Posted by Blueink_CA on 8/22/06 10:22pm
Msg #140084

It's a dogs world

I have read many posts on here regarding dogs, and the negative response from SA's. I am in an area where there are few purchases, but many HELOC's. And they all have dogs. When I arrive, they are quick to put their pets outside, 'cause they don't want them bothering me. I let them know that I like dogs and there's no need to leave them outside (or in the garage). I always carry treats for the pets. Just a tidbit for newbies!

Reply by Joy223 on 8/22/06 10:25pm
Msg #140089

Thanks for the tip. Two of the signings I did both had dogs and I didn't even think about the treat thing. I even have a dog myself. I should have thought of this myself. Going to go put some dog treats in my case right now.......Thanks for sharing.

Reply by Jenny_CA on 8/22/06 10:30pm
Msg #140098

I am the opposite, I am afraid of dogs and ask ahead of time if they have any. Last summer I would not get out of the car because the borrower's son's dog was right out the door just barking, they had forgotten to tie him up.

Now, we did have little dogs once and I was okay with them.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/22/06 10:34pm
Msg #140107

Re: It's a dogs world - Jenny

I guess because I have one...(like everyone here doesn't know that) and I jumped into doggie ownership like a newbie stamp owner (small joke) I also just love dogs and would love to have them around me, anytime - thanks to Cesar Millan.

Yet - if you aren't comfortable, then you aren't, and there is nothing wrong with that. Lots of people have negative experiences with dogs of any size. Good for you for sticking to your beliefs.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/22/06 10:39pm
Msg #140116

Re: It's a dogs world - Jenny

I used to be deathly afraid of dogs. When I was a child a large dog jumped up at me and knocked me down to get my ice cream cone. You wouldn't get me near a dog after that.
But when I was 16 my then fiance had a dog and I got over my fear (but I never married the guy!). Since being married I have had several dogs. I don't know what I would do without one now. I have three - two dachshunds (Ginger and Nutmeg) and the Yorkshire "Terrorist", Lil Bit.

Reply by VickiWA on 8/22/06 11:54pm
Msg #140141

Jenny, me too n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/22/06 10:27pm
Msg #140092

I also let the borrowers know, if they have dogs, that I love dogs, and I often carry treats for them. I also carry crayons and some cheap colouring books to keep the kids occupied if they have little kids. Sometimes I just have the kids draw me a picture. I get some neat artwork for the fridge that way. I still have a drawing on the fridge that a little girl did of her dogs a couple of years ago. It was such a nice picture she did.

Reply by Joy223 on 8/22/06 10:29pm
Msg #140096

Another great idea......thanks for the tip

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/22/06 10:31pm
Msg #140101

You are welcome Joy

Reply by Jenny_CA on 8/22/06 10:38pm
Msg #140113

I don't dislike them,

I am just afraid of them. When I go to Pet Smart to purchase food for our rabbits I get so nervous.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 8/22/06 10:40pm
Msg #140117

Re: I don't dislike them,

Jenny, I trust dogs more than most people...

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 8/23/06 3:59am
Msg #140160

Re: I don't dislike them,

Jenny - if you feel that afraid, then you are probably best off having the borrower's confine their dogs. It is instinctive for a dog to detect fear, part of their predatory nature - whether they're 130 lbs or 8 lbs! I've been bitten 7 times (NOT as a SA!), and I'll tell you what the pattern to that was ... under 20 lbs, and afraid ('fear biters', little dogs that feel threatened pretty much by anything on the planet).

With all sensitivity to the 'problem' intended, Jenny - I think (as TG would agree!!) reading/watching Cesar Milan - the Dog Whisperer - and learning a little more about the way dogs think & why they do what they do might bolster your confidence around them. Since not all dogs are confined and we do encounter them in life, it might be helpful for you - and you might even begin to enjoy the encounters more as opportunities. =)

Reply by MichiganAl on 8/23/06 1:24am
Msg #140149

I love pets

It's my favorite part of the job. I always tell them not to put away their pets for me, and I take ten seconds to croutch down and say hi. It makes a huge impression. Kids don't bother me, either. I'll ask them questions, let them flip the papers, or let them play with my notary stamp on a piece of paper (don't worry, I take the paper with me when I'm done)

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 8/23/06 3:31am
Msg #140159

Job perks!

My favorite part, too! It's also MY dog's favorite part - he loves 'reading' all about every dog/cat I've been in contact with by sniffing me, my bag, my hands, my shoes, etc.

I always make a point to thank the kids for their patience, let them know that we understand how boring it was for them and how much their 'good manners' were noticed and appreciated. They beam .. and so do their parents. Rarely am I just 'unable' to give them my thanks =)

Reply by Diga2Lin/FL on 8/23/06 7:15am
Msg #140176

Re: I love pets

I love pets too - we have two large dogs (Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky), and now that the kids are gone they ARE our kids - but I have to tell you that when I stepped out of the car last evening at my signing and was greeted by a brutish looking pitbull I really was pretty apprehensive. Then as I walked to the house he made sure to walk BEHIND me!!

As it turns out the dogs was sweet as pie but I didn't know that at the time and I had to mask my apprehension quick before he caught on to how scared I was. I could only hope this dog had already been fed for the day!!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/23/06 2:37am
Msg #140155

Just a word of caution...

If you're going to carry treats for dogs, I recommend you always get the owner's permission before giving anything to the dog. First, because some dogs are on special diets and eating regimens and second, if the dog became ill afterwards, you wouldn't want to be blamed.

Reply by Gary_CA on 8/23/06 9:35am
Msg #140202

Ah yes, the doggy treat scam...

I've got a German Shepherd... a wonderful dog. Friendly. Almost timid (she was timid when she first got me, but she's pretty much over it). She usually barks once or twice when someone comes up our quarter mile long driveway, sometimes she just can't be bothered.

EXCEPT when the UPS dude or the meter reader comes... THEN she's a ferocious watch dog.

You see, they bring treats for scary barking dogs... so she's scary and barks. It's too funny.

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/23/06 12:46pm
Msg #140257

Re: Ah yes, the doggy treat scam...

**You see, they bring treats for scary barking dogs... so she's scary and barks. It's too funny.**
That's how they train US! Whoever has said they're dumb animals, just doesn't have a clue!

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 8/23/06 2:13pm
Msg #140289

Interesting explanation I read on this

I just thought "well dang if that just doesn't make sense!"

Dog barks at mailman, who comes regularly.
Dog's bark translates to: "Go! Leave!! This is MINE!! I will EAT your face off!! I will, I will!"
Mailman leaves.
Mailman returns.
Dog barks at mailman...

Dog wins - every single time!!! The snacks - well, that'll bring the whole issue of eatting someone's face off up to question, but the BARKS?! HA! WIN WIN WIN