Proper Etiquette for Pet Owners: Avoiding Unwanted Greetings and Germs

[MissChef]

I'm not a huge pet lover but I'm not a pet hater either! I do like properly trained dogs and cats. To me animals have their place in their home like how kids have a place in their home. It is the owner/parents responsiblity to train both their animals and their kids! I do not let my kids jump all over people when they walk in the door (and trust me I have a very social daughter who LOVES people, but I don't let her climb all over people) and I don't let them play with other peoples stuff, I have taught my kids respect. I have been to many homes in the last 8 years both in my business and friends, and you can tell who trains their dogs and their kids. I can honestly say some kids upset me more than animals ever thought to! I love kids but some people don't raise their kids right and their kids rule the house! Same goes with pet owners.
For me my biggest problem is animals that don't listen and people who won't put them out! I don't want animals going through my kit and trying to get into my bags. I can't stand having animals jump on me and I can't stand them sniffing all over me. It freaks me out because it's not right. At first it's one thing that they sniff at you because that's how they know what life's about (their noses!). But my biggest thing is that my daughter is allergic to dogs and cats and she has eczema and itches so bad when she comes in contact with any dander. She breaks out in hives and starts sneezing and rubbing her eyes. When I ask people to keep their animals off my stuff because of that reason, people should respect that. The dander that comes off of animals is bad! It is all over the people that own them and all over everything that is near the dogs and cats, including my kit and bags! Then I bring it home and then it's in my home near my daughter and she goes crazy! My daughter goes crazy at school with all the dander there and when she goes to play areas! My daughter's allergist told me that those areas are so high in pet dander you'd swear a pet lives in those areas! And one more thing, their is no such thing as a dander free pet. Some have low dander but they are not dander free. My daugher is allergic to their dander and their saliva.
I understand that people love their pets like their own kids but if someone told me to not have my kids all over their stuff and I knew they were not kid people, you darn well better believe my kids will not be touching their stuff and they will behave, it's called respect. I'm respecting their feelings and their stuff and my children will too.
So I do agree with the original poster and I do understand many of the other posts but to me people just need to learn to respect other people's feelings.

By the way etteluap70PC, I love your letter idea and I think I'm going to add that to my host letter. I just wonder if I should add my daughter's allergy reason in there also? what do you think?

 

[katie0128]

I'm with the "I love animals, but not during my demo" group. I don't mind animals at all. In fact, when I go do a host's home that has pets, I will make a point to stop and talk with the animal, learn it's name, etc. I do request that hosts keep the animals away from the area where I will be doing my demo, but don't care of the animals are in another room, outside or in a cage... whatever the family usually does.

However, I completely understand about people who do not like animals (espeically dogs) wanting the animals away from them completely. You don't need that kind of stress when you are trying to do a show. I really like Paulette's phrase that she puts in her letter. If you don't like animals (or really have a fear of them), I'd state this so your host knows up front and if this causes a problem for her, you two will have enough time to works something out.

 

[yummy4tummy]

Okay, at the risk of sticking my neck out on a limb here, I am going to add my thoughts. I am truly an animal lover. I am the person that will encourage your dog to "kiss me" I don't mind having my face licked. That is the way they show affection as they do not have the ability to "pucker up". Being a mother, and an in-home care provider for disabled and mentally challenged people, and dealing with life in general, I have seen, touched and experienced far more gruesome things than a dog kiss. To my knowledge, nobody has ever died from dog germs. It warms my heart to see the excitement in my animals, and others, when they greet me. And if by some chance I am wrong and I do die from being licked by a dog ...what a way to go!

Now, I do not push my animals on other people. If they are not behaving properly then they will be put away. But remember, if you are a guest in our home, it is their home too.

Oh and btw, I always wash my hands but if I am not mixing food with my face...the face lick isn't an issue.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Oh and btw, I always wash my hands but if I am not mixing food with my face...the face lick isn't an issue.

Except when you greet people...most people come in for a hug or peck on the cheek. Gross! Yucko! Anyway...

I like putting the request in your host packet. It is nice and tackful. I know there are a lot of folks out there that think of their animals as family members...more power to ya! You just have to realize that YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT SEES THEM THAT WAY!! To other folks they are animals. Plain and simple. Like an earlier poster stated she was following her friends advise by trying to pet the dog and the dog bit her! There is no reason for that to happen. Her friend should've taken heed of her apprehension and put the dog away.

 

[Brandie]

I love my two dogs, the neurotic-and-over-protective German Shepherd and the incredibly-stupid-but-sweet-and-cute-as-is-possible bassett hound. These two are family members, but I respect the wishes of others, too. I have friends who don't like/are afraid of dogs. The dogs go to the laundry room. My grandmother is timid around large animals. The dogs go to the laundry room. Our GS is very protective of the kids, so when others kids come over, the dogs go to the laundry room.

I did have a show where the dogs kept sticking their noses onto the table. The guests all seemed to find this hilarious, so whatever. No one refused to eat the food! That certainly wouldn't have happened at my home, but different strokes...

BTW, lots of people look at animals as family members, not just the people who have them. Most of my friends and family who have pets know that our dogs are part of the family, and they see them as such. Sure, some folks don't see it that way, but I wouldn't say that no one sees it that way.

 

[OhmyDLM]

Okay, at the risk of sticking my neck out on a limb here, I am going to add my thoughts. I am truly an animal lover. I am the person that will encourage your dog to "kiss me" I don't mind having my face licked. That is the way they show affection as they do not have the ability to "pucker up". Being a mother, and an in-home care provider for disabled and mentally challenged people, and dealing with life in general, I have seen, touched and experienced far more gruesome things than a dog kiss. To my knowledge, nobody has ever died from dog germs. It warms my heart to see the excitement in my animals, and others, when they greet me. And if by some chance I am wrong and I do die from being licked by a dog ...what a way to go!

Now, I do not push my animals on other people. If they are not behaving properly then they will be put away. But remember, if you are a guest in our home, it is their home too.

Oh and btw, I always wash my hands but if I am not mixing food with my face...the face lick isn't an issue.

This entire post made me smile Warm, fuzzy, adorable, pet thoughts ha ha

 

[JAE]

I'm amazed at the different responses from everyone. This pet thing is very emotional to some of us. It's almost as bad as politics! Should we start a political thread?

 

[Marg]

I am a dog lover and have 2 lab/golden crosses. We absolutely feel that they are part of the family. That being said, I will put them downstairs in their "playroom" (it's filled with toys, chewies and stuff like that) if we are having a large group of people over or small kids. My dogs are very well behaved, but love to be affectionate and play. I would hate to have my dogs scare a little kid and turn them off of animals forever.
Now good friends of mine know that I have dogs and unless they have an allergy or are very scared of them, I leave them out - and they know that.
If I am having someone over to do a show - PartyLite, Epicure, I always
put the girls downstairs. 9 times out of 10, I don't know the consultant all that well and don't know if she's afraid of big dogs, allergic etc. Also, she/he is there to do her/his job and with few exceptions (humane society, pet store, animal shelter etc) there are not pets in the work place. I would expect the same courtesy to be extended to me when I go to someone's home.

 

[rennea]

Okay, at the risk of sticking my neck out on a limb here, I am going to add my thoughts. I am truly an animal lover. I am the person that will encourage your dog to "kiss me" I don't mind having my face licked. That is the way they show affection as they do not have the ability to "pucker up". Being a mother, and an in-home care provider for disabled and mentally challenged people, and dealing with life in general, I have seen, touched and experienced far more gruesome things than a dog kiss. To my knowledge, nobody has ever died from dog germs. It warms my heart to see the excitement in my animals, and others, when they greet me. And if by some chance I am wrong and I do die from being licked by a dog ...what a way to go!

Now, I do not push my animals on other people. If they are not behaving properly then they will be put away. But remember, if you are a guest in our home, it is their home too.

Oh and btw, I always wash my hands but if I am not mixing food with my face...the face lick isn't an issue.

Thanks for such a sweet post!!!!

 

[yummy4tummy]

HMMMMM...wonder how many times you have hugged or been hugged or "pecked on the cheek" by someone who just kissed a dog unbeknown-st to you and you lived. There are grosser things that I have seen on or near a person's face than dog. And unless you've been mauled by a slobbering St. Bernard then there should be no residue. Good thing my gag reflexes are better than yours or else my DD would have received no affection after seeing some of the things that have ended up not only on her face but in her mouth as well.

 

[Chef Kearns]

But your kids are your kids. Animals are animals.

 

[tpchefrebecca]

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

I tried to upload photos but they are too big. I know she is just a baby, but my husband works a lot of hours and I do have to leave the house every now and then. Our neighbors do need some peace and quiet. She slept last night in our room in her crate for the first time and didn't bark once! I talked to the trainer for weeks for tips and she tells me this yesterday. Oh well better late than never. She is a very stubborn girl and I try my best. I just tend to loose patience with only 3 hours sleep.

Okay I forgot I had a program that resizes your pics. Here is Nutmeg. All of our pets have been named after culinary terms. She is a red beagle and it seems to fit.

 

[ChefLisa]

I tried to upload photos but they are too big. I know she is just a baby, but my husband works a lot of hours and I do have to leave the house every now and then. Our neighbors do need some peace and quiet. She slept last night in our room in her crate for the first time and didn't bark once! I talked to the trainer for weeks for tips and she tells me this yesterday. Oh well better late than never. She is a very stubborn girl and I try my best. I just tend to loose patience with only 3 hours sleep.

Okay I forgot I had a program that resizes your pics. Here is Nutmeg. All of our pets have been named after culinary terms. She is a red beagle and it seems to fit.

She is way too cute!!!

 

[yummy4tummy]

But your kids are your kids. Animals are animals.

and germs are germs. All God's creatures that deserve love and affection.

 

[JAE]

If we're talking about God here, He did say humans were to rule over animals, not the other way around. We are to love people. God never says we have to love animals. And I'm not saying we have the right to be mean to them, either. People come first, in my opinion.

 

[Chef Kearns]

If we're talking about God here, He did say humans were to rule over animals, not the other way around. We are to love people. God never says we have to love animals. And I'm not saying we have the right to be mean to them, either. People come first, in my opinion.

Thank you, honey!! I mean I know I'm coming across nasty to some of you, but truly some animal owners go wayyy overboard. Can we say..."get a life/hobby/outside interest?

 

[rennea]

Thank you, honey!! I mean I know I'm coming across nasty to some of you, but truly some animal owners go wayyy overboard. Can we say..."get a life/hobby/outside interest?

Ouch Ok now that's just rude

 

[rennea]

I tried to upload photos but they are too big. I know she is just a baby, but my husband works a lot of hours and I do have to leave the house every now and then. Our neighbors do need some peace and quiet. She slept last night in our room in her crate for the first time and didn't bark once! I talked to the trainer for weeks for tips and she tells me this yesterday. Oh well better late than never. She is a very stubborn girl and I try my best. I just tend to loose patience with only 3 hours sleep.

Okay I forgot I had a program that resizes your pics. Here is Nutmeg. All of our pets have been named after culinary terms. She is a red beagle and it seems to fit.

How sweet, she is a sweety!! Good job on the crate idea, that is what we have done. It worked with two of ours but not our bassett hound She will learn to like her crate, it will become her little hide away.

 

[Stampaholic1961]

Thank you, honey!! I mean I know I'm coming across nasty to some of you, but truly some animal owners go wayyy overboard.

I agree with you about some owners going overboard. My ex-sister-in-law was one of those people which is why I don't like animals very well. She treated her animals better than she treated people. She got mad at me because she had this one really obnoxious dog that loved me. It wouldn't leave me alone & she got mad when I kept trying to get it to leave me alone. I didn't kick it or anything even tho I wanted to throw it out the window.

I don't tell people they are horrible for liking animals but that's how they treat me if I say I don't like animals. Thank goodness I have allergies so I can use that as a reason to avoid them. I got sick & tired of people trying to convince me to like animals by forcing them on me!

 

[Chef Stacy Edwards]

My opinion, of course i am coming from the animal lover side of things ( 4 labs, 3 horses, 2 roosters,4 hens) I feel that if you are being invited to a home for a demo and you as a consultant are not an animal lover. Then instead of starting off on the wrong foot with the host. Weather the host does or does not put the animals away is up to them and if you are not comfortable with this then ask someone else to do the show that dosen't have a problem with animals. My director is not fond of animals at her demos so we have an agreement that instead of hurting the owners/host feelings she asks me to do the show. Some plp (elderly, handicap etc.) familys it is there life, hobby and most importantly companion for life.
I just wanted to put my $.02 in. Not to make anyone upset either way.

 

[Chef Kearns]

My opinion, of course i am coming from the animal lover side of things ( 4 labs, 3 horses, 2 roosters,4 hens) I feel that if you are being invited to a home for a demo and you as a consultant are not an animal lover. Then instead of starting off on the wrong foot with the host. Weather the host does or does not put the animals away is up to them and if you are not comfortable with this then ask someone else to do the show that dosen't have a problem with animals. My director is not fond of animals at her demos so we have an agreement that instead of hurting the owners/host feelings she asks me to do the show. Some plp (elderly, handicap etc.) familys it is there life, hobby and most importantly companion for life.
I just wanted to put my $.02 in. Not to make anyone upset either way.

Uhmmm...I don't think so. It is nice that you guys have this arrangement. I'm glad that's working for you. However, I cannot give my shows away. Does your director walk in to do her shows sees that there's and animal and calls you right away?

I don't think it is starting on the wrong foot by asking them to crate or contain their pet. The wording that was mentioned earlier from Paulette's host packet letter was not mean or rude. It was a polite way to protect herself and her belongings.

It is weird that this is such a touchy subject. I am sure that I've come across nasty. I have respected your opinions on this subject and that is what I expect in return. I haven't been rude. Just honest to myself. This is how I feel.

 

[Stampaholic1961]

I don't think you are rude or nasty in what you said. I don't know why people who aren't animal lovers aren't allowed to have opinions! I have been made to feel like a sub-human low life scum for not liking animals so I usually keep my opinions to myself anymore! And after this discussion, I'll continue doing that...even if it's online!

 

[tpchefrebecca]

How sweet, she is a sweety!! Good job on the crate idea, that is what we have done. It worked with two of ours but not our bassett hound She will learn to like her crate, it will become her little hide away.

Rennea

I have to tell you the collar seems to be working. It doesn't seem to bother her either than the little static shock. You know when you rub your feet on the carpet and then touch metal? That is what she feels. It will beep and a little light will flash when she barks loud enough. So not a lot but enough to make a difference. Her barking believe it or not has cut down in half. She does whine, but I'll take that over the barking. She only wears the collar when I leave the house and when she goes to bed. It should be no more than week according to some reviews that she should have to wear this thing. She has also tamed down a bit too during the day when we are home. As for the pictures are when we first got her. Now she is over 12 pounds and getting lighter in color. I will take some more today and post them.

 

[sailortena]

I own two cats and they are very well behaved, as cats go, anyway. They have the good sense to run away and hide when people come over, and only make an appearance if they know who the person is.I did one show where a person's dog insisted on sniffing up my skirt every five minutes. LOL. I told the dog, i am sorry cutie, but I'm married. LOL. Cats don't bother me since they don't usually jump around my demo items, but I always ask if the host would put their dog in another room or outside, especially since lots of people will be eating and won't want their plates eaten from, food stolen, etc., or they might try to get my ingredients from a table. If women bring their children, the kids are usually put in the back room with the dog, lol. I have been fortunate not to have people insist that the dog has free reign around the house when guests are over.

 

[reba515]

Animal lover here.
My only issue is going into a hosts kitchen and finding the cat food dish on the counter! now that is gross.(JMO)
i know it's usually there because of the dog of the house but PLEASE.

I have a BIG dog and 2 cats the cats dine in the basement and even when the dog does go down she doesn't eat the kitty food (most likely out of "feline fear" )

 

[dianevill]

I did one show where a person's dog insisted on sniffing up my skirt every five minutes. LOL. I told the dog, i am sorry cutie, but I'm married. LOL.

Haha - that's funny. I'll need to remember that line. I'm not on either side of this debate, but just wanted to share a funny dog experience that happened just a couple of weeks ago. I was at a host's home who had a dog, and the 4 guests that showed up all brought their dogs (I have to admit that I thought that was rather strange, but whatever). The dogs "played" in the other room - they were wrestling, biting each other, etc., but fun, not hurtful. Then as soon as I started demoing, I kid you not, all five dogs came in and sat down in front of me, watching the demo. It was hilarious, because they actually looked like they were interested. Of course they were all just waiting for me to drop some food, but they sat through that whole demo - never bothered anyone, and I actually found myself talking to them as if they were part of the crowd. At the end they all got a reward - a piece of chicken from my Aloha Pizza, and then turned around and went back to their playing. The husband took a picture - I'll have to e-mail him and ask him to forward it, because it was just so funny looking. The host thanked me afterwards for being a good sport...

 

[rennea]

Haha - that's funny. I'll need to remember that line. I'm not on either side of this debate, but just wanted to share a funny dog experience that happened just a couple of weeks ago. I was at a host's home who had a dog, and the 4 guests that showed up all brought their dogs (I have to admit that I thought that was rather strange, but whatever). The dogs "played" in the other room - they were wrestling, biting each other, etc., but fun, not hurtful. Then as soon as I started demoing, I kid you not, all five dogs came in and sat down in front of me, watching the demo. It was hilarious, because they actually looked like they were interested. Of course they were all just waiting for me to drop some food, but they sat through that whole demo - never bothered anyone, and I actually found myself talking to them as if they were part of the crowd. At the end they all got a reward - a piece of chicken from my Aloha Pizza, and then turned around and went back to their playing. The husband took a picture - I'll have to e-mail him and ask him to forward it, because it was just so funny looking. The host thanked me afterwards for being a good sport...

Oh my gosh that is too funny!! Don't you wish everyone was like that at shows!

 

[rennea]

Rennea

I have to tell you the collar seems to be working. It doesn't seem to bother her either than the little static shock. You know when you rub your feet on the carpet and then touch metal? That is what she feels. It will beep and a little light will flash when she barks loud enough. So not a lot but enough to make a difference. Her barking believe it or not has cut down in half. She does whine, but I'll take that over the barking. She only wears the collar when I leave the house and when she goes to bed. It should be no more than week according to some reviews that she should have to wear this thing. She has also tamed down a bit too during the day when we are home. As for the pictures are when we first got her. Now she is over 12 pounds and getting lighter in color. I will take some more today and post them.

I'm glad it's working for you and you have found it a good training tool. I myself have never had to use them, mine only bark if somebody comes too the door (knock on wood ) I just love the photos of her makes me want one.......

 

[chefkeri]

Dog Owner & Completely in Agreement!I have 2 "ankle bitters" Bichon's. Pretend dogs my neighbor call 'em.. I completely agree (germ-a-phobe) here...

At some recent shows, I have two cat's all over my demo table (repeatedly)

& a Bull Mastif (female, as big as me (see "big girl" in dictionary) & "friendly" <--ya right?!? ~ almost take my hand off!

I ?? love ?? clueless people!

I LOVE this tread!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

Hmmm, you guys have me wondering if my girls have ever offended any of my guests in my home. I have two Miniature Schnauzers who are definitely part of the family and have no idea they are not human. LOL! They definitely bark when the doorbell rings, then they have to get a couple barks in when they see you (with tails wagging the whole time) because they KNOW you're here to see THEM. Then I have one who will calm down and go lay down, but the other one.... She's crazy! We adopted her about a year and half ago when she was almost 10 and she's hopeless! I love her but I always say she's an "affection whore." If you start petting her, don't even think you can just stop. She'll inch closer and closer, get on the couch next to you, paw you, etc. But, they don't go for the face (except me and my family). They just want love. I guess I need to be more careful about letting her "pursue" the affection the way she does because I would hate to offend anyone.