This past week, we held an interview for a gorgeous, stunning, adorable, fresh face, mixed breed, named Taylor. She's 4. Lived on a farm in Jersey all her life. Then her family moved to the suburbs in NY.
Her mom, who had the purest of intentions, stopped by without Taylor to check us out. She asked many questions, I answered all of them, happily.
She disclosed one red flag....that Taylor had killed a barn cat, on her property. Ok - strike one against Taylor, but, since there are no kitties in doggie daycare, I was willing to meet her.
I told the mom to bring Taylor in for her interview first thing in the morning - like - 7 a.m. - this way, she'd start out with just a few dogs, and as the others streamed in, she'd be the one greeting them, instead of the other way around.
The mom didn't show up w/ Taylor until 10 a.m. - bad move, Mom.
Taylor came in, wagging her tail, looking as cute as could be. My staff and I all oooo'd and aaaah'd at her, she really was adorable. A husky, golden, and something else, mix.
We brought out our two awesome interview dogs. Bear, a big black lab who is a big mush. And Riley, another lab, he's yellow - and also, a mush.
Taylor went to bite both of them. And both times, wagging her tail while doing so.
Luckily, she didn't break skin, but I called her mom, told her what happened, and said she needed to be picked up.
Mom picked her up - upset - confused (?) and kind of angry with us.
FOUR hours later. Yes - FOUR hours later - the Mom returned, DEMANDING to meet the dogs Taylor went after.
Well, we were happy to oblige - after all, these delicious dogs Taylor tried to get a taste of were super friendly, and came out wagging their tails, happy as clams.
She pointed to Bear. And said....."Oh, I can see that Taylor may have been intimidated by that FAT one" as she looked at Bear with disgust. WRONG MOVE LADY...... Jen, who works at Buddy's Barking Lot, was with me. Jen is madly in love with Bear. Jen does not let anyone call Bear "fat". Jen says that Bear has big bones and lots of muscle, and he's not fat. Jen went on to tell this woman that Bear is the kindest dog and would never hurt a fly. I was biting my cheeks from laughing - but also, biting my toungue from chiming in with Jen.
Then she sees Riley boy. She said "oh, I don't know why Taylor would go after him....."
Me neither lady.
VERY KINDLY, and calmly, I explained to her that sometimes doggie daycare isn't for all dogs. They must be social. They must be willing to meet other dogs. Shy is fine. Insecure is fine too. Our pack will make every dog feel at ease, literally, in minutes. They are the most non threatening pack on the planet.
She kept pushing........well, how about this idea......how about if you chooose one dog to go up to your dog park and play with Taylor? I said "well, that process of elimination could be quite a blood bath...." She says "how so?" I say "how many dogs does she need to bite, in order to find the dog she will tolerate?" It isn't worth it. It really isn't.
For all the dog daycare owners, or soon to be owners - do not allow a dog who bites to come to daycare. Its not worth the liability. Dogs like that should be walked and walked and walked by dog walkers, or their owners. There's no room for aggression like that, in a cage, crate free doggie daycare.
For all dog owners - don't go away mad when your dog fails the interview. Its for the good of all involved. Don't put your dog in a position where it will want to bite other dogs. Its just not fair.
Peace!
Eileen Fleming
xo
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