I have 4 dogs and 2 cats in the house, and a friend who visits frequently (not because I invite him, he just stops in sometimes or he will call and say he's coming down and I say ok) when he comes of course the dogs are excited and smell him all over and rub on him to try to get him to pet them etc... He gets mad, tells them to lay down, quit sniffing him, get away from him etc.. Now my 1st instinct is to tell him that its my house (and theirs) so when he comes into MY home he has to put up with what is has to offer, on the other hand I wonder if I should be apologizing for their behavior which is actually very normal, they dont bite or jump or anything.
2006-07-24 08:06:15 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
If they're just being dogs, then you have nothing to apologize for. If he doesn't like it, meet him somewhere else and tell him to quit dropping in. The dogs live there.
If they are jumping up or ramming their noses into his crotch, then you should keep them on leashes and train them how to properly greet guests. (But I think you made it pretty clear that they are NOT - so the problem is HIS.)
2006-07-24 08:43:06 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whether he's invited or not, he's still a guest in your house and should be treated with hospitality. If the animals are bothering him then you need to take care of the problem or don't let him come over anymore. Put the animals away in a room when he comes over, or train them to stay in a specific spot (i.e. dog beds, etc) on command so that you can tell them to go to their spot when he's in the house. The backyard works too.
2006-07-24 08:28:30 · answer #2 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your house, and your pets house. Why should you apologize for something that they think is normal. You could have them go lay down after they sniff him for a minute or two so that they know who he is. Your dogs don't have to be on top of him all the time. My mom has 8 indoor dogs, and none of them are trained very well so I get mauled when I go to her house. I try not to go there very often. If that is the response that you want, then don't work with them. If you want people to come over and enjoy themselves, then work with your dogs. Good luck.
2006-07-24 08:16:12 · answer #3 · answered by venus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you need to apologize if the dogs are just sniffing around, but behaving. That's what dogs do and he knows you have dogs and chooses to come over anyhow.
But if they are jumping all over him and acting in an aggressive way, then I think you do need to apologize and do something to control them. It's true, that it's the dogs home, but still, a person should be able to visit without being tortured.
2006-07-24 08:15:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the dogs are very excitable and jump on people, then I would apologize and move them outside or into another room. But if they are grounded and are only exhibiting friendly behavior, I think the friend should get used to the idea that pets will exhibit pet-like behavior.
2006-07-24 08:14:34 · answer #5 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, its your house, but you should still teach your dogs not to overwhelm people. Some people (like me) love it when dogs rush them and sniff and wiggle, but many people (possibly your friend) are scared or nervous around dogs. If the dogs know manners on how to treat people properly, they will get more attention, be calmer, and be happier dogs. There is no reason to alienate friends when some training sessions will teach your dogs how to calmly greet someone and will deepen your relationship with the dogs. Maybe you don't think it is worth the work for this friend, but it is still a valuable thing to work on in case other people who might be overwhelmed come over such as scared children, fragile elderly folks or people with allergies. I know this probably isn't what you want to hear, but it might be something to think about.
2006-07-24 08:33:13 · answer #6 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems like common etiquite to apoligize for your animals as well as your childeren and is indeed polite to do so. Don't over apoligize for them though. I'm sure your friend doesn't mind animals that much if he comes over all the time. It seems like he sort of gets a kick out of yelling at them becuase they are probably big (or little) stupid and lovable(and so cute)! Dogs and cats are pretty wise to the scent of mean people and if he was really mean to them they would remember him as such. On the other hand I might get a bit irritated if they started humping my legs.
2006-07-24 14:37:56 · answer #7 · answered by ♀ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should be apologetic. I mean dogs get excited and there is like no way to stopping them. If he just stop by without even asking you I personally would take side with the dogs. That is what I think. It is there house too and they need to feel like they are welcome in it too. I would tell the guy that he needs to put up with it.
2006-07-24 08:12:29 · answer #8 · answered by bored_rena 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your pets are well trained, they should obey you when you tell them to be good...
Evidently, there is no reason they should obey a stranger...
You shouldn't have to apologise for your pets, but if you really are friends with this person, try and put the pets in a different part of the house while he is visiting...just to avoid annoyance on both your parts!
2006-07-24 08:15:47 · answer #9 · answered by abuela Nany 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you could probably put the animals away when you have a guest, but I don't think anyone has a right to come into your house and get mad at your pets.
2006-07-24 08:10:21 · answer #10 · answered by Zombie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋