First let me say, I dont hate dogs, I’ve never had one, I’m just a little uncomfortable around certain breeds, just not a big dog person…My 1st job today, I was greeted by an enormous “puppy”, he was part poodle and part something big ,he jumped up and put both paws on each of my shoulders…looking me eye to eye…he then followed me around to the windows (inside) as I attempted to clean them . At one point he licked the sill where my solution had dripped, helping me clean up I suppose…He walked through my legs, I felt as if I was riding him…My second inside job had instructions from the owner. She said that her son would be there to “hold the dog” (why?, I wondered) she also said not to look the dog in the eye and not to put my arms down…??? Do I walk in with my soaper and squeegee in the air??? He barked every time I passed by and every time my outside guy walked by the door…3rd job, another new puppy…this one I’m convinced was made out of rubber…he jumped as high as my face and would not let me get to the outside windows, he tangled his leash around my feet as I was walking…What do you tell these people…I was ready to walk away…and I love when they say…oh dont worry he doesnt bite…
You bring up an interesting point. In fact, I used to email a sheet that was called “A Dozen Things to Expect When Expecting The Window Cleaner”. I couldn’t find the thing at the time of this post, but let me tell you some of what I told them as it relates to your story.
I told them that gravity is a force of nature that we cannot contend with. We must submit to it. That being said, soap, dirty water, and tools will fall to the ground if dropped.
We love children. We love plants. And, we love pets. Unfortunately we don’t bring ours to work with us. And because of the above mentioned Law of Physics, we ask that you move those children, pets, and plants prior to our arrival. Otherwise, we are not responsible for their detriment.
We also ask that they keep outside pets contained so as not to become a safety hazard to our crews.
I also would tell them to keep their pets contained while we worked, or we left and they forfeit their deposit.
I’ve never had any problems with dogs that I can remember. Although I had one yesterday that the owner put in a utility room while we were working that barked alomost non-stop for the 3 hours we were there. It was a small dog with an ear piercing bark. Owner just sat there like it was nothing. Couldn’t wait to get done and get gone. Unfortunately, I could still hear that lil #%@*! barking in my head hours after I left.
Im not a big dog fan but we have one because I didnt get much say so in the matter. If it were up to my wife we would probably have 3. That being said when we have guests over if the dog bothers anyone whatsoever he gets locked up, its not hard to deal with.
The houses ive been in with dogs, the homeowner just seem oblivious. Its usually the little dogs that give me trouble. One house I did they had 2 very small dogs and every time I turned my back they would attack the back of my leg or ankles.
Of all the dogs I came across, the 3 that bit me were about the size of my foot!
Wööf!
You know the sign that says…There will be an 20 dollar charge if your annoying…etc etc…Well, i follow that rule because usually in the first 30 secs of talkin to customer when giving estimate you can tell what kind of person they are (picky, talkers, mean, etc)
Like Bert, I also mention this in my “What to Expect” sheet that is given with the estimate or mailed when new customer work is scheduled over the phone. It just details exactly what we offer and the environment we need to work crisply in.
I’m most concerned when I am doing an estimate without a homeowner home. I’ve been chased out of the backyard a few times so I try to ask if there will be a dog there when we speak on the phone. About two weeks ago I had a large dog uncharacteristically attack me after I climbed down my ladder inside the home from cleaning some high ups in a foyer. I saw his demeanor change and knew he was up to something. I kicked him aside and yelled for the homeowner. Luckily he didn’t pursue after I pushed him aside but rather walked away grumbling. The homeowner was extremely apologetic and said he never even barks normally.
It is for sure something to be aware of. Dogs do not like invaders doing things in “their” house that is out of the norm. I try to watch their behavior and look for signs. That dog was a Bulldog and he was good sized. I never thought about it afterward but I guess I’m lucky that I didn’t get bit.
My helper (Matt) and I both got our heels nipped a few times by this treacherous looking dog about two weeks ago. I think we should check for rabbies.
Worse yet, I think the guy’s house was rat infested. It was sad
I’m not much of a dog lover
And I bet that’s what they got when they bit you too!
I’m much of a dog lover.
HUGE dog lover here
I almost had my shoe chewed off by a Taco Bell mascot 2 weeks ago but I thought it was funny.
I prefer customers with dogs and tell them to not lock them up. I have never been bitten in almost 10 years (except for my shoe)
I almost forgot- I was doing a house a few days ago and this little dog was so nervous it took a wet dump right on the carpet.
It smelled soooooo bad lol
That was my first reaction…but they ran away too quick;)
I met a chocalate lab today. I think customrs screeen us vby our relationship with their dogs.
I met a chocolate bunny last Sunday. I bit its head off.
Cats will inherit the earth…
I thought it was Will Smith and a German Sheperd that inherit the earth.
you guys are too funny 
