Doesn’t a Well-Behaved Pet Deserve Some Respect?

The scenario is a common one. You’ve worked hard training and socializing your pet, only to have certain friends or relatives display utter contempt for your well-behaved pet. What gives? Sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but how do you reconcile your pet’s good manners with negative feedback from visitors? With our tips and tricks, everyone under your roof can – and will – get along splendidly.

Protect the Space

Your pet is a valuable member of the family, and it’s reasonable to want to share him or her with others. And yet, the same people you hold dear might not want to get to know (or show any respect for) your dear, beloved four-legged best friend. It’s not fair, but there are ways to soothe these wrinkles.

• Exercise your pet almost to the point of exhaustion before your guests come over.
• One of the most important things you can do is protect your pet’s space, especially if kids are coming over. Otherwise, you might have a stressed-out pet who runs away or hides in fear.
• Be absolutely sure that your pet will not jump up on your guests, chase the kids, bite, or act aggressively.
• Let the adults know there are house rules when it comes to playing with your pet, and ask that their children abide by them.
• Discuss the ways kids and your pet can co-exist.
• Ask that kids remain home or with a babysitter the next time you extend an invitation (but be prepared for their regrets).

Come to Your Pet’s Rescue

If needed, keep your pet in a secured area full of things your pet loves. This might include his or her crate, food-dispensing puzzles, preferred bedding, toys, and water bowl. Turn on the radio or have other white noise filtering out the loud voices from your party.

If your social, well-behaved pet can handle being exposed to a variety of strangers, unfamiliar foods, smells, and noises, we encourage you to include him or her. Younger pets are typically more open to the squeals of delighted children, but older pets can certainly hold their ground, too.

Full Disclosure

Inform your guests that your well-behaved pet will be present at the party. If they have allergies, anxiety, or general discomfort, they may decline the invitation or ask that your pet be kept in another room.

Keep the event moving smoothly with the following tips:

• Train your pet to respond to basic obedience commands (sit, stay, down, leave it, no, etc.).
• Keep gates and doors closed.
• Watch closely for signs that your pet is unhappy or stressed.
• Maintain regular meal times, exercise, and bathroom breaks.
• Inhibit any teasing, taunting, or physical damage to your pet (pulling on the tail, chasing him or her into a corner, etc.).
• Stop any dangerous behaviors before they get out of hand.
• Do not allow guests to feed your pet from the party food table or trays.

If you have any questions or concerns about exposing your well-behaved pet to unfriendly relatives or friends, we’re always happy to help. Good luck!