A-Z of BRITISH ETIQUETTE
When petiquette is mentioned, the first thing people think of is clearing up in parks and public places after their dog. It’s a well-known and simple rule but amazing the number of dog owners who don’t practise this premier rule.
If you’re having someone new to your home, be sure they are greeted by you and not a barking, yappy dog. Shut the dog away for their entrance until you know what the guest’s feeling is towards dogs. You may love your pooch but they may not. The first rule of etiquette is to make the guest feel comfortable.
Similarly, check your guests are not asthmatic or allergic to cat hair if you have a feline following. If you know the guest is, then remove the cats from the area and preferably vacuum the sofas, chairs and carpets before the guest arrives.
Pets should not be allowed in the guest’s bedroom, either during the stay, before or after.
Badly house-trained pets and their misdoings can be antisocial: make sure you properly train your pets when you get them to avoid any unpleasant occurrences during your dinner parties.
When your guests arrive they will probably interact with your pets, which can be a great ice-breaker. However, they have come to see you and not your pets. I have been to many houses to visit friends where we have spent longer talking about animals and cuddling them than actually asking how the humans in our lives are. Hosts and guests beware.
Does your Netherland dwarf do Twitter? Is your canary on Instagram? Perhaps your German shepherd wants to connect with others on LinkedIn? Either way, desist. This is a step too far and a sure fire way to guarantee your pets get discussed by others, but not in the way you intend.
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