Unexpected Guest - a Dog (Long)

[Amethyst]

I am the youngest of 3 aging siblings, who rarely see each other. We invited my widowed older brother to spend Christmas with us.

He countered with a request to stay for a couple of nights after Christmas, along with his new girl friend (whom we hadn't known about)...and his dog (whom we have met, in the dog's home). They will stop on their way back from meeting the GF's family. They have several places in our area they want to visit while staying in our house..

Although a bit taken aback, I said yes to both extra guests. However, we're concerned about this particular dog and I thought the forum folks may have some ideas. Note: This is not about defending or attacking DOGS per se. We have dog friends, though no pets of our own just now.

My brother says that while in our house, the dog will be in a folding metal wire pen (no bottom). Our house has all hardwood/carpeted floors upstairs, so the dog would be directly on the carpet or wood. My recollection is that this dog is the nervous type, who had a couple of "accidents" in his pen while we were visiting my brother a few years ago. So I offered to put the pen in the basement, where the floor is bare after our plumbing leak this summer. The basement is heated, and I'd put down an old rug inside the pen, and an electric heater near the pen.

My brother said that wouldn't do. The dog needs to see people, or he will cry. Bottom line, he expects the dog to stay upstairs in his wire pen where the dog can see people (although that is an illusion - since we are hardly ever in just one room) He claimed the dog is better trained, now, and won't have any accidents.

I suppose some folks would advise us to put the dog's interests first, while others would say to tell my brother that we'll either do things our way in our house, or don't stay with us at all. The problem is that I do want to see him. I don't dislike this dog; I just don't want it to be in a position where it might urinate on our wood or carpet floor.

Is there any win-win way to handle this?

Thanks,

Amethyst

 

[Nemo2]

Plastic drop sheet?

 

[Bestwifeever]

Put a shower curtain and the old rug under the crate, upstairs.

 

[W2R]

I would just politely smile and say "No, not in my house. He will stay in the basement, or perhaps there is a local kennel facility that will do".

I think he is asking too much of you. But then, I guess I'm a bit of a rebel.

 

[target2019]

Put down a couple of larger pads for this purpose. Depends or similar.

Also set up streaming TV with old lassie episodes. Jk!

 

[pb4uski]

Put a shower curtain and the old rug under the crate, upstairs.

+1 something plastic, to catch any liquids should an "accident" happen (or perhaps some cardboard, or both) and an old piece of carpet on top so the pooch can be comfortable (and won't scratch your floors) would seem to be a win-win.

 

[Amethyst]

I was thinking of dropcloths, myself. We have quite a few from our last painting episode!

I did get the impression that Poochie might get let out of his pen to run around the house. We will have to put all 4 of our own feet down on preventing that. I also recall that this particular little fellow (he's a rescue, part rat terrier) barks at everyone and everything. So I get a lot of Good Sister points on this one, and plan to cash them in at some point...

A.

 

[target2019]

Another idea is take him to a dog park to run with the real dogs. Lots of lessons to be learned.

If he does have accident in house, it is very convenient to have something in place that absorbs and can be rolled up for quick disposal.

 

[MRG]

Valium, works for nervous dogs and captive family.

You have good people skills, have no doubt you'll find the right boundaries for family and pets.

 

[Walt34]

Were it me I'd bounce between saying NO! and being accommodating, depending on how much the relationship and the floors mean to you. He's asking for a lot considering you expressed your well-founded concern about damaging floors or carpeting. And surprising you with the GF and the request for a months-long stay would be irritating to me. If the dog does stay upstairs agree with the others with on using an old rug/carpet on top of plastic sheet like a shower curtain or painter's drop cloth.

And one accident and the dog is either downstairs or in a kennel. No negotiation on that.

 

[Amethyst]

Oh, non, non! Only 2 nights, a day, and part of 2 days.

He wouldn't want to stay here for months, anyway. He has his own nice house to live in.

I agree on the one-strike-and-you're-downstairs rule. For all of them!

We will walk the dog while they are out [and wipe his muddy paws before he comes back in].

the request for a months-long stay would be irritating to me.

And one accident and the dog is either downstairs or in a kennel. No negotiation on that.

 

[hakuna matata]

I would put plastic or something like this under the crate

https://www.chewy.com/dog/simple-so...on&utm_term=&gclid=CPaG1orV8skCFVJufgodldMAOg

Our dog never goes in the house and is very Pavlovian about her potty duty. Put her outdoors and within seconds she is doing her business! I don't have the same issues/concerns about scratches on the wood floor, as I feel that is what floors are for. We have solid oak floors and if/when they need to be resanded, then I will resand them. Until then I feel between my shoes and visitor and the dog well the floor can take it!

But I think a pad or two like this or a piece of plastic with an old rug on top. I would however put it on the wood floor as opposed to the carpet.

Have a fun visit with your brother too!

 

[Walt34]

Oh, non, non! Only 2 nights, a day, and part of 2 days.

Oops, my bad for not reading/comprehending what you wrote.

 

[rodi]

Agree with dropcloth and a towel or carpet under the crate. Our dog is crate trained and it's his place of security... he hangs out in there (with the door open) to nap during the day.

Walks will tire him out and calm him down and serve as a way of showing the dog you're alpha... which is a good thing. It will make the dog less nervous. I'd avoid dog parks if you don't know how the dog reacts with other dogs. My dog was hyper when we first got him - but multiple walks a day have made him a very mellow dog.

Good luck!!!

 

[Keim]

I second the plastic and rug remnant comments.

Most dogs I've had would likely have one "accident" in a new house. Thus I would allow two, before going to the mat (so to speak) on putting dog downstairs. A little mess doesn't seem worth a big stink in the family (pun intended).

Had a similar incident with my brother. Over a period of two years his dog had nipped all of my family while we visited at his home. He came over for a night and brought the dog. I drew the line-telling him why-and the dog stayed in his car or on a leash while in the house.

 

[REWahoo]

Late to this thread but after reading the title I have to ask, what does the length of the dog have to do with your problem?

 

[Nemo2]

Late to this thread but after reading the title I have to ask, what does the length of the dog have to do with your problem?

Have you ever seen what a Saint Bernard leaves behind?

 

[Throwdownmyaceinthehole]

Hahahahahaha. My brother in law brought his dog over for a few days visit. It was perfectly trained. As soon as it came in, it lifted it's leg and peeed on my newly recovered ottoman. Then they would feed it outside, as soon as it came in the house, it would vomit on my carpet!!!! gotta love family

 

[Calico]

I would put plastic or something like this under the crate

https://www.chewy.com/dog/simple-solution-extra-large-training/dp/56091?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Simple%20Solution&utm_term=&gclid=CPaG1orV8skCFVJufgodldMAOg

{snip}

I think these disposable pads are a good idea. Perhaps use them in combination with one of the products below?

Washable Tartan Underpad
Waterproof Sheet Protector

A few years ago I had an elderly, semi-incontinent cat (the beauty in my avatar). She had health problems which occasionally resulted in her not making it to the litter box in time - it wasn't her fault.

She slept in my bed every night, so I purchased one of the waterproof sheet protectors shown in my second link above, and placed it between her and the bedsheets. It did the trick perfectly on the rare occasions when she had an accident and "leaked" a little.

One benefit to the waterproof pads shown in the links is that they are easily thrown in the washing machine (a little easier than, say, washing a plastic shower curtain).

I found the waterproof pads by searching for "adult incontinence products " on Amazon. Figured it was good research for the future, if nothing else!

I do admire your willingness to go the extra mile to accomodate your brother AND his unexpected guest AND his furry companion.

Have a wonderful holiday, and here's hoping both your sibling relationship and your nice floors emerge unscathed at the end!

 

[Dawg52]

I would just politely smile and say "No, not in my house. He will stay in the basement, or perhaps there is a local kennel facility that will do".

I think he is asking too much of you. But then, I guess I'm a bit of a rebel.

Agree. I'm a dog lover and I never ask to bring my dog to a person's house for an over night stay. That's asking a lot. I will take mine tomorrow on a family gathering out of town, but my dog was invited too. They all know my pooch and they are dog people so its all good.

 

[Calico]

Oh, non, non! Only 2 nights, a day, and part of 2 days.

I agree on the one-strike-and-you're-downstairs rule. For all of them!
{snip}

In that case, you might want to buy some extra waterproof pads (see my other message) for your brother and his companion!

 

[Beldar]

Those metal dog crates usually have a slide-out tray on the bottom to protect the floor. We keep our Shih Zhu in one when we leave for errands (he's dying and sometimes looses control). As others have suggested, a plastic mat on the floor covered by a blanket and/or cushions will make the dog comfortable.

Terriers are mean and territorial, and naughty episodes in the strangers house are to be expected. We had one and it was a terror. Sounds like your guest to be also has separation anxiety if it whines and acts up when people leave the room. Should be a thrill at night!

At least it's only for a few days. Maybe the vet can provide tranquilizers, or a few sips of Camomile tea should calm the pooch down at night.

Good Luck!

_B

 

[iac1003]

Why doesn't he have a collapsible crate that has a bottom with a removable pan in it? That's what we use. We are about to be visiting a number of people with our rather nervous dog, including a Homeaway stay, and we expect to be able to take control of the situation. Our dog only barks if someone comes to the door or if he is playing with another dog though. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

 

[Meadbh]

I don't have a dog, but it seems odd that Amethyst is expected to provide all the paraphernalia required to ensure the integrity of her property. My suggestion would be to have a discussion with DB about the optimal ways to protect the floors and to request that he bring the necessary gear.

 

[Sarah in SC]

I am so glad Calico mentioned the adult incontinence pads! I ordered a dozen of them a while ago on her recommendation, and they are awesome!
I think asking him to bring a crate, not a pen, is reasonable. If he doesn't have one, they are not expensive on Craigslist if he is okay with a used one.
I rarely take my dogs to places, and am conscious of the house rules when I do. And it seems counter intuitive, but I don't like when other people bring dogs to my dog-saturated house either. Too many risks of trouble with either the dogs or the cats.