Please be kind to my doodles? Update: Doodles won them over!!!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We have my parents visiting us for 2 weeks and to say they are not dog people would be putting it mildly. However, I discussed with them that our dogs stay indoors, behave well and don't smell or bite or jump on anyone. They said "No problem" before they got here.

Well, it appears that it is a problem as all I hear is "Get away from me you mutt", Get out of here!" GO away Dog!" it just hurts me to hear them talk to them in a harsh manner and push them away when they just want to be close or see what's going on. They have never received any treatment like this and I can imagine it's confusing to them. I know it's not the worst thing in the world to ever happen to my doodles, but I feel like I would if someone talked to my children in this manner.

I have told them there is no need to be so unkind to them and explained the commands they will easily respond to like "Leave it or Go lay down". I know it's hard to teach old folks new tricks, but I have 11 more days to go!!! Just needed to vent. Is it Yappy Hour yet????

 

 

I am happy to report that by the end of my parents two week stay they were quite friendly and downright kind to my sweet doodles. They took the time to watch me with them and I really think the doodles good manners and behavior really won them over. They were just amazed how well they listen and started to talk to them like we do and thought they were the smartest dogs when they listened to them.

They were a little taken aback with the poop eating, but I didn't make a big deal of it and so they didn't. Otherwise by the end of their stay they were petting them and laughing at their antics.  I think it was just their lack of experience with indoor, well trained dogs and their perception of a dogs purpose was before meeting mine.  I think too that is was very evident to them that the dogs are a big part of our family and we are a package deal, so they learned to accept them for me. It all made for a better stay in the end. Thanks again for letting me vent.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sue, Did it ever get any better?

[Susan and Sasha]

So sorry that you're going through this Sue...especially in your own home!

I know know how how hurtful this must be...since you love your parents And your Doodles...

I really do agree with Adina...

It's a great way to look at it...and Not take it personally..for you...or your do  Doods...

On the "Bright Side"...the two weeks will go by quickly!!  Lol...

 

 

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Gee whiz, Sue - maybe we need to have an AZ doodle romp every day for the next 11 days?  LOL.  I'm very lucky in that my whole family adores dogs.  I think you're doing everything you can - just make sure you give those two little love bugs lots of extra love so that they're not so confused.  And you might try putting your parents in the crate.... LOL

[Leslie and Halas]

I hope things get better for you.  That picture of them is adorable.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yuck, that would be super hard for me to hear.  I am so sorry!!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

How crummy! I bet they will grow on them with 11 days to go, at least I hope so!!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I know how you feel! My parents hate dogs, and they don't take kindly to Darwin trotting up to say hello. One of my sisters will literally yell "GET AWAY" at him if he approaches. Luckily he doesn't take it personally. He continues to greet her exuberantly over and over... he can't take a hint. LOL 

 

Anyways, no advice because I haven't been successful in changing my parent's minds. Continue to vent here if you need it though!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

This is a tough situation with people-loving dogs and dog-resistant people! I suppose when we invite someone into our home part of being a good host/hostess is having all our family members, be they human or canine, respect our guests "personal space". Which is, of course different for everyone. But the meanness is SO hurtful!  I kind of know how your doodles may feel from a human point of view. My in-laws were very non demonstrative people as far as emotions go and I am a hugger! Every time I visited their home I could see the terror in their faces when I walked through the door as the fear of being hugged overwhelmed them!!!  I quickly learned that the most loving thing I could do for them was give them their space!

So my suggestion is if  your parents can't behave properly you will have to crate them.:) (The parents not the doodles!) LOL!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Keep the mantra - "This too shall pass!" in your head as the visit drags on.... 

Think of things that might get your parents out of the house and away from the dogs;

You and your husband take turns disappearing with the dogs into another room. 

My dogs are NOT as well behaved and mannerly as yours and I do worry about visitors who don't like dogs being overrun by them - and deservedly so.  Your dogs are different and mannerly and your visitors are staying there.  Perhaps next visit your parents can stay at a hotel where they can 'get away' from the dogs and you can enjoy the visit more.

This too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too.....

[Anna and Achilles]

Hope things have improved, give them extra snuggle time with you. Maybe it will be good role modeling for your parents.