Non-dog owning DUers, I have a question for you:

[rvablue]

Would you let your family member or friend bring their dog for an overnight stay if the dog had a long and strong record of never having a house-training accident and of being very friendly (never bit, or even mouthed, anybody)

I realize those with cats have the best reason not to allow the visit. Same for those with terrible allergies or phobias.

So, others, what would be the reasons you would not be OK with the dog coming along? Or would there have to be certain stipulations? If you have kids, does that change the equation?

Very curious.

Edit to add this final question: If you are a DOG LOVER, but do not own a dog, would there ever be a reason, given the description of the dog above, that you would not allow a dog to stay at your house overnight.

((And, FWIW, I know some folks don't realistically judge/analyze/describe the behavior of their dog accurately. Just wanted to say, I gave a realistic full disclosure of this dog's temperment, disposition and behavior.))

[busybl]

1. sure, well mannered dogs welcome.

[busybl]

2. besides, even if it did have an accident, no big deal.

[fizzgig]

3. not in my current living situation

we have two cats and live in a tiny two bedroom apartment, so it's just not a good idea to have a dog in the house.

however, when we had a bigger place with a fenced back yard, well-behaved dogs were welcome in our home and will be so when we have the same type of space.

[MrScorpio]

4. My lease prohibits pets

If I had my own house, bring the pooch

[City of Mills]

5. Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with it

My floors clean easy, and my two cats have lived with dogs before, so as long as the dog is playful w/cats and not aggressive, they'd be fine. I'd block off the litter box though!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. I'd be happy to have a well-behaved dog as a house guest

except that my three cats might be less happy. Otherwise, yes.

[Sebastian Doyle]

7. I let a friend's dog stay with me a few years back.

He was an older dog, and house broken, so I didn't anticipate any problems. Well, nobody was there but me and the dog, so when I had to use the toilet, I didn't bother closing the bathroom door.

Unfortunately dogs being dogs, he saw what I was doing, and apparently thought I was marking territory, so he did the same...... all over my bedroom floor. :wow:

Never would have thought that was even a possibility if I hadn't seen it myself.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. bring the dog.

[Madrone]

9. Well, I have a dog so I'm not the audience you are looking to for an answer but,,,

I haven't always had one, as long as I didn't live in an apartment or something I would ALWAYS welcome a dog. As for the cats that I've shared my life with - I would consider that socialization :D It's why I had very tolerant cats! They have to be tolerant to live with me.

I'm weird though. As a recent non-smoker I will not ban smoking in my house either. Not that I have anyone over really, but it wouldn't bother me provided the house was well aerated and they didnt chain smoke.

[Gormy Cuss]

10. If I knew the dog, sure. If I had to take the person's word for it, maybe.

Too often people think their dog/cat is the perfect pet but others are driven up the wall by the animal's habits. That and the fact that the dog would be in an unfamiliar place would make me hesitant.

Can't say for sure until it happens.

[quakerboy]

11. My landlord has big issues

and has a habit of kicking people with dogs out. Granted, they had large dogs living full time in small apartments, but its still a problem I don't want to have if I can avoid it.

That said, when my father shot himself in the finger and they had to come to town for the hospital, I was ready to take just the dog for one night, as they were coming in past a practical hour for delivery to anyone else.

So, under normal circumstances, the main reason would be housing rules. In emergency situations, normal rules are suspended.

Without those rules, I would probably allow it. I love dogs, but they have a tendency to be smelly creatures, and my allergies react strongly to some, less to others. If they were more consistent, or I knew it was a dog who I was highly allergic to, i would be much more hesitant.

[Orrex]

12. No. Not even if I didn't have a cat.

Incidentally, here's a true story:

Years ago, my housemate was hosting guests for the weekend, and these guests had to drive over six hours to get there. About 45 minutes before they were to arrive, he said "They're bringing their dog. Is that okay?"

Well, what the hell was I supposed to say at that point?

[jobycom]

13. My MIL used to bring her dog along for weeks at a time.

Hated it, but mostly because of how long she stayed.

Otherwise, I can't imagine why anyone would not let someone bring a dog. I guess I live in a different world than some people, if this would really be an issue for them.

[astral]

14. Not having a dog doesn't mean I don't like dogs

I would have no problem with a person bringing their dog even though I have a cat; in most cases cats and dogs can learn to tolerate each other unless the dog has a history of attacking / killing cats.

[question everything]

15. Sure, why not?

We once had guests with a relatively older dog, we may have been out and she stayed behind because all of a sudden I saw our friend grabbing a bunch of paper towel absorbing "liquid" from the carpet. Everything was OK. He knew exactly what to do. I think that he used baking soda once all the liquid was absorbed.

Another time, with a young puppy, again, was unhappy that we went out. So she found the waste basket in one of the bathroom and started throwing crumpled tissues. In hindsight, I am glad she did not get entangled with a dental floss.

When we came back, I held that piece of tissue and sternly asked her what was that? The poor pup crawled next to my friend, trying to be shielded with my friend would not offer.

Dogs are fun, especially when they just come to visit..

[sarge43]

16. Other pets besides cats..

My birds would freak if there were another animal in the house.

Only other question: Is the dog comfortable in another environment other than its own?

[seemunkee]

17. We bring their crate when we travel

The dogs are used to it and if we go out they aren't left to roam a strange non-dog proofed home.
Ours are also short haired and don't shed much.

[Orsino]

18. Well, I would just plan for the possibility of an accident....

...and keep the visiting pooch from mixing (unsupervised) with my own pack.

[NJmaverick]

19. I would allow a dog to stay over night

then again I had a dog as a kid, so it would be no big deal to me

[Deep13]

20. No. nt

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. Absolutely not.

[begin_within]

22. Only if I had met the dog before and knew its personality.

[rvablue]

23. Thanks everyone, for the insightful and thoughtful responses.

It gives me something to think about.

Surprised at how many people with cats would be perfectly fine with trying it out. My sister has a cat and I might be visiting soon. Wonder if anyone has any helpful hints on introducing cats and dogs to each other?

My dog likes cats. A few brave kitties have actually nuzzled her on the sidewalk when we're out walking around. Of course, she is curious and will try to follow them a bit...but no chasing. And my sister's cat hates other cats -- hisses if another even comes close to her -- but let's dogs approach. It's just that the cat has never cohabitated, even for a day with a dog.