Workmen and Dogs.

Orca

Orca

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My landlord has arranged workmen for two weeks.

My dogs were to be confined to one half of the house by a door which was to remain shut. One is a flight risk, one is a guarding breed who will accept strangers on my say so, with me present. They will both settle behind a closed door when instructed.

The landlord assured me the workmen would be amenable to and mindful of any arrangements I put in place.

So, there was one rule: "Please do not, under any circumstances, open that door."

They opened the door. They "forgot".

We had a conversation, whereby I reiterated the importance of the door remaining shut.

They opened the door again! ("Yeabut, we just needed to...").

This means I will be unable to leave the house for two weeks. The workmen were meant to be able to be trusted in my absence. The dogs cannot come to the yard (well, one can't). The door which needs to remain shut isn't lockable and the dogs can't go elsewhere.

I think it doesn't help that of my dogs, the terrier is vocal, the Shar Pei isn't. The workmen have heard an inoffensive sounding yipping but can't seem to accept there is a second dog who will not be accepting of strangers in the house, without my presence.

I'm feeling frustrated.
 
Do not open door you will be eaten sign?

Can you put a very basic sliding lock on it, at the top so it doesn't open straight away and that might be enough to stop them?

hazard tape the door, they should understand hazard tape :p
 
Yep, thats builders, there's always something else in another bit that they need to get to. It does sound like they haven't been mauled though and no one has escaped? I would ditto putting a lock on the door if you really mean it, on the inside if at all possible (ie you can leave via another route?) builders don't learn from my experience! :)

As my garden was unsecure, I used to tie my dog up to a tree* in my garden when I went out as the builders liked him and I thought he would prefer that to being stuck inside all day watching them, they put him back inside when they went home. It worked well, except I think he did get a bit riled when the local dog he doesn't like used to walk past - oops!

*its not as bad as it sounds, its a huge ash tree, he was left with water and a Kong, and he got to use pleading eyes twice a day to beg lunch from the builder, who had a similar sized dog at home himself. He was walked for an hour a day by the dog walker too.
 
Hasp & Staple and a padlock as a temporary measure?

A big sign saying do not open the door or you will be bitten? Make them sign a disclaimer stating that if they open the door they are then responsible for all consequences?

Other than that ask the landlord if he can have a word - they may heed the person who's paying them?
 
I would try a sign, although if I was warned there was an escapist and a guarding dog behind closed doors I sure as hell wouldn't open it.

Maybe have a word with the landlord? He is employing their services, he is having work done on his property. It's a real shame if you have to be present for the next 2 weeks because workmen can't follow instructions. It is your home, I wouldn't be happy with anyone going anywhere they were told not to. A decent landlord would understand this
 
Peter7917 said:
So on the two occasions they have opened the door, how many workmen have been eaten?
Click to expand...

I hovered today, purely to test the workmens reliability regarding my request! Fortunately, my dogs are responsive to my roar. But this wasn't a case of ' the owner's here, so it's ok' - they simply forgot, then ignored my instructions.

I did consider the hasp and staple and padlock idea. Hadn't thought of hazard tape. Not sure if I have any laying around ��. I'm not sure a sign would be effective. They'd probably 'forget' to read it!

I think I will go with a padlock and speak with the landlord. There's no way I'm going to feel comfortable with this otherwise. I'm meant to be breaking my mare, she's just bitted and I really don't want to have to stop now!
 
I live very rurally. On the edge of the world type rurally! So, no day care type facilities nearby. I'd prefer not to board them either really, although it might be an option if the padlock doesn't work! Nearest friends capable of handling one of them is 100 miles away, unfortunately.
 
Can't they go to the yards and just stay in the car? Is not likiley to be too hot this time of year. I would never leave my dogs in the house unattended, with workmen, and mine are friendly.
 
Ideally, I wouldn't either. Unfortunately, because it isn't my house, I can't arrange for works to be carried out at a more suitable time (when I might have a spare pair of hands).

However, if the workmen could just do as they are asked, there would be no contact between them. I do have a crate for the little dog but wouldn't like to leave her in it for extended periods.

To be honest, given the workmen have already tried to go into an out of bounds area twice now, I think I'd feel more comfortable with padlocking the door regardless of the dogs! Leaving them in the car at the yard could be an option. Maybe I'll take them to the yard, leave them in the car and also padlock the door ��.
 
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Clodagh said:
Can't they go to the yards and just stay in the car? Is not likiley to be too hot this time of year. I would never leave my dogs in the house unattended, with workmen, and mine are friendly.
Click to expand...

Same, couldn't risk it with puss cat, he's not stunning with strangers. Smear dog poo over the door handle, that'll learn 'em! :tongue3:
 
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