Houseguest 101

If this summer's vacation means staying with friends and family, here are a few simple tips to make you a welcome visitor in any home. 

The number one Tip is to Exceed Your Host's Expectations. "What may be acceptable in one doghouse may not be in another. Therefore, an important part of good etiquette requires anticipating and exceeding your host's expectations. Use forethought and planning to determine what those expectations are before you arrive." says Jennifer Quasha, author of Etiquette for Dogs and Their People.

Before you visit use Tip #2 Consider Your Host. Call ahead. Find out what is required of you and your pet before you arrive. Find out if your host has plans. Will your dog fit into them. How many dogs do they have? Discuss personalities. How is the house set up. Will your dog have easy access to the yard. These are just a few considerations when deciding on staying with a friend. Communication is the key before you arrive - it's much harder to make amends after the fact.

Think ahead. While some of these facts may come up in the first phone call be aware of your pet's personality and possible hiccups. You know your dog best, your host does not. It is up to you to anticipate potential problems. Which leads to Tip #3 Hope for the Best, Expect the Worst. Discussing possible problem scenarios will often help avoid disaster. For example, if you both have male dogs, could this lead to a marking frenzy, marring your vacation visit fun? Since you are the guest, consider taking a crate should your pet need to be confined. Simply closing them in the guest room may not be the wisest plan.

From the Boy Scouts we get Tip #4 Be Prepared. Always take along what you need - leash, food, even your dog's bowls. This will put less pressure on your host. Thoughtfulness is the key.

Tip #5 Take Responsibility. Accidents happen. Be sure to make amends for any damage your pet may cause. Remember, your host has saved you quite a bit of money already, it shouldn't end up costing them a cent.

Tip #6 Come Bearing Gifts. It never hurts to show up with a fresh batch
of doggies treats; Gets the stay off on the right foot.

Have a fun-filled Summer!