At work today I met a young GSD male, about 2 who was friendly but pushy. He was trying to get in my bag ( containing documents), putting a paw on my knee and tried to see me to the door at the end of the interview. I igonred him when he was sticking his nose in my jumper but couldnt help a sharp " Get OFF" when he put his paws on my leg and tried to mouth my arm! It was also hard for me to resist shutting the door when he tried to go out ahead of us, but I was assured he wouldnt run outside. His owner kept telling him "SIT- Down - please yourself" Oh boy. Now its her house, her dog, I enjoy meeting people and their dogs but what do I do in this situation? That wont get me sacked.

Cant you say you dont like dogs and ask for him to be put in another room until you go ???
(that is providing your job is not dog related of course ;)  )

Better still, fake a few sneezes and say you're allergic to dogs!

How rude of her to let her dog treat you like that

Sam is very enthusiastic with visitors but if she doesn't settle as soon as she's told to then she gets sent to bed!

Unless the dog is part of the job then I'd ask for her to be removed so you can concentrate on the matter in hand. :rolleyes:

How about taking Morse along to show them how it's done? :D

Ha ha Tracy, very funny! To be fair to Master Morse he is getting more responsive and even walked beside me off lead this morning ( yet to try this with distractions!) and he does not approach visitors to our house until called, a gentleman at last! :D Sounds like I have to be assertive and ask them to control the dog while Im interviewing. My other work issue is people who allow dogs to rush to the door barking while I try to explain why Im calling - I stay silent until they shut them up.

What do you mean, Lorelei, I was being serious!!! :D
And yet again I read your post with envy - it must be lovely to be able to answer the door without looking like the street's mad-dog-woman! Unfortunately, I think I am more like one of your clients (Sparky still thinks visitor = someone who WILL put up with being jumped on, licked to death, and shouted at). I am trying, honestly, and do put him out if I need to. We spend many an afternoon taking turns going out the back door, ringing the front door bell and pretending to be exciting visitors while Sparky "sits and waits" - well, sort of - (yes, I know, very sad, but it keeps the neighbours amused) Maybe he'll crack it when he's about 5!
As for your problem, though - we could always do a job-swap - how do you fancy dealing with a classful of screaming 7 and 8 year olds instead of the GSD?

But then it is Christmas!!!!:D:D:D

No job swap, not on your nelly pie! I can cope with dogs but not 22 7-8 year olds and I still hate school. Even visiting the kids lovely primary school on parents night hypes me up. URgh! Morse was just as excited about visitors as Sparky at the same age. Im sure youre work will pay off even if it seems a long furrow ATM. Things are coming together for Morse and I now, but we've been together 8 months and come a long way from mutual ignorance. Hes more mature now too and thats made a difference.

Maybe at that age (2?) it should be trained so it obviously isn't? Maybe you could offer some tips?
I adore dogs but i used to be a home-help for awhile and an old lady i used to go help wash/dress had a little poodle that would be constantly snarling at me because i was touching it's owner in the end i refused to go till she locked the dog out.
Your safety is paramount and if you talk it over with your boss i'm sure they'd put you 1st.

Sarah

Oh Im not in any danger, hes just spoilt I think. The owners have had GSDs/Dobes all their lives and I think they know what to do, they just cant be tough enough with this last one. Was surprised that they explained away behaviour I wouldnt tolerate in my dog as " jsut his little ways" ....

I have a small, overexcitable, very friendly and largely untrained Cairn terrier when it comes to greeting behaviour.  If you are a guest in my house, you put up with my dog or you leave.  She does calm down after a while, of course.   If you are there on business, I always ask if someone is afraid of dogs or if they mind her being around them -if they say yes to either, then I keep her with me.

Not saying my approach is the right one, but I have given up on the training re visitors.  I am willing, husband is not .. so I try not to get aggravated about something I cannot change.

Stacey

Well if I get asked a question I tend to be truthful and the truth is I like dogs, Im not scared of them, and no I dont mind them being around. If excitable dogs calm down after a while thats fine. People have different standards of dog behaviour just as they have different ways of bringing up kids and while I know the form with kids ( you keep your hand in your pocket and bite your tongue) I was uncertain about dogs . Was back at the address today and the dog was great. His Dad was around and we had a great chat about dogs. They were sure a GSD was the very thing for me :D