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.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Everyone in my family are dog lovers. However My Mum while being totally liberal in her views and  my 'Zoo' when I was a child had an un -natural fear of cats due to a bad experience as a small child.  When I got married It was the first time I had Cats, two adorable Birmans and when Mum came to stay she would display all the same sorts of behaviour towards them that you describe.  Cats of course can get out of the way but it was very hurtful nonetheless.  Eventually when Mum came to stay as she grew older I found a wonderful boarding facility for them.  It was, I think out of respect for Mum and an acknowledgment of her feelings.  A difficult decision and one that was hard to explain to the children who were very offended that the cats had to go when Grandma  came.

It is, and will remain a mystery to me that some people don't like Dogs or Cats or indeed animals in general.  Sometimes it is out of genuine fear but many times it is probably from parenting decisions and lack of education.

We must try not to take it personally which I know is very hard to do when we love our Doodles so very very much.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Hope the situation gets better.  Probably, Murphy and Bella have no clue.  Makes me grateful for my mother-in-law who is definitely not a dog person, but very patient with my two.  I know she is biting her tongue.  Hope I can be like she is when I "grow up".

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

I am holding onto hope that they will get to know them better and get to like them too. It might be part fear and part uncertainty in how to be around them. They did say they were "surprised at how well behaved they were". Haha.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Sue, there is hope, my mom is not a dog lover but mostly because she is afraid of them. When I sent her a christmas card she was disappointed because I didn't include a copy of this picture.

[Jennifer Tramell]

This is too bad - it can put a strain on a relationship when people don't like our dogs.  Consider, however, that your parents might not realize that they sound "mean".  Some people come off like real grumps but they think they are happy.  Huh...go figure.  If your parents said "no problem" then they might not realize that they are sounding harsh.  I'd give your parents the benefit of the doubt - your dogs won't hold it against them (too bad we can't be more like our dogs!).

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Lucky for me my parents love Rooney and if anything they spoil him but I would just tell them straight out that their behavior is making you uncomfortable.  Why do we allow others, even our parents - to do things that make us un-happy.  Let them know that there is a hotel no far away - lol.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Oh Adina is dead on right, I agree with her in my brain but my heart.... oh my heart.... I once heard my dad say he would watch Jack for me and Jack could sleep in the garage at his house.. I about passed out.. I said then when you come to my house you can sleep on my screened in porch... So funny, my poor dad was trying to be nice..

 

I recently had a friends friend over and within a few minutes of them being in my house they announced that they preferred my friends dog over mine.. I was so insulted, Iike I should care what she thinks, but I did, I ripped Jack out of her arms and held him in my arms for the rest of the night.. I was so insulted and obviously still am since I am still talking about it.

 

Once Jack barked at the fence at kids that were kicking a soccer ball up against it, the kids told my "KID" to shut up, I ran so fast, as fast as a girl like me that can't usually walk and breathe at the same time can.. and screamed at this kids that if they kicked my dogs fence again I was going to kick them. Yes I used to be a children's director at my church... NIce right????? I

I say to try to keep the dogs from being around them as best as you can and know they just don't get how special the dogs are to you..... I am sure if they did they wouldn't hurt your feeling on purpose.. Or you can take a bag of dog poop and leave it on their bed as a present!!!!! JK

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

Lisa, the doods do seem to just take it in stride and move away easily, but they are generally polite anyway. They probably would follow them but they keep the doors closed for that reason. Although my two are velcroed to us at night, so sleeping elsewhere would be a real oddity here. Laurie, I just want everyone to be comfortable and I hate to make this an issue with them while they are staying in my house. They wouldn't understand why a dog's feelings are more important than their wishes. OYE!!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I just don't get how anyone can not like dogs. It is a mystery to me. I am sorry you are going through this and no real advice, because they are not going to change, however, they are in your house and should make an effort.

[Lisa and Summer]

It seems dogs are really interested in the people that show the least amount attention to them. Tell your parents if you just rub them a little or pat them on the head a few times they will probably leave you alone. They would hate my house because our dood is like velcro to whomever comes over. If they spend the night then she will follow them in the bathroom and the guest room. Then if they leave the guest room door open at night that is where our dood will sleep all night. I know it will seem like a long 11 days. Just hang in there...