I know how some people are about bully breeds, My dog is protective but NOT aggressive, how do i handle a clients neg. response ?
Great question. We did dog boarding for years with our pit and got all kinds of questions/concerns. One time someone asked me if my pit would eat their (small) dog, lol.
First and foremost, remember that you are the professional. It's your job to respond calmly and courteously to any question, concern, or complaint, no matter how ridiculous it sounds to you. Being the professional also means that you can use that position to reassure your clients. My reassuring spiel went something like this: "I hear you, and keeping everyone's dog safe is my #1 priority because it is my worst nightmare that someone's pup gets hurt while I'm taking care of them or my dog gets hurt when I drop them off with their sitter. That's why we always supervise the dogs when they're together, and when we go out or go to sleep, the dogs are always separated, even if they get along really well. Plus, we also do walks and hikes with all the dogs together, which really helps them all bond and get along." Usually then I'd launch into a retelling of my worst meet and greets
Second, know your dog and never lie. It's tempting to try and be advocates for our pits by saying that they're the perfect dogs, but it's better to acknowledge they're not perfect and "humanize" (doggie-nize?) them. Subtly remind your clients that your pit is just a dog, not an alien monster. Do this by telling them little stories about your dog they they might be able to relate to. For example, our pit grew up with bossy little dogs and actually gets along much better with small dogs than big dogs. So any time I had a client concerned about their little dog, I'd say, "Oh our dog is so funny around small dogs - he's so intimidated by them. Any time we get a little dog, that dog could step all over him and our dog's just like 'yes sir, whatever you say sir. Oh you want the dog bed? Okay sir'".
Another thing - if I had clients expressing concern before I even had a meet and greet, I'd say something like "I do offer a free meet and greet for new folks to make sure that you and your dog are totally comfortable with me and my pups before you leave them with me." If your dog is really good with other dogs, I'd add "We actually call Pittie our doggie ambassador because he absolutely loves meeting other dogs and making new friends. He's never met a dog he didn't like." We had a dog ambassador (not our Pit), who I would always bring out first for the meet and greet. Our dog ambassador helped because, while great with dogs, she is toooo friendly and hyper with people. She'd be losing her mind trying to jump on the ...
I think you don't make a big deal out of it - he's your pup! He's well documented on your profile, so if they show up for a M&G not knowing you have a pit bull, a lot of that is one them. If they seem shocked or upset, calmly explain that you've had him for X years, he's never shown aggression, he's well trained, etc. etc. The owners that freak out over your dog's breed probably aren't the owners you would want to sit for anyway!
I don't OWN a pittie, but I do sit for many of them. Since we board multiple dogs a time, it's always possible that a client's dog may interact with a bully breed. In fact, my profile says "bully breed friendly" in all caps.
Before the meet and greet I always say, "Since we do board multiple guests, are there breeds that Fido does not get along with or that you prefer him not be around?". This lets me know if they are anti-"certain breed" before I even meet them in person.
Keep in mind, most anti-bully dogs are not interested in being educated otherwise. They have firm beliefs about certain dogs and they are not going to be easily swayed. If you encounter someone being nasty about your pup, I would let them know that while you respect their opinion, your dog is a well-behaved and well socialized pup. Then, let them know its not a good fit. You don't need that negativity, and Nash doesn't need it either.
I like your verbiage here :)
FUN FACT : pits are now training to be poilce dogs and proving to be as great or better then German Shepherds . It's always the owner never the dogs fault.
This is always a sad subject, I hate that people assume a dog is bad just based on breed alone :( I have never owned a pit but my neighbor has rescued them for over 10 years (even flown across the country for a pit in need of a good home.) I think most people who give negative comments about pits are usually just uninformed and following stereotypes and they just need to be educated. I highly recommend gently informing them that a pit bull is not necessarily anymore aggressive than a yorkie and it's all based upon how they are bred and raised. COULD a pit bite someone without any warning? Absolutely. But so could a chihuahua... I would encourage them not to judge a dog by its breed, or a book by its cover :) and instead, meet the dog, dash their stereotypes, and educate themselves better. Just avoid stuping to their level by pointing fingers and name calling... To be honest, my Husky/Belgian Malinois is a menace in comparison with most pit bulls I know, I can hardly take her out in public without an episode! Again--people, please don't judge a dog by it's breed alone.
My profile has a picture of my three dogs so the person would know from the photo what kind of dog it is. There’s also a little essay about her. So anyone who reads my ad can see that I have three dogs and see their pictures and their story. If they are afraid of pits they will not book. I find it to be a type of dog prejudiced, when I was a kid people said it was German shepherds, then they said Dobermans, then they said Rottweilers etc.It’s just a place for people to put their fear of dogs in my opinion.
I also have a pit bull. I instantly tell ppl that she has never ever shown aggression toward anyone or anything.. As we brought her in from being a stray.. Day 1 not 1 bit of aggression.. I'm sry but I truly believe 100% on how they are breeding and how they are raised.
I am not a Pitbull owner myself, BUT I do have a number of friends that have some wonderful Pitbull family members. My best answer is to tell them that "a good dog is a good dog." A dog is also so much a product of their environment...and I'm sure they have a loving and nurturing home with you! :)
If a pit bull brings on negative, then don't tell. I will never work (training) with pits again. Very unpredictable dogs. Cannot trust them. & I suppose this is the exact thing you don't want to hear. Won't ever own another pit again.
yu can trust them,but its the fact they cant trust humans!
I would acknowledge the clients concerns, and request an opportunity for them to meet you and your pitbull so they can see how your dog behaves. I hosted a pitbull that I was told was a "bulldog mix" before the meet & greet. The dog was obviously a pitbull mix. ALWAYS MEET & GREET BEFORE HOSTING!