The standard for "good behavior" will be different from one household to the next, with no right or wrong answers. The OP would hate it at my house because my dogs have access to the furniture, may chew their toys wherever they like, and in some cases are still learning our expectations. If we had young children or something it might be different, but that's not the reality. If someone asked me to pen my dogs while they were in my home I'd politely rescind the invitation for them to visit.

We don't take our pets anywhere without an express invitation for them. For the most part this means we don't travel much -- and we are perfectly fine with that. We also meet some of our friends out for dinner and drinks, etc., so that unless they specifically ask they are not subjected to behavior WE like but THEY may find objectionable.

FYI, penning is not always a good solution. Do you want dog(s) screaming in the background for your entire visit? Because if they are out of control outside of their crates this is exactly what you're going to get. (Trust me, I have some experience with this LOL)

Don't say a thing, just don't go there anymore. The dogs live there, you don't like the dogs and the owners have already chosen to live the way they live whether you're there or not. Seems logical to me that you'd just stop visiting them in their home. Your husband can go there anytime without you, right? They aren't YOUR best friends, so let the boys do their thing, and when a group get together is called for just do it somewhere else.

And peace will descend on the people. :)

I hear ya! Our 2 house-dogs are completely different personalities. Our Cairn is respectful and guests love him. Our rescued, deaf boxer is the complete opposite. We have to keep her on a short lead and beg people to NOT look at, or pat her until she calms down. She howls when we crate her during a visit, so the short lead seems the best for now. (She is the biggest challenge, training wise, I have had ever had!) My MIL has severe osteoporosis, and my nieces are very young so I am on high alert when Roxy is loose in the house and company walks in! Absolutely.... I am very aware of how our dogs are interacting with guests and just like my kids, I expect respectful behavior!

This is going to sound crazy... when the owners are in the room, and the dogs are out of control, TALK TO THE DOGS! Just grab one by the jowls (gently, of course), look them in the face (but not threateningly), and tell the dog that you love him but don't like getting slobbered so he has to go lie down somewhere.

If the "dog" doesn't get the message (i.e., the owners), grab the next dog and repeat the message, just little louder. If all esle fails, shepard one of the dogs into another room and close the door with a "Love you! Now go lie down."

Cheeky yes, but you're on the hairy edge (pun intended) of losing or altering the friendship, any ways. :-)

I always put our two airedales in the bedroom. Visitors know they are there. If they ask for us to let them out then we do and they pay the consequences, LOL. They are not slobbery and don't shed. They just want to be petted. The don't jump or know you over. They just wag their butts off to say how happy they are to see you.

It is all in how they are trained. My Dobe knows that when I say her name, snap my fingers and point down to the ground she better lay down NOW.. If you value the friendship be honest. Take a deep breath and say, "I value the time we spend together, BUT ______" If things don't change use gas prices as an excuse to see them less frequently.

start sneezing and wiping your eyes. pretend you have allergies. don't tell your husband. let him think of it himself. if he wants you to take over the counter meds, like benedryl, say they make you fall asleep. they'll all get the idea. hah! :mrgreen:


they'll either visit you or they're not friends. (i don't think they are, anyway, but that's me.)

btw, you can be allergic to those dogs and no others, because they slobber all over you and over-sensitize you.

I have to totally agree with Julie. All my friends know that my house is maintained for the comfort of my fur babies. They live there. It is their house. I am their Mom and if I allow them on the furniture it is my business. I wouldnt think of taking them where they arent welcome... but in my house they are my "children". If you want the best seat in the house... you will have to move the dog. :) If someone cant handle dog hair or doesnt like dogs; we can meet somewhere but I lock my dogs up for no one.
My life revolves arround those boys!! They love company and are excited when someone comes to visit. Everyone that visits makes a fuss over them. They are good boys but spoiled rotten and that's ok. Because they are always happy to see me.
I like my dogs better than most men I know!!! :):):)

I have 4 dogs and all of them are well behaved. I trained all of them and have taught my family that we are the pack leaders, not the dogs.
My inlaws have a dog that is very excitable and not trained well at all. Imagine a 65# dog that jumps up in your lap! I don't go with my DH very often to his brother's house because of the dog.

Someone already mentioned my suggestion - you have allergies, right. That's your story and STICK TO IT !!!

I put my dogs up when company is here but when i go to other peoples houses I understand that it is their house and their dogs. If you dont like someones dogs or kids, dont go over there.
When people come to my house with their dogs or kids, Im the boss. I discipline both dogs and kids at my house if the owners/parents dont. If they dont like it then they wont come over with dogs or kids. LOL