The Ladies

I had some friends over on Saturday, not particular dog people and knowing what Tommy is like, I was stressing a bit about it. We don't have enough visitors to train Tommy what is the correct 'thing' to do when we have visitors, ie not jumping up, barking and trying to get these intruders out of the home. Lets face it, I'm not confident enough - I worry so much that he will bite someone that I try to avoid anyone touching him - which is a shame for both of us.

I had prepared them all, saying ignore Tommy when you come in - no look, no touch, no talk - but I was still uneasy about people coming round. I decided to muzzle him - I really didn't want to - but I thought it would save me worrying - which I hoped would save him worrying.

The first lady turned up, completely ignored Tommy whilst he jumped up and seemed happish. His tail was wagging and he was just barking, not aggressively I'll add. She knelt down next to Tommy who started to moan a bit, I told him no and wished my friend would stop, but luckily the door went - friend no 2. She was excellent, ignored him totally, even folded her arms! I made them both tea and settled them in the garden. Tommy sniffed them, walked round them and all the time his tail was wagging. Lady no 3 turned up, Tommy barked a bit but soon gave up - it was much more fun to sniff these people! Then lady no 4. By this time, he had given up being the big bad dog and was allot more interested in smelling these people.

We sat in the garden for another 15 minutes before I took Tommy's muzzle off and he was fine with the ladies. They all fussed him and even gave him treats! I was a bit nervous about them putting their faces too close to his, but once I mentioned it, they stopped. I was pleased I had chosen the correct thing to do. I felt more relaxed which in turn must have made Tommy feel more relaxed. If I have non dog - or even some dog - people over again, I will not hesitate to put his muzzle on.