Guest terrified of dogs

[Suzy2]

My listings clearly state that pets live on the property. I've also put that I have two small dogs that are very friendly and if you aren't a dog person this isn't the place for you. My guest that checked in today almost started crying and freaked out when my little 10lb chiweenie came up to her. I now feel super uncomfortable in my own house and very annoyed that I have to keep my dogs in a different part of the house from her. I've even decided to leave for the night. How much clearer can I make it for people before they book that I have dogs they will have to interact with?

[Sandra126]

That's unfortunate. I looked at the profile and you do say that dogs live there, so I am surprised that she booked. How about adding a picture of the dogs looking their most friendly to the listing? You will probably attract doglovers, and all will be happy. You can also change your own profile picture to one which includes your dogs, or add a second image of the dogs alone. You want to have happy guests, and happy dogs. Good luck.

[Christine1]

@Sandra126, @Suzy2,

This is great advice from Sandra, and it seems to me the way that you have handled things by going so far as to move out is heroic. Bless you. Your guest made a mistake, and no doubt will be more careful with future bookings. 

By continuing to communicate in a gracious and sympathetic manner to this guest you are likely to earn yourself a great review. In addition when you write her review, you can find a nice way to include mention about the dogs who live at the property and love to say hello to your guests. This helps to draw attention to the presence of the dogs and future guest stays are often based on a reading of your reviews. In your private feedback/emails find a way to encourage your guest to inform future hosts about her fear of dogs when she is making her initial enquiry and prior to confirming any future bookings.

I hope this is helpful to you, and encouraging as well.

Sincere Regards, 

Christine.

[Mourad1]

I learned from experience that many guests skip reading the listing description, you may want to specify anything relevant when you first start talking with your guests, preferably before the booking is confirmed. You don't want to feel uncomfortable when having guests over and keeping your dogs away. Best of luck!

[City-Limits-Ranch0]

If you look at our listing you will see that the main photo and our host photo contain dogs.  There is even a  dog photo bombing one of the photos of our listing.  We specify pet friendly in the description and the house rules. The information includes mention of dogs barking.  When someone books, I ask them if they are bringing a dog, and remind them that we have dogs.  Right now there are 11 dogs on the property (we have 8 and some friends are staying that have 3.)  The guest should have asked if you had dogs if the presence of dogs was important to her.  All you can do is communicate with the guests and make sure they know the important parts of your listing and house rules.  If it was here, we would have to shrug and commiserate but no way they wouldn't come in contact with the dogs.  I'd probably ask the  person if they wanted me  to contact AirBnb and ask  to have them moved to a different accommodation.

[Liz33]

It is Adults booking the accomodation and I don't feel we should have to treat adults like children and spend ages going over every little detail . You have you have dogs , you aren't responsible to make sure guests have read your listing . As a guest myself on ABB I make sure I know the listing before I book . 😊

[Aleksandra10]

I so agree with you! Unfortunatelly I have found out that almost

none of my guests in teh last 1,5 months hosting have even read

my House Rules! Which is supposedly be the most important, right?

I'm just thinking that I'm a dog lover too and I have a big dog myself.

Not that I think all small dog are angry and bakring but sometimes

it happens that a particular dog doesn't like the person or vice versa:)

I wonder if that was the case and she didin;t know about the dog

or actually didin't feel the good vibes with that particular dog...

I'm sorry for daying that and my dog is the cuttest thing ever... and yes!

I managed to meet a person who didin't like him! (What?!?)

Maybe it's a bit like with people, you just don't like some haha

I'm sure your doggie is a sweetheart, just a philosophical response from

me:) What do you guys think?

hugs,

Aleksandra

[Valerie40]

I'm having the same problem. I clearly stated that I have dogs and I posted their pictures. Now I am locked in my room with my dogs and I am going to leave all day with my dogs.  These guest arrived at 10;30 pm and expected me to tell them all the sights to see around here and I just wanted to go to bed. This is not fun at all. 

[Christine1]

@Valerie40, Hey Valerie, love your dedication to the cause.

Don't you just love the variety of experiences that AirBnb deliver to your door.

You ordered Pizza and you got a few extra garnishes thrown in.... I'll bet the dogs are enjoying the extra cuddles.

LOL.

With you in spirit.

Woof!

Christine.