https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:38:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713981 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:52:50 +0000 Sal 1713981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Isabel, I feel assured that I am being fair and reasonable - it is nice to get the view of dog owners:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713800 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:56:28 +0000 Anonymous 1713800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"This includes hikes where dogs are not allowed but that is not my query today."<br />..but I think it's relevant because you did include it and it's illuminating.<br />I am deeply attached to my dog so I empathize with your relative's love for the dog and desire to have him present at all times. Even so, I would never bring my dog where he's not welcome, for the safety of all.<br />I think your visitor is rationalizing their overbearing behavior because they think their dog doesn't instigate problems by his behavior. Unfortunately, the presence of an unwelcome dog is a threat in itself.<br />I wouldn't get caught up trying to defend in detail your own policies in your own home. If anyone challenges you, just say that after a lot of thought, this is what you've decided works best all around.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713637 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 07:22:31 +0000 Sal 1713637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all! Interesting to see the different approaches people take to visiting pets and gives me reassurance I am being reasonable. </p> <p>My plan is to mention this next time I invite my friend over giving her three options - her dog staying on his bed in our house, or hanging out on our deck, or staying home. It is unfair on our cat to stress her out, and it is cheeky to try and push my boundaries when I tried to instigate them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713616 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 04:35:17 +0000 Suz 1713616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joining the chorus here. I'm actually appalled at the thought of someone overstepping boundaries and simple courtesy in this way, although as you mentioned, it happens with children sometimes too and we do not get to tell people to leave their kids outside. However, I have and do put limits on what the children do in the house and what parts of the house they are welcome in (like Brooklyn we have a rule about where you can eat in the house) and I will tell children to take their muddy shoes off, etc. and <b>not to tease or bother the cat.&nbsp;</b></p> <p>I've had a houseful of children for the past month and one of them had trouble understanding that he should not pull the cat's tail. The cat was incredibly patient and tolerant with him but finally turned around and let him know whose house it was. Fortunately there was no skin broken. &nbsp;;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713447 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 21:26:44 +0000 jill58 1713447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We are a three cat household and we accept visiting dogs. I do understand that not everyone would want this and absolutely believe that visitors have to abide by house rules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713095 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:11:31 +0000 Karie 1713095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your house, your rules. I never bring my dogs to someone else's home unless they are invited, and when they are invited, they must abide by the rules of that house. If I think there will be any issues at all - either with another animal or a person - I don't bring them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713023 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:55:47 +0000 Fern 1713023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your house, your rules. Period. And I'm as big a dog lover as there is. I agree with others that your friend should be informed ahead of time regarding the yard/deck option so they can choose to leave the pooch at home if they prefer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1713008 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 21:53:24 +0000 Aida 1713008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Sally reading that your kitty is older and recovering from illness makes me feel even MORE that you need to be firm with this family member about not allowing the dog inside, regardless of how afraid of cats it is. All it's doing is stressing the cat out and could actually hinder its recovery or make it worse.</p> <p>(I have a big soft spot for older kitties. Mine is 16+, just starting to get into that older cat "health issues" stage. And if I were to get another cat in the future I would absolutely adopt an older cat.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1712969 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 20:20:07 +0000 Echo 1712969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely agree that regardless of what you have allowed or preferred in the past, it is YOUR HOME and thus, YOUR RULES apply - even if you change your mind. I do not believe that any person or pet should have to suffer because of a visiting animal brought into their home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question/page/2#post-1712952 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 19:55:44 +0000 texstyle 1712952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would just have a talk with her to let her know that you no would like to change the "dog rule" so to speak and not have the dog inside on visits but it would be fine to have the dog in the yard or on the deck. It's better to break the habit now.&nbsp; You can let her know that your cat gets very stressed during and after the dog's visit and it just isn't something you want to repeat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712935 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 19:09:42 +0000 Gail 1712935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your house your rules. I have a cat who is terrified of dogs . Many of my friends have dogs and they are very respectful of this and do not bring the dogs inside.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712927 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 18:51:18 +0000 Maneera 1712927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally - it's your house, and only YOUR rules apply. </p> <p>I'm a huge dog person. My dogs stay home when I'm out. Unless we are going to a friend's place who has invited them too. Our dogs are friendly with our friends dogs and sometimes all of us get together...not always though. My dogs are allowed on all furniture, because we really don't mind, but they're not allowed on furniture if they're visiting someone. Its my responsibility to keep them off furniture in other people's home, and both girls take commands very well. </p> <p>But, if someone's dog scared my dog, I wouldn't allow that dog into my home. Same goes for you &amp; your cats. It's THEIR home. No creature that scares them should be allowed. </p> <p>However, you can't ask this friend to leave the dog in the backyard while she sits inside with you. Some dogs don't handle this well....if they know their owner is nearby and they're closed outdoors, they create a huge ruckus (I'm telling you from experience). So let her know beforehand that her dog, no matter how well behaved, scares your cat. End of story. She can leave him home...or she can meet you outside for a meal/coffee at a dog friendly restaurant if she must have her dog with her 24x7. </p> <p>Let her know, in a gentle way, that you love your cats as much as she loves her dog and you want them to feel safe in their own home. If she still brings him over again &amp; insists on coming in .... Throw a fit!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712917 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 18:25:26 +0000 catgirl 1712917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We're really relaxed about letting dogs and kids in the house.&nbsp; Both can be a pain, especially&nbsp;dogs (or kids)&nbsp;who go eat the cat food or jump on the furniture, which I politely discourage.&nbsp; &nbsp;We have three cats who are very used to dogs and willing to smack a muzzle if needed.&nbsp; However, we don't take our dog to parties or visiting people if we know they will be annoyed about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;I live in a very dog-friendly environment, so it's probably not the norm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712833 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 15:18:25 +0000 Anonymous 1712833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've been very sweet and tolerant towards your overstepping friend, but I think it's time to put your foot down.&nbsp; She's taking advantage of your good nature and not respecting your boundaries.&nbsp; It's called respect and good manners, something all houseguests should have in abundance -- if they want to be invited back, that is.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712710 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 11:00:49 +0000 Summer 1712710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your home and your cats should take precedence, Sally.&nbsp; It's unacceptable for family pets to be made uncomfortable, and for your house to be used as a playground by an unruly dog. </p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712674 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 08:46:47 +0000 rachylou 1712674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I have to admit I do impose my dog on my brother when we go to visit him down south, and I also take Lilypup to my cousin's at Christmas. I bring a doggy playpen. But I asked first. My cousin is very sweet and now includes Lilypup in the invite. And my brother has come to a certain detente with the notion of a dog, since they perforce share space when he comes up to visit in his turn. This though is close family... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712639 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 04:58:52 +0000 Lucy 1712639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a total dog person, and my dog is part of my family. She is a big girl, but she comes inside a lot, though not in the bedrooms or on the carpet. I adore dogs and welcome them, as long as they don't try to attack my girl.&nbsp;<br />However, I 100% agree with everyone above that it is your house, your rules. I do not think you should have to have your pets unhappy because of a visiting dog. The dog should be left outside, or not brought in. I would never imagine taking my dog to someone else's house uninvited, unless we were travelling with her, and had no option (this sometimes happens when we go interstate). &nbsp;Even then, I would pop her in the yard, not the house!&nbsp;<br />Lastly, I think it is unreasonable to have a visiting dog jumping on your lounge. A visitor should at least be controlled/well mannered. I adore dogs, but mine does not come on the lounge as she sheds a lot. &nbsp;I wouldn't like any visiting animals on the lounge either :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712633 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 04:35:04 +0000 JAileen 1712633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn, I would love to have you and Ms B over! "The boys" love these get togethers, and I'm sure you two would fit right in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712628 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 04:21:11 +0000 Brooklyn 1712628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is some similarity with kids. Different families do have different rules and visitors should try to go with the flow. We have a rule that kids are not to walk around the house while eating. They get food everywhere! So we are pretty strict on them indoors too. But we are happy to have absolute mayhem outside.<br /> JAileen, when can Ms B and I come over for one of your parties? Sounds like a lot of fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712602 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:33:22 +0000 Sal 1712602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, I am pleased to know I am not imagining that this is pushing of boundaries. &nbsp;I grew up with dogs, working farm dogs,but I have lived with dogs in other situations too. &nbsp;I like dogs and we have considered getting one, but have held off for a few reasons.</p> <p>My friend is also a relation and a lovely person, but quite unconventional and always looks at things from her perspective. &nbsp;From her side it would be nicer to always bring her dog along, because she worries the dog will be lonely at home. &nbsp;She loves him dearly and he goes to work with her (she is self employed). &nbsp;Her sons also love him - he is well treated.</p> <p>I do not mind dogs in the home, but I am not keen on them jumping all over my furniture. &nbsp;But one of our cats (the one that has been sick) spends all her time inside at the moment and is very scared of dogs (and not wild about new human visitors either). &nbsp;My other friends in general don't bring their dogs inside, and have never asked. &nbsp;It is a warm climate here, we have a large enough yard with a covered deck - I love walking with my friends and their dogs. &nbsp;Many dogs sleep in their bed or portable kennel outside. &nbsp;Our cats are free to sleep inside or outside and do a mix of the two depending on the weather.</p> <p>My friend just always tries to bring the dog in - and I have relented on occasion, but on Monday when she was collecting something I said that our cat was scared, and it was her home. &nbsp;She said her dog was more scared of the cat, and wouldn't cause any problems and brought him anyway. &nbsp;I just wondered if I was over reacting a little and knew there was lots of dog owners on the forum here who could give me some guidance.</p> <p>I can imagine people can have similar feelings when disruptive children visit who jump on their furniture, or who terrify their animals. &nbsp;And these situations can be similar too. &nbsp;And you can't ask people to leave their children outside on the deck or at home alone!! &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712594 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:13:45 +0000 Aziraphale 1712594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you here. As a former (and future) dog owner, I can assert that&nbsp;<u>you do not bring your dog into another person's house unless it is </u><i><u>very</u></i><u> okay with that person</u>. Our dog was welcome at my parents' and my in-laws' house (where there were no cats to frighten), and several different friends looked after her the odd weekend we were away, but other than that, she never visited the inside of someone else's home. I would probably not even have asked. It would be weird.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you need backup here, I think you have a lot. Your friend is asking something unreasonable of you and your cats. This dog, no matter how lovely, must stay home, or go to doggy daycare, or be looked after by someone else who is fine with having dogs. :-)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712582 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:57:35 +0000 Alexandra 1712582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, pushing boundaries? Sounds more like lack of respect. Your house, your rules. Your friend can deal. Also, if she won't respect your rules in your own house, she's not what I'd call a friend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712552 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:22:45 +0000 JAileen 1712552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to add that I invite my friends over to my house with their dogs periodically. We get together in the backyard. We chat, and the dogs play, explore, bark. I've had as many as seven dogs over. I serve refreshments - iced drinks in summer, hot chocolate in winter. The rules are my friends are allowed in the house, but not their dogs. Sometimes there is snow on the ground and I recommend everyone dress warmly. Other times it is blazing hot. It's fun for all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712529 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:56:14 +0000 Style Fan 1712529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a dog lover and I have a dog.&nbsp; Some of my friends have dogs and some have cats.&nbsp; We often travel with our dog and she goes into our friends' homes if she is invited.&nbsp; She does not go on furniture.&nbsp; Samoyeds don't like to sleep on furniture or beds.&nbsp; It is too hot for them.&nbsp; They prefer to be on cold surfaces.&nbsp; They also don't shed.<br />I never take her to my brother's house because he has cats.&nbsp; She is not great with cats.&nbsp; She goes to my sister's.&nbsp; <br />I would take her with me to visit only if it was suggested.&nbsp; She has to be welcomed.&nbsp; <br />Anyone can bring their dog to my house.&nbsp; I recommend that they don't bring their cats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712525 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:42:25 +0000 Gaylene 1712525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dog person here--cats just aren't my thing--but, like Deb, I can't imagine bringing my dog to visit unless I'd checked it out with host/hostess. I also think it's really inappropriate to bring a dog into a restricted area.</p> <p>I understand how much a pet can mean to a person, but that doesn't mean the rest of the world feels the same about your darling. I think it's important to respect other people's preferences when you are in their homes. It's called being a good guest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712504 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:21:19 +0000 deb 1712504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a dog and a cat lover but a visitor should ask if it is ok to bring the dog in. I only visit with my&nbsp;dog when&nbsp;it is approved and I always keep them on a leash and they must lay by my feet unless I am told it is ok to let them off. Under no circumstance should they be allowed to get on the furniture. Maybe you can set new boundaries with your friend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712501 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:19:51 +0000 Angie 1712501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a dog lover of the highest magnitude. In short. <b>Your home, your rules.&nbsp;</b></p> <p>We have small dogs - Yorkies as you know. Sam weighs 5.5 pounds and is allowed EVERYWHERE in the house, which is how we want it. (Our house, our rules, right!). He sleeps with us, like all our Yorkies did. It's very manageable with a tiny dog who is hypoallergenic (Yorkies don't shed). But he does not beg nor does he have separation anxiety. He's a very good boy who minds his manners with guests - important as we often have dinner parties. But we never put him away for guests because it's Sam's house.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have friends who bring their doggie over to our home whenever they visit - which is quite frequently, and their doggie is always invited. It works extremely well because she does not shed, Sam and her are good friends, and the owners have the same doggie rules as us. So when Sam goes over to visit them, it feels like home.&nbsp; </p> <p>Friends invite Sam over all the time (Jasmine &amp; Rosie too for that matter). We warn them that our dogs are allowed on our furniture so it's hard for them to do otherwise at another's home. We take the queue from there.......get it all out into the open BEFORE the visit.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712489 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:58:34 +0000 Brooklyn 1712489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a dog lover. I love my&nbsp;dog to bits.&nbsp;But I am also&nbsp;strict with her. She does not jump on furniture or steal food. She does not have free run of the house. She goes to her&nbsp;bed (and stays there) when she is told to. When we have visitors, she is not permitted to approach/greet them without their permission (not everyone loves dogs). That makes me sound super tough but she&nbsp;also gets 2 to 3 walks a day in all weather, bush holidays, daily trips to the dog park and lots of affection. Plus&nbsp;we planned many aspects of our home renovation to suit her. She is VERY loved. But&nbsp;I wouldn't accept&nbsp;a free-for-all from&nbsp;a visiting dog owner (whether or not I had a terrified kitty in the mix).&nbsp;My house, my rules. I think&nbsp;you&nbsp;should (as gently as you can) set some boundaries with your friend when she is visiting. What they are is up to you. But options would be&nbsp;no dog/dog stays outside/dog can come inside&nbsp;but must stay in&nbsp;his bed (which she should bring).&nbsp;Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712459 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:32:20 +0000 marianna 1712459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a dog owner and lover. I don't visit other's homes with my dogs. My dogs stay home when I'm out and about. That said, if I did have to bring my dogs over for a visit, I wouldn't want them to be left outside on the deck. So in my mind it's either don't take the dogs with you, or if you do, keep them by your side and make sure they behave as well as possible. But leaving them outside wouldn't work for me personally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pet-owners-visiting-with-dogs-question#post-1712451 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:18:11 +0000 rachylou 1712451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh, it's not normal to bring your dog when visiting people. I mean as a Maven of Edwardian Etiquette... I mean, like, I knew a gal who's ex took to chickens and tried to bring them to Thanksgiving dinner with the children... I think you have to approach this in the same light. Firmly but with compassion. </p>