Ask her to keep the dog outside during visits

short+sassy

Dear Prudence,

The last time I went to my friend’s house, her dog (who has really sharp nails) repeatedly jumped all over me. My friend apologized several times but did nothing to stop it, and the next day I was scratched and bruised all over. My friend has made several comments about how we can safely socialize at her house (since she’s unwilling to meet in public places due to COVID risk) this summer. She has a lovely house, and she’s normally a great hostess, except for the dog issue. My house isn’t an option. I want to see my friend, but I’m hesitant about her dog. We both got dogs at the same time; mine is very relaxed while hers isn’t. I feel bad about saying something because I don’t want her to feel like I’m comparing our dogs. Should I say something or just make sure to wear thicker pants when going over there?

I don't know why the font went wild.  Perhaps influenced by the dog, lol?

downtondiva

Be honest and tell your friend that you'd love to see her but that her dog injured you and made you very uncomfortable last time you visited. If she won't get the dog under better control and still wants to see you, the dog needs to be kept outside, in another room, whatever. Otherwise, it's gonna have to be a no-go for now.

charlotte989875

Tell her your that her dog hurt you and you want to see her but not if you’re leaving with scratches. 

Jen4948

Invite her to your house. Or videoconference. If she asks, tell her that unfortunately, because she doesn't have her dog under control, visits to her house are not a possibility.

kerbohl

This has been my dog in the past - she thinks she is a chihuahua but is big and thinks everyone loves it when she jumps on them and licks them.  Usually when I have guests over, I keep her alone until they have been around for a bit, and then let her out when she has calmed down about the fact that there are new people.  If she starts to indicate that she is getting wild again, away she goes.  I hate the concept of her just annoying someone, let alone hurting them, so I avoid that as much as possible.  What we tolerate our dogs doing to us is not necessarily what someone else would tolerate, and it is best to always keep that in mind when there are guests.  This person should do the same, and should never just let their dog jump around on people.  You can tell when the people don't like it.

short+sassy

kerbohl said:

This has been my dog in the past - she thinks she is a chihuahua but is big and thinks everyone loves it when she jumps on them and licks them.  Usually when I have guests over, I keep her alone until they have been around for a bit, and then let her out when she has calmed down about the fact that there are new people.  If she starts to indicate that she is getting wild again, away she goes.  I hate the concept of her just annoying someone, let alone hurting them, so I avoid that as much as possible.  What we tolerate our dogs doing to us is not necessarily what someone else would tolerate, and it is best to always keep that in mind when there are guests.  This person should do the same, and should never just let their dog jump around on people.  You can tell when the people don't like it.

Oh goodness!  Our dog also.  She LOVES people.  Thankfully, she is only 22 lbs.  But we'll warn people coming over or especially AirBnB guests next door that she's super friendly, she'll run up and might jump on you.  If you're sitting, she might randomly jump on your lap.  If you're sitting in the backyard, she'll bring her ball over to you.and stare at you...unblinking forever...until you throw it, lol.  And ask/gauge if they're afraid of dogs or don't like them and will make sure to keep her away, if they are.  My house has an awesome covered front porch and we'll sometimes hang out with AirBnB people there and Izzy will be a part of it.  Unless someone has told us they are uncomfortable or they look like they are.

Most of the AirBnB guests find her charming and Izzy just wraps them around her paw.  Some of them miss their dogs at home and have said it's nice to interact with a dog while they're on vacation.  My H and I are the same way when we travel.  There have even been special shout-outs to Izzy on some of the reviews, lol.