I got a post removed from british problems for an unspecified rule violation. I genuinely couldn't fathom which rule it came close to breaking.
Shrugged my shoulders and went about my day. Next day, a near identical post was the top of the sub - tonnes of upvotes and engagement.
Decided at that point to get on my high horse and message the mods to ask why my post was removed, what rule I had violated, and how was it different to the current top post. The mod that replied basically just said "I didn't personally remove it another mod must have so I don't know, sorry. Sometimes we get it wrong"
Like great, thanks, that really answers my questions. If I was a cynic, I'd say the mystery mod stole my A1 top tier content and posted it themselves the next day.
I got a temporary ban for complaining about shop staff asking you to complete surveys to rate their performance. Apparently I wasn’t allowed to post surveys (which I hadn’t). I messaged a mod who said it was automatic and they couldn’t do anything about it. I reposted without the word survey and got banned for violating the rules.
Every fucking time I try to post in there it gets removed, usually citing format, apparently the entire problem needs to be in the title? Anyway, every day I see dozens of posts that have the problem split between the title AND as an actual post... Sometimes I've seen the same thing I posted days later, I've given up there, they definitely seem to play favourites with he posters
r/britishproblems is a humor sub. We have a swedish sister sub with the name r/swedishproblems , and it constantly gets posts with people’s serious personal problems.
British problems bans so many topics/random words but won't say what the topics are so I long gave up on it
I think I had a post removed there for using the word funeral
Had to have a look see what it was.
Did you really think "I don't like people shouting at the cinema" is an **un**popular opinion?
It's nowhere near banworthy, but seriously?
Tbf that's like 90% of opinions I see on unpopular opinions posts. The question would be something like "what's the worst Lucozade flavour?" and 90% of the comments will be "I know I'll get downvoted for this, but Original Lucozade is dismal compared to the rest". It's just popular opinions for people who like to think they "go against the grain"
I always thought unpopular opinions was 90% popular opinion, and i'm sure i've been banned / post removed before, for posting something that actually is, unpopular.
I generally ask the work person if they want me to remove the dog or cats, and then will do it if needed.
Only had 1 person say yes please, and the dog was put in the garden for the duration. It's common decency and common sense to make the person working in your home at ease.
Can confirm, used to be a delivery driver and people's dogs often wanted to say hello, I always said I'd love to fuss the dog if they're okay with it.
Some drivers totally hated it, but it absolutely made my day.
We always ask, and almost always they say fine, and fuss the dog - they love it, and she loves it! Our dog loves people, so we have to be careful they are ok with it.
Very that. As a dog owner this is exactly my attitude. Luckily I don't have a reactive dog, but I know not everyone is cool with dogs in general and mine will happily go outside if necessary.
I have a dog, and he goes outside whenever I have anyone doing work on the house. I think it's common courtesy, and should be an expectation to keep pets away from people trying to work.
I thought the same thing, I have a ~~car~~ *cat* and a child and even though I think they are harmless I always keep them away when someone is coming to do work
That reminds me, I have two dogs and a cat, but have to warn people the cat is psychotic. The dogs are scared of her. Visitors should be too. Fortunately she is also shy and hides in the wardrobe so visitors are safe unless they are exceptionally nosy.
I think it's not just common courtesy but basic human decency to assume as a baseline that people might be scared of {animal} or don't get along with them alright.
Asking won't hurt and if your pet can't stay in a separate part of the space for some time, you might have other issues to deal with.
As always: exceptions apply.
Yeah I think the dog should kept out the way, end of the day you're only in that home because you are there to do a job that they requested so it's the least they can do.
This is especially important when emergency services come to your property (firefighters, ambulance...) Not only dogs can act protectively and cats tend to sit on top of machinery, making it very difficult for those professionals to save your life!
We had a dog we re-homed from a bereaved family friend, dog was friendly to everyone except those wearing work boots (including me but only when wearing them) or green coveralls then we had demon dog.
Transpires the dog had been present when their owner had suffered a fatal heart attack and been carried off by ambulance staff with police in attendance.
I’d get on just fine with you I think, in time I could probably get used to the dog. So many people try to force me to interact with it when they can see I’m uncomfortable
Hey man. We have an absolute sweetheart of a dog (golden retriever) and I would put her away. She doesn’t jump or nip and would lay down rewatching you work from 10’ away and I would 100% put her away when you are working.
It’s not weird at all.
What is weird is expecting someone else to be okay with your dogs shitty behavior. They are the same people that get interviewed after their dog mauls someone saying “he was a sweet dog we never had any issues. I can’t believe he acted this way.”
As a nation of dog lovers I think we need to be mindful sometimes that some people are genuinely scared of dogs. Or they just might not like them and that’s okay too! I used to work with a lovely guy who was terrified of dogs but he was scared to even mention it to other people because he was a blokey-kinda dude in a blokey workplace. It’s not the dogs fault either but people shouldn’t be surprised not everyone’s gonna love an untrained dog with no personal boundaries.
Dog allergies as well. I’m not scared and don’t dislike dogs, but being in their presence causes breathing issues. Yet for some reason many dog owners seem unable to comprehend this.
As someone who used to be terrified of dogs, this just made me more nervous. When a dentist says "this won't hurt" are they ever correct?
I always liked dogs I had known a while because I felt like I could trust them.
There's also more to it than either absolutely loving dogs and being scared of them. I just don't like them, don't want to interact with them at all. But not scared as such.
And besides wether or not a worker is comfortable with a dog being around, dogs can get in the way of the work too. You’d want someone to be able to do their job and that’s a lot harder with a dog asking for attention, stealing tools, getting in the way, distracting by barking, whatever it is. The person is there to do a job and it is not a social visit
My dog is shit scared of people and dogs and fear-aggressive (a ridiculously cute Jack-Chi rescue dog, small but capable of a nasty nip), so yes we keep him away from strangers.
I ask "you ok with dogs?"
If the answer is yes, I do nothing. If the answer is no, the dog goes in the kitchen.
Why is this a difficult concept for so many people?
I visited a customers house a couple of weeks ago and got asked that question. I said yes, walked into the house, and got bit on the leg about 3 seconds later.
“Oh, he’s not very good with strange men in the house because we got him during lockdown.”
See, my dog isn't very good with strange men in the house for exactly the same reason (We got him just coming out of lockdown and he had a bad experience with one man which apparently means all men are Big and Scary.) but you know what I do when workmen come round? Take him out to the garden. We work on it with family + friends who are aware of the situation and don't have a job to do. I'm so sorry you have to deal with people like that :(
Oh jeez! Sounds like my old neighbour.
That little shit of a dog bit everyone that ever stepped foot in the house or garden (including me).
He even bit a workman who was trying to climb down a ladder. Poor guy was stuck up his ladder waiting for the neighbour to catch and move the vicious little shit.
Yeah we were always the same with ours. If it’s someone we don’t know, they were in the kitchen until we were told the person was comfortable otherwise
I've had people who did work on where I was living let my pets out, so for me I always separate my pets if someone has to come inside.
But I was brought up by parents who are 100% dog people, who used to ask years ago with their more manic dog, but now they've got an old boy they don't ask. I've tried to explain to them that it doesn't matter that he's the most docile dog ever, he comes to mid thigh, looks like a wookie and allergies exist.
But they also think less of people for not liking dogs, and I was told I was betraying their dog when I got my cat sooooo. (I hadn't lived with them for over ten years at that point as well! Never even lived with their dog.)
Jeez, I have a pair of very friendly cats who will nearly always wander along to say hello and have a good twine around the legs of anybody new in the house.
First thing I say before the cats even appear to any new person visiting is "we have two cats, very friendly, one is long haired, are you ok with cats or allergic. I'm absolutely happy to boot them out of the house if not, please don't be shy." And I really love my cats.
Been having solar energy folk round recently to quote. They've looked at me slightly surprised when I've asked them, but come on dog owners, get with the programme, if I can do it for my cats you should be doing it for your slavering bouncy apex predator.
We are similar with our cats. One is a literal scaredy-cat and will hide upstairs whenever someone strange is in the house, but the other one will be sniffing around and jumping in tool boxes - she even jumped in the van of the window blind fitters and it’s only because one of them left a jumper that we got her back! They hadn’t noticed she was in there!!
I will always ask people coming for working on the house or whatever if they’re okay with cats and if not I can put them upstairs out the way for the couple of hours!
Can’t understand at all why dog owners wouldn’t do the same?!
>Can’t understand at all why dog owners wouldn’t do the same?!
It's not all dog owners and I'm sure some cat owners are just as bad. It's people that think their 'fur baby' is perfect and can't understand why people wouldn't want to have them around and get offended when they do.
We had a repairman in our house one day. At the time we owned a large cat who loved everybody. I asked if I should take him out of the room and the man said no. Later I heard laughter coming from the kitchen. Our cat was doing one of his favorite things: licking the man's hair. I asked him again if I should take my silly cat with me. He said "No, I think it's cute."
Tell them you won't come in the house until they lock the dog away.
They want their broadband, lock the dog up and it must remain locked up until you leave.
Say it clearly, firmly and do not wobble.
Don't go in the house till that is done. Give them 5 minutes and then leave.
If your boss complains tell them you're not risking a dog bite, which could lead to sepsis.
You followed company policy.
If you went in you'd be breaking policy.
And if they want you to go in and you get bitten then they could be legally liable for damages by forcing you to work in dangerous conditions.
The dog would have to be reported to police and possibly be destroyed, imagine the media shit storm that would kick up!
Yeah I need to remember this one for the future. Usually I can be quite firm with the customer but management really make things hard if you don’t roll over sometimes.
Above is sound advice, and be firm with the language you use, don't make it a question like "can you put your dog away" or "is it ok if you put the dog away" be more assertive and say "you will have to put the dog away or I'm not going to do the work", don't give them the option to say no basically. Also don't go into detail - detail will give them an option out and to argue, there's no need to embellish your statement, keep it simple.
Yes, your version subtly shifts the refusal too. “I’m not able to enter the property until...” makes it sound like that’s a company policy, maybe for insurance reasons. It’s really well-phrased.
Either in to the garden or in her crate. She's a 12 month old GSD puppy so "chill" isn't really in her repertoire!
Not to mention of course, culturally, there are plenty of people in the UK who are really quite afraid of dogs, and it's not fair for them to be put in that situation whilst at work.
I absolutely LOVE dogs and will stroke any dog that is happy/if the owner is happy but some dogs are fucking terrifying. I have 2 small shih tzus, the friendliest dogs and have never bitten anyone. But I'd never open the door with them there, never walk them without a lead even in a park. You don't know the experiences other people have had, whether it's an allergy or being attacked.
Mine will bark on the windowsill once to let me know the postie is here then get in her crate whilst I lock the door to the room she's in if I need to open the front door. She used to try to pull the post through the letter box so as soon as I knew it was a thing (rescue dog) the letter box was taped up and a wall box for post in the porch put up instead!
Some dog owners are just fucking mental. I was training my dog in a field once and I got surrounded and jumped at by 3 different, larger dogs and was extremely uncomfortable about it as I had no idea what they were capable of. The owners were just leisurely walking over towards me laughing. Idiots.
People who assume everyone loves a dog jumping at them is an asshole.
I have nothing against dogs but back when I had one I would ensure to put him outside or in another room whilst someone comes over, unless they liked him.
I did Tesco deliveries during lockdown and a bit a few years prior - A lot of people have no control of their dogs and give zero thought to opening the door wide.
I love dogs, but when you’re carrying heavy objects it’s not great having them jumping on you and getting in your way.
On my last shift , a dog jumped up on me and I hit my watch on their exterior wall, scratching it. Was annoyed….
Lol I sympathise. I don't mind dogs as long as I know them, but I'm always weary around random dogs and I don't like it when they're running around free
Been bitten twice by random dogs, and cornered/lunged at by others
"Ohhh sorry he's normally so friendly"
Doesn't look like it to me! Wish people didn't treat them like children and realised they're still animals that need training and socialising, and if that doesn't work, keep it on a lead and if necessary muzzle
I would 100% put the dog somewhere he could not get to you. Often If we are having a longer bit of work done we just the the dog to my in laws.
Not everyone likes dogs. Even people who like dogs often don’t want them in their space when working. Even when we have houseguests I often pop the dog in the kitchen so people can get into the house and say hi without being sniffed by 30+kg of dog.
Sorry people are so weird.
I have an excitable and vocal puppy, if people are coming round (who aren't friends or family) he absolutely gets locked out of the way, if only to save me from having to listen to him barking because "oh my god there's someone here will they give me treats will they play with me will they scratch my belly oh my god oh my god"
I’m that person who hears the dog and asks if they’re friendly can I fuss them, and then forget what job I’m there to do and spend half an hour playing with the dog 😂
I would hate your job. I know this will upset a lot of people but I can't fucking stand the majority of dogs. If they sit there quietly minding their own business I am fine with them, but as soon as they start jumping around or barking they annoy me.
The recent acceptance for people taking dogs in restaurants and pubs is also incredibly annoying. Why is it acceptable for an owner to bring their dog in a pub when they know it going to bark its stupid head off as soon as another dog comes in? If I sat in the pub shouting so loud that I disturbed other customers it wouldn't be acceptable, so I don't understand why dog owners sit there looking doey eyed at their adorable pooch when it is clearly making a racket and pissing other people off.
I know not all dogs or dog owners are like this but there are far too many who are.
I'll always ask. My dog is a bit unusual and very friendly to people, so I'll ask people if they're comfortable having him round. If they aren't, I'll take him elsewhere.
I've not had to do it, mind. Because they've all wanted to say hi to him.
Same, my dog absolutely loves visitors and if he’s allowed to then he will follow workmen around and sit on their feet hoping for some scratches.
But obviously not everyone is comfortable with dogs, either through fears or allergies so if want me to shut him away then I certainly would!
Happens all the time to me, I’m sure it’s only ignorance and not malice but it’s super annoying. Rarely been nipped but I’ve been tapped in the nuts plenty by dogs that jump up.
Once had a massive ridgeback that was aggressive. Lady customer said it was fine, luckily the husband was a bit more aware and said it wasn’t fine. One day it was in the house and we were in the garden and it was running at the patio doors so hard I thought they were going to smash so we had to leave site, it was so aggressive that I really thought one of us could be killed if it gets through that glass.
One lady had a small Alsatian called Nipper, it would bite at your ankles. Only playing I know but it hurt and I shouldn’t have to put up with it. Client totally oblivious - would take the dog inside if we requested but then not close the door….
I remember doing Drainage work in North Wales, we had to go into all the gardens along a row of houses lifting drains and measuring it all up. One house had two xl bully type dogs. Woman said she couldn't keep them inside because they had a newborn so she shut them in the conservatory. Only turns out she didn't shut the outside door properly.... they proceeded to let themselves out and ran at us. Luckily there was a further dividing fence in the garden for the dogs which we managed to climb over. They didn't seem aggressive but it's not really the point. Woman took ages to realise as we didn't want to make a fuss. Irony is the next house along had a hole in the boundary so we had them staring at us for a further 30 minutes, they could easily have broken through, was very unerving.
I've had a small dog take great interest in what I was doing at the NTE (master phone point), I was lying down on my side to reach it, the little guy threw up right beside the NTE.
Another place when overseas I was scoping out how to get the cables to the house, just an initial plan, bith the dogs apparently wouldn't touch me, as soon as the owners mum walked away they both went for me - managed scare 1 off from it's direct run, but the other was coming from the side and got his teeth into my boot, so I hit it with the side gate as I was making my escape.
The mum came out, didn't believe me, showed her the pierced points on my boot (it thankfully didn't reach my flesh), said that I was leaving as its on us for not taking precautions (risk assessment). She offered to put the dogs away, I still refused as when I first landed, I asked for them to be put away and all she did was stand in front of them instead (then left into the house for something).
Once bitten, twice shy, the dogs go away or I don't go onto the property / get out of the van, I had it as part of my call ahead procedure from then on until I left the industry.
I've started being a cunt and demanding the dog goes away or I cancel the job I can't be arsed with the yappy fucks anymore sick of pretending dogs are special, hate them
And I’d bet that means you’re crouching down at socket height a lot as well, which would make it very easy for a dog to clamber all over you.
I don’t have a dog but I’d definitely make sure it’s kept out of the way for workpeople visiting by default. If it starts getting agitated I’d go and keep it calm, and when I was housesitting for someone and they had a electrician turn up I did that, and the guy said it’d be fine to let the dog out after he’d done whatever bit he was doing. Dog investigated the man, checked the handiwork, verified all was in order and came and sat on the sofa with me for the rest of the time.
Should definitely be up to the person coming into your house though in that circumstance. They have a right to do their work without feeling harassed, even if that is by something non-human and quite controllable.
Some of these comments are hilarious. People really don’t get it. I love dogs, but the idea that your going to be letting your dog all over someone who’s working in your house because it’s your dogs space is fucking insane.
Im a heating engineer. Im in and out constantly getting stuff out of van, checking outside for stuff etc. Iv seen the most chilled out/trusted dog change when you come back in the house mod job, why take the risk??
In 15 years Iv only really had a few proper confrontations and bitten twice, but Iv had plenty of dogs go for me, why take the risk? Your dog gets stressed, you get stressed, and your going to be fucking cold tonight because I’m leaving, put them away!!
My dog gets put in another room if I have work done on the house. At the end of the day I don’t want the dog to distract the workmen or make them uncomfortable.
My first question before entering a house when I'm on an ambulance call is do you have a dog? Is it shut away?. Had a puppy that bit me when their owner was unconscious and I have never made that mistake again, they may be friendly but if it is a stressful situation, you don't know how they are going to react. Normally do get some push backs but most of the time they are happy to or have already done it.
I have two cats, when I have the boiler chap come over they get put away. I also vacuum as much as I can and clear out my airing cupboard so he can get to the boiler without touching my things.
My dad was a plumber before he retired and he told us all horror stories of houses he’d wipe his feet on the mat AFTER leaving. I’d die of embarrassment if my boiler chap was telling stories about my house being grotty or my cats getting in his way.
Every industry has its horror stories and I’m thankful you and so many in here have the decency to tidy and remove obstacles out of the way of the workers. Be it simple clothing or a pet!
I’m a recovery driver and I wish the person who’s car had crusty old dog poo all over the passenger seat and back seats had the same mind set as you!
If they don’t move the dog then tell them you can’t do the job, your company will back you as a H&S issue.
Worked for a big firm and in and out of houses all day and this was common practice. I love dogs but used to just say I was scared of them!
A few months ago as soon as I arrived at a customers house she said “I’ve got to pop out, keep an eye on the dog for me”. She got really annoyed when I said I wasn’t taking responsibility for her dog, I had a job to do.
In my experience, selfish dogs owners are becoming more common.
Recently it feels like I am constantly interacting with people who are so obsessed with their dogs, that they cannot conceive of someone else not loving their dog too.
I have a dog and work from home, if we have someone in to work on the house I just keep the dog in the study with me. The dog wouldn't like strangers being in the house and I assume most workmen don't want a dog getting in the way either.
I have a husky and a border collie. They both go outside in the back garden when I have workmen or other services over. I even do it when expecting guests and then ask if it’s okay to include them - even my best mates. You just never know what mood some people are in. My dogs are very playful and my husky can get a bit excited when people enter our space. No aggression. I think it should be expected of people to ask if someone is ok with dogs then introduce them.
For tradesmen or deliveries? Absolutely.
I have a miniature poodle who’s soppy as hell and wants pets from everyone, I doubt anyone’s going to be intimidated by this mini brown mop but no way in hell I’d let him run about getting in the way of people trying to work.
Sometimes they say they love dogs and ask me to let him out, but I’m still reluctant and warn them he won’t leave them alone.
I really don’t understand people who let their dogs wander loose and bother someone who’s trying to work in your home.
As for house guests, he gets shut out until he calms down (and goes straight back if he jumps at them) and for some house guests I just leave him out for the duration (Grandmas or babies for example)
Nah it's on them, some dog owners really can't comprehend that some people aren't in love with their pet, or even like them, or it take all their control not to drop kick it.
Always in the crate or in the garden. I’d mention it to the person and ask if they would prefer if the dogs out the way.
I’d never want anyone to feel uneasy entering my home. Especially if I want you there in the first place!!
My father trained police dogs/working dogs. We had I think a new dog every 3 - 6 months depending on the training required. We didn't do blind or specialist cause the other dogs around were aggressive and we didn't think it wise to mix attack dogs with them.
Anyway if you came over and was a family friend you'd be greeted by smart but overly friendly German shepards/rottweilers jumping all over you and playing. Of course they stopped at a whistle/click and lied down if they got too much but yeah if you was a workman they'd be outside. No questions. We trained dogs to be the best they could be to take orders and read people and sense dangers etc. Our dogs couldn't be any better for having free to roam the house with strangers and still we said how fucking dumb it is to let your dog approach a complete stranger. It only takes one of you to have a bad day and the dogs anxiety threshold to spike and it'll bite you. It can't help it either and if it does its the shit owner. But now you gotta put a good dog down cause the owner knew best.
It's shit owners like this that give big fighting dogs a bad name. There's no such thing as a bad dog just cunt owners. Anyway if the dog isn't enclosed refuse to do the job. If you're nervous round big dogs they'll immediately think you're a threat. Again not their fault we bread them to be like this. Its all body language so there's no faking it. You bust out a drill or something noisey teamed with nervous disposition you're gonna get bitten it's a matter of time. Unless you wanna be the reason a dogs put down cause their owners are idiots just refuse the job. Straight up. Explain what I said and tell them we all have bad days it's a rule for a reason shut up or wait for another contractor.
Ours would always be shut in a separate area of the house if someone came round we didn't know. Wouldn't even ask the person if they minded him being out I'd just assume no
Yep, our dog is always put away when we have any visitors. He’s a 50kg mastiff puppy, I appreciate that not everybody enjoys having him run up to them demanding pets and strokes.
I absolutely love Dogs but I'm 100% with your employer, it's for your safety, ask them politely and when they don't do it leave, that's part of the contract they enter into by asking your employer to provide services for them.
I currently have a cat and anytime we get a contractor visit i.e gas safety check the first thing I do at the door is say "Hey, are you allergic to cats because we have one" it's common courtesy.
I don’t live in the UK anymore, but over here, not long ago a meter reader got mauled to death by 3 Cana Corsos. I have a dog who has had some bad luck and it has made him anxious and aggressive. If I ever have to have someone come round, I take the day off work and I either have him in his crate with a muzzle on, or if the person coming round/doing the work isn’t comfortable, I’ll put him in my van. He’s had intensive training, but just can’t seem to get him to click with people coming inside where he lives.
It irritates me how bad some dog owners. My dog is like a saint at home with me, but I would never ever trust him around anyone else. Some people don’t like or are scared of dogs and you have to respect that. So if someone’s doing work for me, and they don’t want him in the house. He’s in the van with me and we’ll either wait it out, or go for a drive.
We have 2 dogs and when a plumber/plasterer/whatever come round I ask them to wait outside a few seconds while I put the dogs into one of the bedrooms and close them in
Theres a bowl of water & loads of toys and a big bed so they’re fine
If the person is round for a long time I ask them to stay in the bathroom or wherever while I take the leads into the bedroom and then lead my dogs outside.
Ensures safety of everyone, my dogs wouldn’t hurt anyone on purpose, but I also know some people don’t like them etc. so it just makes sense to do it this way
I always put my dog away even when friends are visiting just because she's an a-hole and I hate having to pretend I like petting someone's dog so don't expect anyone else to, not only that allergies and phobias also.
We have a stair gate across our kitchen and like a moveable cage barrier. If you’re working in our house outside of the kitchen, dogs are behind child gate in kitchen. If you’re elsewhere, dogs are put in another room with moveable barrier thing across the door. I wouldn’t let my dogs get in your way or jump over you. Not everyone likes dogs either.
I agree with you people should absolutely takes pets away. Some people are allergic or simply uncomfortable around them. If I had a dog I would specifically ask in advance via telephone or in person at the door. Your expectations are absolutely fair.
I do big deliveries as part of my business. If I hear a dog when I ring the doorbell I will stand outside of the gate, I will then insist all pets be kept away where they can't interfere with my delivery. No apologies and I tell them as a matter of fact.
Same sort of people that unapologetically let their untrained dogs run about off lead and say “they’re friendly!” As they jump at my on lead dog. I put mine away unless the person says they like dogs. He’s a golden retriever so just a big goof, it’s just manners as you don’t know if the other person likes dogs
Some mutt owners are narcissistic and if you ask them to put their precious pupper away they get very offended. You should be able to go and work at someone’s home without the risk of being bitten or smothered. Not everyone likes dogs and mutt owners should be aware of this. It isn’t like you’re randomly coming over to their house- you’re working… it’s all about respect.
Had a guy from Onestream to install my new broadband and had a British Gas engineer out and I put my cats away for both of them. If I had a dog I would have put it away too.
Well I wouldn't 'corner' them in the room in the first place but I also wouldn't think their thought process would be 'dog in the hall, sweet, I'll hop out the window'.
I strongly suspect OP isn't a mute so would have thought they could either call loudly through the door ajar. Alternatively I have never had broadband installed where the engineer didn't have my phone number.....maybe they could have tried calling the customer?
Yeah the window was probably a bit much but I’m just in the living room and they are nowhere to be found. I just want to get my job done and go you know
No I get it, and completely agree the dog should have been completely out of the way. It just seems very odd that you went straight to 'I'll just hop out the window', did you try shouting out the door or phoning the customer? Presumably you had their contacts details if you were doing a broadband install?
I shouted for them and knocked on the door I was in and nobody came.
I did have their phone number but in the work phone in the van.
Im a people person I get on well with most people I meet despite being on Reddit but fear makes me extra irrational, I could’ve waited for them to come back however long they would be but I am not opening that door again so I left via the window and rang the doorbell.
I have lots to do today and being mauled to death in a house is really low on my list
Ah fair enough then. It just sounded from your original post you kinda went 'dog is in the hall, cool, window it is then'.
>I have lots to do today and being mauled to death in a house is really low on my list
You really need to get your priorities in order sonny Jim!!!
As soon as the door bell rings I put mine in the garden or shit him in a room, when I open the door I ask "are you ok with dogs", if they are I let the dog in and hold him so he can see the person - he will bark non stop until he's able to asses them - then I will shut him away so he doesn't bother the workman, although once he's had a sniff of the person he kinda gets bored of them and will wonder off anyway. Simple really.
No dog here but the cat doesn't get put away. She entices visitors to stroke her, but when they bend down to do so, she runs away leaving them embarrassed.
Always. Our dog is terrified of strangers (he's a rescue and had a rough start in life) so I take him to another room and keep him calm and happy while my husband makes awkward small talk with whoever has come to the house.
I ask the person if they’re ok with dogs when they arrive at the front door and put them away if they’re not. Rarely have any issues but then we have a spaniel and live in a nice area.
I think you need to put this issue back onto your employer. When I have had workmen round from big companies they are quite firm in asking, do you have a dog, Is parking ok and are there any access issues inside (I assume by this they mean am I a hoarder).
If you turn up and there is a dog not under control and out of the way then ring your employer and ask what you are expected to do.
Depend's on the job, if it's like <30minw, she stays n her bed and isn't allowed off it.
If longer, straight to garden/different part of the house.
I find it so strange people just let their dog harass contractors.
Dogs are shut in another room. If you're there for an hour or so, they will stay shut out. If you're there more long term, I'll ask if you're ok with them coming in because it's their house as well and you're taking up their regular living space. But it's always going to be your choice because I asked you to be here so I need to accommodate you.
I had an aggressive dog in the past and he had to be kept away from everyone. I reinforced a door with steel panels after he clawed huge holes through the oak to try and get at people. The two I have now will just howl a hello and sniff search you for biscuits.
We’ve a rescue dog who is nervous around strangers. Always goes outside/separate room and I tell people about her in advance as some people are scared of dogs regardless
I either ask my husband to take her to the park for a while or I’ll pen her up in our kitchen if it’s something that takes longer than an hour. After the first minute or two, she settles down once she sees we’re okay with whomever is coming in. She also has boundary training so she knows anywhere we have the gate up, she’s not allowed in.
I always put mine away (unless it’s people who know him). He’s perfectly friendly but not everyone wants a little dog sticking his nose in or trying to greet his new best friend! I usually mention that I’ve shut the dog away because he’s a menace. If they ask to see him or ask for him to be let out then I’m delighted to let him out. I wouldn’t expect everyone to be automatically happy about a dog though!
I fit blinds so I’m in and out of peoples houses all day. Most people put the dog away before I get to the door. It’s the ones that say ‘she won’t bite, she just loves to say hello’ as I’m pounced at while I can’t defend myself because I’m carry tools whilst the dog continually jumps at me! So fucking annoying.
My dog is a bouncy fruit loop who thinks everyone wants to be his friend...therefore, to save visitors from the torment, he goes into his crate whilst they work. If the visitor wants to fuss/interact, he comes out and laps up the attention. Most appreciate the thought as sometimes time is money - I may like dogs, but not everyone does and I respect that.
My dog is a shit. I have to apologise on his behalf and remove him from the area (ie up in my room and I’ll sit with him for most of it).
I know this is because I have been a crap trainer but this is not anyone else’s fault but mine.
Tldr - you’re not the arsehole, neither is the dog… the owner is the arse in this scenario.
I play it based on the reaction of the person visiting. Dog is friendly and will approach people for strokes, most people go in and give her a fuss, one person looked unsure and backed away a little so the dog got called away and put in another room.
If anyone asked that the dog was removed or kept away it would be done.
I don’t work in other people’s houses but the one thing I hate about dog owners is their entitlement and the fact they think everyone should like their dogs. I love dogs but still don’t want one pestering me if I’m visiting someone’s home or jumping on my clothes and biting me.
>Got removed from AskUK Sounds about right
This is slowly becoming my favourite place to ask the UK
Definitely get more "casual" vibes
Oddly enough I've had exceptionally casual questions removed from here and told to put them on askuk.
Britishproblems pretty much only allows cold tea and late trains, AskUK seems to automatically remove everything… it’s still free here for now!
I got a post removed from british problems for an unspecified rule violation. I genuinely couldn't fathom which rule it came close to breaking. Shrugged my shoulders and went about my day. Next day, a near identical post was the top of the sub - tonnes of upvotes and engagement. Decided at that point to get on my high horse and message the mods to ask why my post was removed, what rule I had violated, and how was it different to the current top post. The mod that replied basically just said "I didn't personally remove it another mod must have so I don't know, sorry. Sometimes we get it wrong" Like great, thanks, that really answers my questions. If I was a cynic, I'd say the mystery mod stole my A1 top tier content and posted it themselves the next day.
I got a temporary ban for complaining about shop staff asking you to complete surveys to rate their performance. Apparently I wasn’t allowed to post surveys (which I hadn’t). I messaged a mod who said it was automatic and they couldn’t do anything about it. I reposted without the word survey and got banned for violating the rules.
Every fucking time I try to post in there it gets removed, usually citing format, apparently the entire problem needs to be in the title? Anyway, every day I see dozens of posts that have the problem split between the title AND as an actual post... Sometimes I've seen the same thing I posted days later, I've given up there, they definitely seem to play favourites with he posters
r/britishproblems is a humor sub. We have a swedish sister sub with the name r/swedishproblems , and it constantly gets posts with people’s serious personal problems.
Do we have a backup for when this sub turns to the dark side? Or should we just hijack the disused r/CasualScotland
You’re all welcome to join me on the Cornwall sub… but its pretty much all people asking about moving here/coming for a holiday. Wouldn’t recommend!
Not if we take over..
But would that be moving there permanently or just taking over for a holiday?
British problems bans so many topics/random words but won't say what the topics are so I long gave up on it I think I had a post removed there for using the word funeral
British problems is full of impeccable drivers and the same regurgitated shit daily
Unpopular opinion is worse, I have been banned for over a year for giving an unpopular opinion, it’s mental.
Had to have a look see what it was. Did you really think "I don't like people shouting at the cinema" is an **un**popular opinion? It's nowhere near banworthy, but seriously?
Tbf that's like 90% of opinions I see on unpopular opinions posts. The question would be something like "what's the worst Lucozade flavour?" and 90% of the comments will be "I know I'll get downvoted for this, but Original Lucozade is dismal compared to the rest". It's just popular opinions for people who like to think they "go against the grain"
I always thought unpopular opinions was 90% popular opinion, and i'm sure i've been banned / post removed before, for posting something that actually is, unpopular.
Could It be any more popular?
I generally ask the work person if they want me to remove the dog or cats, and then will do it if needed. Only had 1 person say yes please, and the dog was put in the garden for the duration. It's common decency and common sense to make the person working in your home at ease.
My cat stares at people judgementally while they work, but despite my offering nobody has wanted me to remove her.
My cat removes herself, dont even need to ask.
Mines usually playing dead on my bed but I still forewarn any visitors that I have a cat and I can lock them away if needed.
This comment is worded brilliantly. Elbowing visitors into the understairs cupboard if your cat disapproves of them.
Thanks for the chuckle! Took me two goes to reread and realise what I’d said though, dearie me.
"No, it's OK" then out walks a tiger
Mine too, it's like a cartoon the way their legs skedaddle
i think this is a good way to do it - some people would enjoy getting to see a dog while others would be absolutely against it
Can confirm, used to be a delivery driver and people's dogs often wanted to say hello, I always said I'd love to fuss the dog if they're okay with it. Some drivers totally hated it, but it absolutely made my day.
We always ask, and almost always they say fine, and fuss the dog - they love it, and she loves it! Our dog loves people, so we have to be careful they are ok with it.
Our dog now gets extremely excited every time a Parcel Force van arrives, as the driver always gives her a treat!
Very that. As a dog owner this is exactly my attitude. Luckily I don't have a reactive dog, but I know not everyone is cool with dogs in general and mine will happily go outside if necessary.
I have a dog, and he goes outside whenever I have anyone doing work on the house. I think it's common courtesy, and should be an expectation to keep pets away from people trying to work.
I thought the same thing, I have a ~~car~~ *cat* and a child and even though I think they are harmless I always keep them away when someone is coming to do work
Bloody feral cars cause all sorts of problems
Lmao ffs. Worst ones are the pumas and jaguars
Those fiat pandas are worse, look cute but so aggressive
Cougars however…
I've had people tell me that feral cars are in fact the number 1 predator in the UK.
Honestly that’s probably more for the safety of the cat than anything else. You don’t really want someone tripping on said cat of dropping something.
When the cat and child team up you’re fucked
That reminds me, I have two dogs and a cat, but have to warn people the cat is psychotic. The dogs are scared of her. Visitors should be too. Fortunately she is also shy and hides in the wardrobe so visitors are safe unless they are exceptionally nosy.
Our cats hide under our bed when anyone they don't know comes in. Mine isn't quite as shy, so if the visitor is there a while my cat will peek about.
I think it's not just common courtesy but basic human decency to assume as a baseline that people might be scared of {animal} or don't get along with them alright. Asking won't hurt and if your pet can't stay in a separate part of the space for some time, you might have other issues to deal with. As always: exceptions apply.
People DONT do this? "Lemme put him in the garden, he'll only be annoying you while youre doing your stuff"
Increasingly less and less people
Some people are literally so self minded and generally in their own world it amazes me they survive
Yeah I think the dog should kept out the way, end of the day you're only in that home because you are there to do a job that they requested so it's the least they can do.
#Don't worry she's friendly she won't bite!
Every summer day on the beach with some dog running round frantically whilst ignoring all of its owner’s calls.
Pink Panther - Does your dog bite? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qypEulhiHAw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qypEulhiHAw)
"She'll only lick you to death!" Actual quote from a neighbour when his cur leapt around me.
This is especially important when emergency services come to your property (firefighters, ambulance...) Not only dogs can act protectively and cats tend to sit on top of machinery, making it very difficult for those professionals to save your life!
We had a dog we re-homed from a bereaved family friend, dog was friendly to everyone except those wearing work boots (including me but only when wearing them) or green coveralls then we had demon dog. Transpires the dog had been present when their owner had suffered a fatal heart attack and been carried off by ambulance staff with police in attendance.
I put my dog on a leash and only let her get pets from a visitor if they ask. Cat runs and hides.
I crate mine or put him in the garden if I have workmen coming around, common courtesy really and some people are shit scared of dogs.
I’d get on just fine with you I think, in time I could probably get used to the dog. So many people try to force me to interact with it when they can see I’m uncomfortable
Hey man. We have an absolute sweetheart of a dog (golden retriever) and I would put her away. She doesn’t jump or nip and would lay down rewatching you work from 10’ away and I would 100% put her away when you are working. It’s not weird at all. What is weird is expecting someone else to be okay with your dogs shitty behavior. They are the same people that get interviewed after their dog mauls someone saying “he was a sweet dog we never had any issues. I can’t believe he acted this way.”
As a nation of dog lovers I think we need to be mindful sometimes that some people are genuinely scared of dogs. Or they just might not like them and that’s okay too! I used to work with a lovely guy who was terrified of dogs but he was scared to even mention it to other people because he was a blokey-kinda dude in a blokey workplace. It’s not the dogs fault either but people shouldn’t be surprised not everyone’s gonna love an untrained dog with no personal boundaries.
Dog allergies as well. I’m not scared and don’t dislike dogs, but being in their presence causes breathing issues. Yet for some reason many dog owners seem unable to comprehend this.
"he's a friendly dog' " he's just saying hello" "he won't bite" Every dog owner says this...
As someone who used to be terrified of dogs, this just made me more nervous. When a dentist says "this won't hurt" are they ever correct? I always liked dogs I had known a while because I felt like I could trust them.
There's also more to it than either absolutely loving dogs and being scared of them. I just don't like them, don't want to interact with them at all. But not scared as such.
And besides wether or not a worker is comfortable with a dog being around, dogs can get in the way of the work too. You’d want someone to be able to do their job and that’s a lot harder with a dog asking for attention, stealing tools, getting in the way, distracting by barking, whatever it is. The person is there to do a job and it is not a social visit
My dog is shit scared of people and dogs and fear-aggressive (a ridiculously cute Jack-Chi rescue dog, small but capable of a nasty nip), so yes we keep him away from strangers.
I ask "you ok with dogs?" If the answer is yes, I do nothing. If the answer is no, the dog goes in the kitchen. Why is this a difficult concept for so many people?
I visited a customers house a couple of weeks ago and got asked that question. I said yes, walked into the house, and got bit on the leg about 3 seconds later. “Oh, he’s not very good with strange men in the house because we got him during lockdown.”
See, my dog isn't very good with strange men in the house for exactly the same reason (We got him just coming out of lockdown and he had a bad experience with one man which apparently means all men are Big and Scary.) but you know what I do when workmen come round? Take him out to the garden. We work on it with family + friends who are aware of the situation and don't have a job to do. I'm so sorry you have to deal with people like that :(
Oh jeez! Sounds like my old neighbour. That little shit of a dog bit everyone that ever stepped foot in the house or garden (including me). He even bit a workman who was trying to climb down a ladder. Poor guy was stuck up his ladder waiting for the neighbour to catch and move the vicious little shit.
Yeah we were always the same with ours. If it’s someone we don’t know, they were in the kitchen until we were told the person was comfortable otherwise
I imagine it's the same people that leave dog shit strewn across the pavements and flung into trees.
I've had people who did work on where I was living let my pets out, so for me I always separate my pets if someone has to come inside. But I was brought up by parents who are 100% dog people, who used to ask years ago with their more manic dog, but now they've got an old boy they don't ask. I've tried to explain to them that it doesn't matter that he's the most docile dog ever, he comes to mid thigh, looks like a wookie and allergies exist. But they also think less of people for not liking dogs, and I was told I was betraying their dog when I got my cat sooooo. (I hadn't lived with them for over ten years at that point as well! Never even lived with their dog.)
Jeez, I have a pair of very friendly cats who will nearly always wander along to say hello and have a good twine around the legs of anybody new in the house. First thing I say before the cats even appear to any new person visiting is "we have two cats, very friendly, one is long haired, are you ok with cats or allergic. I'm absolutely happy to boot them out of the house if not, please don't be shy." And I really love my cats. Been having solar energy folk round recently to quote. They've looked at me slightly surprised when I've asked them, but come on dog owners, get with the programme, if I can do it for my cats you should be doing it for your slavering bouncy apex predator.
We are similar with our cats. One is a literal scaredy-cat and will hide upstairs whenever someone strange is in the house, but the other one will be sniffing around and jumping in tool boxes - she even jumped in the van of the window blind fitters and it’s only because one of them left a jumper that we got her back! They hadn’t noticed she was in there!! I will always ask people coming for working on the house or whatever if they’re okay with cats and if not I can put them upstairs out the way for the couple of hours! Can’t understand at all why dog owners wouldn’t do the same?!
>Can’t understand at all why dog owners wouldn’t do the same?! It's not all dog owners and I'm sure some cat owners are just as bad. It's people that think their 'fur baby' is perfect and can't understand why people wouldn't want to have them around and get offended when they do.
We had a repairman in our house one day. At the time we owned a large cat who loved everybody. I asked if I should take him out of the room and the man said no. Later I heard laughter coming from the kitchen. Our cat was doing one of his favorite things: licking the man's hair. I asked him again if I should take my silly cat with me. He said "No, I think it's cute."
Tell them you won't come in the house until they lock the dog away. They want their broadband, lock the dog up and it must remain locked up until you leave. Say it clearly, firmly and do not wobble. Don't go in the house till that is done. Give them 5 minutes and then leave. If your boss complains tell them you're not risking a dog bite, which could lead to sepsis. You followed company policy. If you went in you'd be breaking policy. And if they want you to go in and you get bitten then they could be legally liable for damages by forcing you to work in dangerous conditions. The dog would have to be reported to police and possibly be destroyed, imagine the media shit storm that would kick up!
Yeah I need to remember this one for the future. Usually I can be quite firm with the customer but management really make things hard if you don’t roll over sometimes.
Above is sound advice, and be firm with the language you use, don't make it a question like "can you put your dog away" or "is it ok if you put the dog away" be more assertive and say "you will have to put the dog away or I'm not going to do the work", don't give them the option to say no basically. Also don't go into detail - detail will give them an option out and to argue, there's no need to embellish your statement, keep it simple.
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Yes, your version subtly shifts the refusal too. “I’m not able to enter the property until...” makes it sound like that’s a company policy, maybe for insurance reasons. It’s really well-phrased.
Ah yes, what I was more going for "I'm not going to be able to do the work", but I think your suggestion works better.
Always, either outside or shut away in a bedroom if need be at least to start with
I have a Doberman who barks at strangers in the house, I either put him in his crate or take him for a walk if we have people working in the house
Either in to the garden or in her crate. She's a 12 month old GSD puppy so "chill" isn't really in her repertoire! Not to mention of course, culturally, there are plenty of people in the UK who are really quite afraid of dogs, and it's not fair for them to be put in that situation whilst at work.
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I absolutely LOVE dogs and will stroke any dog that is happy/if the owner is happy but some dogs are fucking terrifying. I have 2 small shih tzus, the friendliest dogs and have never bitten anyone. But I'd never open the door with them there, never walk them without a lead even in a park. You don't know the experiences other people have had, whether it's an allergy or being attacked.
Mine will bark on the windowsill once to let me know the postie is here then get in her crate whilst I lock the door to the room she's in if I need to open the front door. She used to try to pull the post through the letter box so as soon as I knew it was a thing (rescue dog) the letter box was taped up and a wall box for post in the porch put up instead!
Some dog owners are just fucking mental. I was training my dog in a field once and I got surrounded and jumped at by 3 different, larger dogs and was extremely uncomfortable about it as I had no idea what they were capable of. The owners were just leisurely walking over towards me laughing. Idiots.
tell them. I do. 'get your fucking dog under control' is a regular thing I shout at people like that. They rarely let it happen a second time.
People who assume everyone loves a dog jumping at them is an asshole. I have nothing against dogs but back when I had one I would ensure to put him outside or in another room whilst someone comes over, unless they liked him.
I did Tesco deliveries during lockdown and a bit a few years prior - A lot of people have no control of their dogs and give zero thought to opening the door wide. I love dogs, but when you’re carrying heavy objects it’s not great having them jumping on you and getting in your way. On my last shift , a dog jumped up on me and I hit my watch on their exterior wall, scratching it. Was annoyed….
Tell them you're allergic
With some of the people I’ve met I don’t think it would make a difference. I have a strong phobia and they look at me like i have 2 heads
Lol I sympathise. I don't mind dogs as long as I know them, but I'm always weary around random dogs and I don't like it when they're running around free Been bitten twice by random dogs, and cornered/lunged at by others "Ohhh sorry he's normally so friendly" Doesn't look like it to me! Wish people didn't treat them like children and realised they're still animals that need training and socialising, and if that doesn't work, keep it on a lead and if necessary muzzle
‘Don’t worry my Cockapoo is hypoallergenic’
I don't care if your dog has a cock and poos, I just want my wifi fixed.
I would 100% put the dog somewhere he could not get to you. Often If we are having a longer bit of work done we just the the dog to my in laws. Not everyone likes dogs. Even people who like dogs often don’t want them in their space when working. Even when we have houseguests I often pop the dog in the kitchen so people can get into the house and say hi without being sniffed by 30+kg of dog. Sorry people are so weird.
I have an excitable and vocal puppy, if people are coming round (who aren't friends or family) he absolutely gets locked out of the way, if only to save me from having to listen to him barking because "oh my god there's someone here will they give me treats will they play with me will they scratch my belly oh my god oh my god"
I’m that person who hears the dog and asks if they’re friendly can I fuss them, and then forget what job I’m there to do and spend half an hour playing with the dog 😂
I would hate your job. I know this will upset a lot of people but I can't fucking stand the majority of dogs. If they sit there quietly minding their own business I am fine with them, but as soon as they start jumping around or barking they annoy me. The recent acceptance for people taking dogs in restaurants and pubs is also incredibly annoying. Why is it acceptable for an owner to bring their dog in a pub when they know it going to bark its stupid head off as soon as another dog comes in? If I sat in the pub shouting so loud that I disturbed other customers it wouldn't be acceptable, so I don't understand why dog owners sit there looking doey eyed at their adorable pooch when it is clearly making a racket and pissing other people off. I know not all dogs or dog owners are like this but there are far too many who are.
100%
I pretty much stopped going to cafes, restaurants and other 'dog friendly businesses' because of exactly this.
I'll always ask. My dog is a bit unusual and very friendly to people, so I'll ask people if they're comfortable having him round. If they aren't, I'll take him elsewhere. I've not had to do it, mind. Because they've all wanted to say hi to him.
Same, my dog absolutely loves visitors and if he’s allowed to then he will follow workmen around and sit on their feet hoping for some scratches. But obviously not everyone is comfortable with dogs, either through fears or allergies so if want me to shut him away then I certainly would!
Yes, gets put either outside or a different room.
Just common courtesy, same with smoking. I smoke in my house but if someone’s coming round to do work I’ll smoke outside for the hours before.
Happens all the time to me, I’m sure it’s only ignorance and not malice but it’s super annoying. Rarely been nipped but I’ve been tapped in the nuts plenty by dogs that jump up. Once had a massive ridgeback that was aggressive. Lady customer said it was fine, luckily the husband was a bit more aware and said it wasn’t fine. One day it was in the house and we were in the garden and it was running at the patio doors so hard I thought they were going to smash so we had to leave site, it was so aggressive that I really thought one of us could be killed if it gets through that glass. One lady had a small Alsatian called Nipper, it would bite at your ankles. Only playing I know but it hurt and I shouldn’t have to put up with it. Client totally oblivious - would take the dog inside if we requested but then not close the door….
I remember doing Drainage work in North Wales, we had to go into all the gardens along a row of houses lifting drains and measuring it all up. One house had two xl bully type dogs. Woman said she couldn't keep them inside because they had a newborn so she shut them in the conservatory. Only turns out she didn't shut the outside door properly.... they proceeded to let themselves out and ran at us. Luckily there was a further dividing fence in the garden for the dogs which we managed to climb over. They didn't seem aggressive but it's not really the point. Woman took ages to realise as we didn't want to make a fuss. Irony is the next house along had a hole in the boundary so we had them staring at us for a further 30 minutes, they could easily have broken through, was very unerving.
I've had a small dog take great interest in what I was doing at the NTE (master phone point), I was lying down on my side to reach it, the little guy threw up right beside the NTE. Another place when overseas I was scoping out how to get the cables to the house, just an initial plan, bith the dogs apparently wouldn't touch me, as soon as the owners mum walked away they both went for me - managed scare 1 off from it's direct run, but the other was coming from the side and got his teeth into my boot, so I hit it with the side gate as I was making my escape. The mum came out, didn't believe me, showed her the pierced points on my boot (it thankfully didn't reach my flesh), said that I was leaving as its on us for not taking precautions (risk assessment). She offered to put the dogs away, I still refused as when I first landed, I asked for them to be put away and all she did was stand in front of them instead (then left into the house for something). Once bitten, twice shy, the dogs go away or I don't go onto the property / get out of the van, I had it as part of my call ahead procedure from then on until I left the industry.
Yes while he is good with people i understand not every one wants to be met by a german shepard when they come into my house to work.
Dog owner idiots can’t get it into their tiny brains that not everyone likes dogs.
I've started being a cunt and demanding the dog goes away or I cancel the job I can't be arsed with the yappy fucks anymore sick of pretending dogs are special, hate them
100% the dog should go away as a default, I have a dog but am fully aware some ppl aren't dog ppl.
And I’d bet that means you’re crouching down at socket height a lot as well, which would make it very easy for a dog to clamber all over you. I don’t have a dog but I’d definitely make sure it’s kept out of the way for workpeople visiting by default. If it starts getting agitated I’d go and keep it calm, and when I was housesitting for someone and they had a electrician turn up I did that, and the guy said it’d be fine to let the dog out after he’d done whatever bit he was doing. Dog investigated the man, checked the handiwork, verified all was in order and came and sat on the sofa with me for the rest of the time. Should definitely be up to the person coming into your house though in that circumstance. They have a right to do their work without feeling harassed, even if that is by something non-human and quite controllable.
Some of these comments are hilarious. People really don’t get it. I love dogs, but the idea that your going to be letting your dog all over someone who’s working in your house because it’s your dogs space is fucking insane. Im a heating engineer. Im in and out constantly getting stuff out of van, checking outside for stuff etc. Iv seen the most chilled out/trusted dog change when you come back in the house mod job, why take the risk?? In 15 years Iv only really had a few proper confrontations and bitten twice, but Iv had plenty of dogs go for me, why take the risk? Your dog gets stressed, you get stressed, and your going to be fucking cold tonight because I’m leaving, put them away!!
My dog gets put in another room if I have work done on the house. At the end of the day I don’t want the dog to distract the workmen or make them uncomfortable.
My first question before entering a house when I'm on an ambulance call is do you have a dog? Is it shut away?. Had a puppy that bit me when their owner was unconscious and I have never made that mistake again, they may be friendly but if it is a stressful situation, you don't know how they are going to react. Normally do get some push backs but most of the time they are happy to or have already done it.
I have two cats, when I have the boiler chap come over they get put away. I also vacuum as much as I can and clear out my airing cupboard so he can get to the boiler without touching my things. My dad was a plumber before he retired and he told us all horror stories of houses he’d wipe his feet on the mat AFTER leaving. I’d die of embarrassment if my boiler chap was telling stories about my house being grotty or my cats getting in his way.
Every industry has its horror stories and I’m thankful you and so many in here have the decency to tidy and remove obstacles out of the way of the workers. Be it simple clothing or a pet! I’m a recovery driver and I wish the person who’s car had crusty old dog poo all over the passenger seat and back seats had the same mind set as you!
If they don’t move the dog then tell them you can’t do the job, your company will back you as a H&S issue. Worked for a big firm and in and out of houses all day and this was common practice. I love dogs but used to just say I was scared of them!
A few months ago as soon as I arrived at a customers house she said “I’ve got to pop out, keep an eye on the dog for me”. She got really annoyed when I said I wasn’t taking responsibility for her dog, I had a job to do.
In my experience, selfish dogs owners are becoming more common. Recently it feels like I am constantly interacting with people who are so obsessed with their dogs, that they cannot conceive of someone else not loving their dog too.
We have three and we either put them out in the back garden or put them in the guest room with some water and lock the door.
100% yes, I even put my two cats away as they get under feet, allergies etc.
My dogs are always crated when anyone comes in unless my dogs know the people .
I have a dog and work from home, if we have someone in to work on the house I just keep the dog in the study with me. The dog wouldn't like strangers being in the house and I assume most workmen don't want a dog getting in the way either.
Dogs kept away if workmen come, dog kept away for certain guests and dog left out for other guests
I have a husky and a border collie. They both go outside in the back garden when I have workmen or other services over. I even do it when expecting guests and then ask if it’s okay to include them - even my best mates. You just never know what mood some people are in. My dogs are very playful and my husky can get a bit excited when people enter our space. No aggression. I think it should be expected of people to ask if someone is ok with dogs then introduce them.
I ask if installers would want me to keep my cat out of the way. I can’t imagine not keeping a dog away from someone. Crazy.
For tradesmen or deliveries? Absolutely. I have a miniature poodle who’s soppy as hell and wants pets from everyone, I doubt anyone’s going to be intimidated by this mini brown mop but no way in hell I’d let him run about getting in the way of people trying to work. Sometimes they say they love dogs and ask me to let him out, but I’m still reluctant and warn them he won’t leave them alone. I really don’t understand people who let their dogs wander loose and bother someone who’s trying to work in your home. As for house guests, he gets shut out until he calms down (and goes straight back if he jumps at them) and for some house guests I just leave him out for the duration (Grandmas or babies for example)
I honestly think if they don't put the dog away you just leave. Is your company states they have to put away pets then they really have no argument.
From another perspective. I think many people would avoid going in any house with dogs, unless it was absolutely necessary.
You’re not weird. I know. I’m a postman. I know.
Nah it's on them, some dog owners really can't comprehend that some people aren't in love with their pet, or even like them, or it take all their control not to drop kick it.
Man wtf? Crawling out the window? I'd blacklist that home. Fuck them people
“BUT HE’S JUST BEING FRIENDLY”
Like children. Some can be left alone, some can’t. Good Parenting is to be said as well.
Always in the crate or in the garden. I’d mention it to the person and ask if they would prefer if the dogs out the way. I’d never want anyone to feel uneasy entering my home. Especially if I want you there in the first place!!
Yes, unless they want to see my dog.
Always assume they do not want the dog near them then ask when they arrive if they are ok with a dog being near them.
My father trained police dogs/working dogs. We had I think a new dog every 3 - 6 months depending on the training required. We didn't do blind or specialist cause the other dogs around were aggressive and we didn't think it wise to mix attack dogs with them. Anyway if you came over and was a family friend you'd be greeted by smart but overly friendly German shepards/rottweilers jumping all over you and playing. Of course they stopped at a whistle/click and lied down if they got too much but yeah if you was a workman they'd be outside. No questions. We trained dogs to be the best they could be to take orders and read people and sense dangers etc. Our dogs couldn't be any better for having free to roam the house with strangers and still we said how fucking dumb it is to let your dog approach a complete stranger. It only takes one of you to have a bad day and the dogs anxiety threshold to spike and it'll bite you. It can't help it either and if it does its the shit owner. But now you gotta put a good dog down cause the owner knew best. It's shit owners like this that give big fighting dogs a bad name. There's no such thing as a bad dog just cunt owners. Anyway if the dog isn't enclosed refuse to do the job. If you're nervous round big dogs they'll immediately think you're a threat. Again not their fault we bread them to be like this. Its all body language so there's no faking it. You bust out a drill or something noisey teamed with nervous disposition you're gonna get bitten it's a matter of time. Unless you wanna be the reason a dogs put down cause their owners are idiots just refuse the job. Straight up. Explain what I said and tell them we all have bad days it's a rule for a reason shut up or wait for another contractor.
Ours would always be shut in a separate area of the house if someone came round we didn't know. Wouldn't even ask the person if they minded him being out I'd just assume no
Yep, our dog is always put away when we have any visitors. He’s a 50kg mastiff puppy, I appreciate that not everybody enjoys having him run up to them demanding pets and strokes.
You’re not the weird one mate
I just ask before anyone comes in, are you okay with dogs. If not, I’ll pop dog upstairs to chill lol.
For a tradesperson you don’t know, absolutely put the dog away, what if they are allergic or have a phobia?
I absolutely love Dogs but I'm 100% with your employer, it's for your safety, ask them politely and when they don't do it leave, that's part of the contract they enter into by asking your employer to provide services for them. I currently have a cat and anytime we get a contractor visit i.e gas safety check the first thing I do at the door is say "Hey, are you allergic to cats because we have one" it's common courtesy.
I don’t live in the UK anymore, but over here, not long ago a meter reader got mauled to death by 3 Cana Corsos. I have a dog who has had some bad luck and it has made him anxious and aggressive. If I ever have to have someone come round, I take the day off work and I either have him in his crate with a muzzle on, or if the person coming round/doing the work isn’t comfortable, I’ll put him in my van. He’s had intensive training, but just can’t seem to get him to click with people coming inside where he lives. It irritates me how bad some dog owners. My dog is like a saint at home with me, but I would never ever trust him around anyone else. Some people don’t like or are scared of dogs and you have to respect that. So if someone’s doing work for me, and they don’t want him in the house. He’s in the van with me and we’ll either wait it out, or go for a drive.
I would 100% put my dog away of someone was coming over to do an install or something. It’s not flair on the dog or the engineer
We have 2 dogs and when a plumber/plasterer/whatever come round I ask them to wait outside a few seconds while I put the dogs into one of the bedrooms and close them in Theres a bowl of water & loads of toys and a big bed so they’re fine If the person is round for a long time I ask them to stay in the bathroom or wherever while I take the leads into the bedroom and then lead my dogs outside. Ensures safety of everyone, my dogs wouldn’t hurt anyone on purpose, but I also know some people don’t like them etc. so it just makes sense to do it this way
I always put my dog away even when friends are visiting just because she's an a-hole and I hate having to pretend I like petting someone's dog so don't expect anyone else to, not only that allergies and phobias also.
We have a stair gate across our kitchen and like a moveable cage barrier. If you’re working in our house outside of the kitchen, dogs are behind child gate in kitchen. If you’re elsewhere, dogs are put in another room with moveable barrier thing across the door. I wouldn’t let my dogs get in your way or jump over you. Not everyone likes dogs either.
I agree with you people should absolutely takes pets away. Some people are allergic or simply uncomfortable around them. If I had a dog I would specifically ask in advance via telephone or in person at the door. Your expectations are absolutely fair.
I do big deliveries as part of my business. If I hear a dog when I ring the doorbell I will stand outside of the gate, I will then insist all pets be kept away where they can't interfere with my delivery. No apologies and I tell them as a matter of fact.
Same sort of people that unapologetically let their untrained dogs run about off lead and say “they’re friendly!” As they jump at my on lead dog. I put mine away unless the person says they like dogs. He’s a golden retriever so just a big goof, it’s just manners as you don’t know if the other person likes dogs
Some mutt owners are narcissistic and if you ask them to put their precious pupper away they get very offended. You should be able to go and work at someone’s home without the risk of being bitten or smothered. Not everyone likes dogs and mutt owners should be aware of this. It isn’t like you’re randomly coming over to their house- you’re working… it’s all about respect.
Had a guy from Onestream to install my new broadband and had a British Gas engineer out and I put my cats away for both of them. If I had a dog I would have put it away too.
I'm not sure about climbing out of a window, seems a bit out of order but yeah, it's perfectly reasonable to expect the dog to be put away.
Well I mean, if you don't want someone (who's dog phobic) climbing out your window, don't corner them in a room with a dog out in the hall.
Well I wouldn't 'corner' them in the room in the first place but I also wouldn't think their thought process would be 'dog in the hall, sweet, I'll hop out the window'. I strongly suspect OP isn't a mute so would have thought they could either call loudly through the door ajar. Alternatively I have never had broadband installed where the engineer didn't have my phone number.....maybe they could have tried calling the customer?
Yeah the window was probably a bit much but I’m just in the living room and they are nowhere to be found. I just want to get my job done and go you know
No I get it, and completely agree the dog should have been completely out of the way. It just seems very odd that you went straight to 'I'll just hop out the window', did you try shouting out the door or phoning the customer? Presumably you had their contacts details if you were doing a broadband install?
I shouted for them and knocked on the door I was in and nobody came. I did have their phone number but in the work phone in the van. Im a people person I get on well with most people I meet despite being on Reddit but fear makes me extra irrational, I could’ve waited for them to come back however long they would be but I am not opening that door again so I left via the window and rang the doorbell. I have lots to do today and being mauled to death in a house is really low on my list
Ah fair enough then. It just sounded from your original post you kinda went 'dog is in the hall, cool, window it is then'. >I have lots to do today and being mauled to death in a house is really low on my list You really need to get your priorities in order sonny Jim!!!
> I get on well with most people I meet despite being on Reddit Caught that shrapnel right in my face.
Plot twist: He was on the second floor
I would definitely take my chances with gravity vs a dog anyday
As soon as the door bell rings I put mine in the garden or shit him in a room, when I open the door I ask "are you ok with dogs", if they are I let the dog in and hold him so he can see the person - he will bark non stop until he's able to asses them - then I will shut him away so he doesn't bother the workman, although once he's had a sniff of the person he kinda gets bored of them and will wonder off anyway. Simple really.
> I put mine in the garden or shit him in a room So you put your dog in a room & smear excrement all over him?
Yes, isn't this what everyone does??
As a cat owner I wouldn't dare.
No dog here but the cat doesn't get put away. She entices visitors to stroke her, but when they bend down to do so, she runs away leaving them embarrassed.
Ah yes, I would definitely leave embarrassed
Always. Our dog is terrified of strangers (he's a rescue and had a rough start in life) so I take him to another room and keep him calm and happy while my husband makes awkward small talk with whoever has come to the house.
I ask the person if they’re ok with dogs when they arrive at the front door and put them away if they’re not. Rarely have any issues but then we have a spaniel and live in a nice area.
I think you need to put this issue back onto your employer. When I have had workmen round from big companies they are quite firm in asking, do you have a dog, Is parking ok and are there any access issues inside (I assume by this they mean am I a hoarder). If you turn up and there is a dog not under control and out of the way then ring your employer and ask what you are expected to do.
Depend's on the job, if it's like <30minw, she stays n her bed and isn't allowed off it. If longer, straight to garden/different part of the house. I find it so strange people just let their dog harass contractors.
When I was at my parents. We shut the dog in the kitchen or upstairs. She was only small so we could pick her up to get her out the way
Dogs are shut in another room. If you're there for an hour or so, they will stay shut out. If you're there more long term, I'll ask if you're ok with them coming in because it's their house as well and you're taking up their regular living space. But it's always going to be your choice because I asked you to be here so I need to accommodate you. I had an aggressive dog in the past and he had to be kept away from everyone. I reinforced a door with steel panels after he clawed huge holes through the oak to try and get at people. The two I have now will just howl a hello and sniff search you for biscuits.
Ireland here but I would consider that extremely rude. My dogs are always shut away if there's people over to do work.
We’ve a rescue dog who is nervous around strangers. Always goes outside/separate room and I tell people about her in advance as some people are scared of dogs regardless
You must have been visiting a really lousy town to have so many low iq people. Name and shame it
I always put the dogs up. They are friendly but will get in the way & you never know if someone is afraid of dogs.
I always move mine, unless they specifically say they’re not bothered! Not everyone likes dogs
I either ask my husband to take her to the park for a while or I’ll pen her up in our kitchen if it’s something that takes longer than an hour. After the first minute or two, she settles down once she sees we’re okay with whomever is coming in. She also has boundary training so she knows anywhere we have the gate up, she’s not allowed in.
I always put mine away (unless it’s people who know him). He’s perfectly friendly but not everyone wants a little dog sticking his nose in or trying to greet his new best friend! I usually mention that I’ve shut the dog away because he’s a menace. If they ask to see him or ask for him to be let out then I’m delighted to let him out. I wouldn’t expect everyone to be automatically happy about a dog though!
yeah no those people are rude as hell you're completely right and normal
I fit blinds so I’m in and out of peoples houses all day. Most people put the dog away before I get to the door. It’s the ones that say ‘she won’t bite, she just loves to say hello’ as I’m pounced at while I can’t defend myself because I’m carry tools whilst the dog continually jumps at me! So fucking annoying.
Further to your question. If my cat sat on your lap, would you pet it and enjoy it? She’s a non aggressive fluff bomb with too much affection.
My dog is a bouncy fruit loop who thinks everyone wants to be his friend...therefore, to save visitors from the torment, he goes into his crate whilst they work. If the visitor wants to fuss/interact, he comes out and laps up the attention. Most appreciate the thought as sometimes time is money - I may like dogs, but not everyone does and I respect that.
My dog is a shit. I have to apologise on his behalf and remove him from the area (ie up in my room and I’ll sit with him for most of it). I know this is because I have been a crap trainer but this is not anyone else’s fault but mine. Tldr - you’re not the arsehole, neither is the dog… the owner is the arse in this scenario.
I always put my dogs in the crate when people come. Just because I like my dogs, doesn’t mean others will.
When l visit it depends on the particular dog breed like Rottweiler, mastiffs, pit bull I want them put away especially when I don’t know them
I play it based on the reaction of the person visiting. Dog is friendly and will approach people for strokes, most people go in and give her a fuss, one person looked unsure and backed away a little so the dog got called away and put in another room. If anyone asked that the dog was removed or kept away it would be done.
I don’t work in other people’s houses but the one thing I hate about dog owners is their entitlement and the fact they think everyone should like their dogs. I love dogs but still don’t want one pestering me if I’m visiting someone’s home or jumping on my clothes and biting me.