lulu1234's Profile

This post rubbed me the wrong way too. However, having read the comments I think I don't find it as upsetting as some others.

I believe there are three kinds of people when it comes to pets: Pet lovers who see their pets as family members, pet lovers for whom, a dog is a dog, not a person, and people who generally don't like or think pets belong in the yard.

I am the first kind, but I am also a mom to a human child. I think that the best kind of parenting (be it canine, or human) is the kind where you are aware of flaws, issues, and behavior problems and you work on resolving those.

When it comes to guests, I aim to present the most comfortable, hospitable environment I can. However, I always ask people about a. Allergies (cats) and warn them I have cats, and b. fear of dogs and let them know i have a large puppy who is still in training.

Teaching your dog not to jump on guests, not beg for food, and not to bark at guests is part of the responsibility of any pet owner (same goes for kids, and appropriate social behavior). However, suggesting that these things can be taught over a short amount of time is ridiculous. This is a process...

The best approach when it comes to guests is one of compromise. Know your dog and prevent unwanted behavior, and know your guests to prevent unwanted response from them too.

I DO NOT invite my MIL to my home. She thinks pets belong outdoors and does not tolerate any sign of them. However, should she come to my home, I owe it to her, and to my dog to prevent unwanted interactions between them, so I crate my dog and restrict my MIL to the living room.
Other guests, who LIKE dogs I ask to assist me. I let the dog interact with them, but do let them know "He is a puppy, he might jump on you" Then I give them the tools (stick your knee out, don't get him excited, etc.) to deal with the possibility... And then I WATCh my dog. If he tries to Jump on them, then he is corrected for that behaviour. If he is not capable to interact calmly with them, he is removed and placed in his crate. Same thing would go for my child. If he does not pay attention to the social rules he has been taught he too, gets a time out.

Dog training, as well as teaching your child manners is a process. If you have no tolerance for that, please be kind enough to refuse an invitation where you think you may encounter such issues, OR compromise and enjoy all of my hospitality, including the possibility of meeting my child, dog and cats and having interactions with them. Trust me, I will make your stay as pleasant as I can, but I will also take care of my family members, be it human, canine or feline.