

Training is hard but remember she is only 4m, she's just a wee baby still. I would love to see photos, I love beagles. Nutmeg is such a cute name. Classes are a great idea. I myself would not use those collars, I think a good stern "no" works just as good if not better. Good Luck and enjoy all the puppy fun

 

[ahammons]

Let me start by saying that I am not really an animal person!! I know, that's horrible, right? Well, I have allergies and hate to have animal hair all over the place (gagging just thinking about it) , but I can deal with animals if they aren't jumping on me or licking me (gross!). I know it doesn't make sense, but I have a harder time dealing with small dogs - they seem to be a little more hyper.
With that said, my husband is an animal lover - especially dogs. Okay, not just dogs, but big dogs! Even our kids (3yrs and 1yr) love animals already.

That would explain how I got talked into a German Shepherd. According to my DH, it was our oldest's 1st birthday present - but I know that it was really for him. We've had her for over 2 years, and I still wouldn't consider myself an animal person - but she is definitely part of our family. I spend way too much time cleaning and vacuuming everyday so that her hair isn't all over the place, but it's worth it to see how happy my sons (and DH) are to have her. She is the best dog we could ask for. She's a great protector (of course, she's a German Shepherd! lol), really loyal, and awesome with our kids. We know that she's just a big baby, but at the same time, we are completely aware of the fact that other people may not know that. I'm sure it would scare someone to death to have her barking and growling while they're trying to walk in the door. That's why we always let her outside in the backyard when we are expecting company. If it's raining, too cold, too hot, etc then we'll put her into her cage - which she loves, because she can rest w/out our kids always wanting to play. lol I think of our home as her home as well, but I would never want someone to feel uncomfortable while being a guest in our home. So if that means she has to stay in her cage or outside for a little while, that's okay!

 

[ChefLisa]

I like dogs, but I do have trust issues with them.

Many years ago I went to a friend's house, and I had not visited her for a while. She had a dog, who had lived with her for several months. The dog was barking away at me. My friend suggested I pet the dog and she would calm down. I had no apprehension because I was told by my friend it was the thing to do. Well, that dog took a nice bite into my arm. Luckily I was wearing a sweater so I only got a big bruise out of it. However, that really shook me up! This was at a friend's home, so you can imagine how hard of a time I have when I go into a stranger's home and I am told not to worry.

So when you have people over to your home, please remember they may have emotional scars for which you are not aware. Let me tell you, you don't want to have the fear, it is just something very hard to get over.

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[ahammons]

I even bought a bark controller collar, which should arrive today, so that she will learn not to bark at the door bell or when being crated when we leave.

I don't know much about beagles, but my SIL and BIL have the same breed of dog as we do (German Shepherd) and they use a bark controller collar. It works great for their dog - they only use it when away from home though, since it's pretty much impossible to stop a German Shepherd from barking to protect their home or family. They brought him to my MIL's house one day - if he started barking or jumping, all they had to do was show him the remote to the collar, and he'd stop. Our dog was abused as a puppy, so we didn't think it would be a good idea to use one on her. We do crate her when we leave though - she hated it at first, but now all we have to say is "go to your bed Mika" and she runs right to it. It took a few months to get her used to it, but our consistency paid off.