One thing I never want to hear is, Oh he won’t bite.

How rude & annoying.

Sorry you have to deal with that bs.

My company has an official (but 100% unenforced) policy that dogs must be restrained prior to the technician's arrival.

Honestly, some owners do secure their dogs very well, or the dogs are very well trained and not a problem. I met two amazing German Shepherds a few weeks ago, far and away the best-trained animals I've ever encountered.

Also, tiny dogs aren't really an issue, even if Yorkies, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas never stop barking. At least they don't try to overpower me.

And the funny thing is I do like dogs. They're great! But while I'm working, I don't need a snout up my ass.

It's not that kind of job, after all.

Maybe embellish a bit and say one of your client's dogs was making you feel threatened? If they even catch a whif of a lawsuit or a WC claim, they might have their appointment setters or whomever confirm that the dogs are to be kept away from you and other techs while you work.

Ha ha ha -- not that kind of job.

I once told her about an "overly amorous" dog that I'd dealt with, and she went on a long rant about. She owns several well-trained dogs and has no patience for people who don't put in the effort.

Maybe I'll see what she thinks about a "curb your dog!" disclaimer.

I would personally make it a hard & fast policy that techs never enter a home with loose dogs, but I realize it's not your choice to do so.

Plus I have zero tolerance for bs...

what is expected on that score (kennelled, placed out in the backyard, shut off in a separate room, etc.) to make the trip expedient and efficient. Or, I suppose you could claim you are allergic if you don't feel like those parameters can be insisted upon without irreparably antagonizing the customer or your employer?

I adore my dog and all my past pups, but I would never have had them running around freely while I had work done on my house or appliances, or whatever. I know there are a lot of reasons for people not to want to be around other people's pets. But if that is an absolute deal breaker for you, you need to be direct and set your expectations ahead of time.

My company does have a strictly-followed policy by which a tech can leave a site if they feel unsafe for literally any reason at all, and an aggressive dog would certainly qualify.

My "one strike" policy usually comes up after the first strike, so I guess it's two strikes. But when the person says "you're ok with dogs, right?" (which is, incidentally, them making a statement rather than asking me the question) I'll come right out and say "I can't have them jumping on me."

That's kind of what brought this up, in fact. I've been amazed at how irritated people become in response that very reasonable statement, and it's all over their body language, tone, and facial expression.

Wild stuff.

Thanks again!

away from the equipment. That way, you depersonalize it and make it about the equipment.

Just a thought...

They are good with people and friendly. That said, they are dogs so you never know how they might react to a stranger in their home. We always put them away when we have service people in our home.

Sorry some of your customers don't get it.

"There are no bad dogs, only bad owners,"

Pity there are so many bad owners out there.

We have also put the dogs in the backyard which is fenced. I understand why you are concerned

You go into people's homes and work with audio, but you'd rather do it without woofers?

I just don't want to be a woofer sub.

I like dgs, too, but that's ridiculous.

🤔 Maaaybe bring your own leash?
I guess that wouldn't go over too well. 😄

NOT laughing at what you have to put up with.

It's ok to laugh; it's a ridiculous situation, only made more so by how common it is, and how similarly the dogs' owners react.

I like the leash idea. Or maybe I could wheel in a dog crate?

Might give the film a look, too.

One time (and only one time) when I asked a customer secure their dog, they indignantly asserted that their dog is part of the family. I wanted to say “my son is part of our family, but I wouldn’t let him hump your leg.”

It’s the classic bad owners problem, not the dogs’ fault.

I would specify up front that owners' dogs should not be present while you're working.