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Houzz Rule: No Dogs Allowed?
If your home has a no-pets policy, here's what to do when guests arrive unexpectedly with a four-legged friend
Houzzers love their pets as much as — and sometimes more — than their houses. Pet guardians often treat their dogs as part of the family; for many people, dogs are truly man's best friend.
But not all homes welcome pooches and other pets, and hosts can be put in a difficult position when someone brings a dog to a party or arrives unannounced with a fur ball tucked inside a purse. Some people can't risk infection from animals; some have furniture that's too delicate for a rambunctious, chew-happy creature. There are allergies to take into consideration, or perhaps there's another animal in the house that turns aggressive or fearful around outside pets.
Whatever the reason, the Emily Post Institute's position is clear on the "no dogs allowed" rule: You should always be up-front with your guests before they arrive. However, if you're caught off guard by a furry visitor on your doorstep, know that there are ways to honor your home and those in it without offending your guest and their four-legged friend.
But not all homes welcome pooches and other pets, and hosts can be put in a difficult position when someone brings a dog to a party or arrives unannounced with a fur ball tucked inside a purse. Some people can't risk infection from animals; some have furniture that's too delicate for a rambunctious, chew-happy creature. There are allergies to take into consideration, or perhaps there's another animal in the house that turns aggressive or fearful around outside pets.
Whatever the reason, the Emily Post Institute's position is clear on the "no dogs allowed" rule: You should always be up-front with your guests before they arrive. However, if you're caught off guard by a furry visitor on your doorstep, know that there are ways to honor your home and those in it without offending your guest and their four-legged friend.
by The Brick House
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Offer a seat. If your guest isn't staying for an extended amount of time and the dog poses no health or safety risks to anyone in the house, it really wouldn't hurt to offer the dog a warm, comfortable seat in the house — preferably one that you're willing to get a bit of dog hair on or one that's easy to clean ...
by Kerrie L. Kelly
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... like this leather bench. If Fido has an accident and you catch it early, just wipe off the mess with a few paper towels and mild soap.
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Allow some exploring. Dogs are territorial and will want to explore the new terrain that is your house. Let them. The sooner they sniff out every nook and cranny, the sooner they'll calm down and feel comfortable in their surroundings.
This polished concrete floor would make both host and pooch happy: Their paws can slip and slide on the surface, and scratch marks are easily lost in the design.
This polished concrete floor would make both host and pooch happy: Their paws can slip and slide on the surface, and scratch marks are easily lost in the design.
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Those with light wood floors may be warier of dog scratches than those with darker floors; Houzz user appytrails says in this floor ideabook that her pooch's scratch marks blend well with dark oak floors, whereas scratch marks on her light maple floor showed from day one.
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Provide outdoor access. Unless your four-legged guest is a lethargic dog like an English bulldog or an easily winded pug, he or she may prefer to stay outside, especially if it's cooler or more breezy than the interior.
by gregory lens
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Be prepared for some digging around a few hedges and bushes — it's just dirt. But if the dog leaves a smelly gift, it's perfectly fine to ask the guardian to scoop up the poop in a plastic bag. The Emily Post Institute says that as long as you ask politely, the guardian probably will not mind at all.
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Ask the guardian to keep the dog leashed outside (weather permitting). As with all things, it's your house, your rules. If the dog is barking too much or for too long, then perhaps it's best to move the get-together to a neutral setting outside of your home.
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| Remember that if it's your furniture, it's your call. This sectional probably looks like a big, inviting marshmallow bed to a dog. It's up to you to let the dog's guardian know if you're not comfortable with having dogs on the furniture or rugs. Although pet hairs would lift off easily from the cowhide rug in the picture above, dog urine stains are an entirely different issue. Best to roll up the rug until the dog leaves if you're not willing to risk cleaning up after an accident. Browse hundreds of cowhide rug photos |
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by Bumble Cafe
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| Crypton-treated furniture ... |
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... and stain-resistant microfiber on something like this Ligne Roset Togo sectional make great choices for homes that are expecting all kinds of company. Crypton and microfiber prevent moisture, bacteria and stains from entering the fibers, allow for easy stain removal and come with cleansers that remove pet odors easily.
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Offer a treat. Interior designer Martha O'Hara says this Great Dane was cooperative for the entire photo shoot as long as treats kept coming his way. Just as you would offer young children and their parents a drink or a snack, why not offer Fido a few treats so he'll be cooperative?
Tell us: What do you do when guests come unannounced with pets? When family and friends come for an extended period, do you let them bring their pets or insist on a dog sitter?
More:
The Dog Days of Interior Design?
TVs in the Bedroom: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down?
Houzz Rule: Off With Your Shoes
Tell us: What do you do when guests come unannounced with pets? When family and friends come for an extended period, do you let them bring their pets or insist on a dog sitter?
More:
The Dog Days of Interior Design?
TVs in the Bedroom: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down?
Houzz Rule: Off With Your Shoes
Ideabook published on March 29, 2012.
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One thing to add. Always ask the dog owner permission before providing a treat to a visiting dog. Some dogs may be sensitive to certain foods.
There are so many reasons why people may not want to have a dog in their home that bringing a dog unannounced is much more offensive than a host who refuses to accommodate the dog.
Many people have serious pet allergies. Pets really are not little people or children. Dogs, wolves, and dingos are subspecies of Canis lupus. What most canines really crave is space to wander, run free and be with other dogs. Therefore they mess up things when stressed out.
What you do at your own home, or when invited is up to you. But please, keep them outside and keep the motor running!