All of my clients know that I am a huge dog person, and that I have fairly large dogs that are my children. I've had some people say some pretty stupid things b/c my husband and I aren't planning to have children. My favorite is "You're dogs can't take care of you when you get old" My response "Who says your kids will take care of you!". I always say it in a joking tone, as they are the customer, and I can't offend them! Well, today, a fairly new, but regular client was in, and boy was she in a mood!! The first thing she said when she came in was "Did you hear about those horrible dogs attacking that little boy?". I said no, so she kind of half told me the story, then proceeded to say all "rothwilders" (I'm assuming she meant rotties) should be put down, then she said ALL large dogs should be put down. I started to talk about the importance of training, and not leaving a child unattended with ANY dog. Well, I didn't even get a whole sentance out and she went on about how that's not true, you never have to worry a child and a small dog. So I tried to tell her about a story I had read about an infant being killed by a pom, interrupted again of course. I could see that she was going to keep on yapping, so I excused myself to check on my other lady under the dryer. I was about 2 seconds away from losing my composure, so I abrupty changed the subject, she tried to change it back! I just looked her in the eye and said "I will never agree with your point of view" and I changed the subject again. THIS IS WHY I LIKE MY DOGS BETTER THAN MOST PEOPLE!!!
My client (GRRRRRRRRR)!!!
- Thread starter Kathy74
- Start date
Oh wow, I would have been livid too. I can't stand when ignorant people do the "big dogs are evil, little dogs are good" thing. They just make themselves look so ignorant and show how little they know about dogs. The ones who talk big like they know everything, are the most ignorant ones. You could ahve told that lady all day long how it is the owner and training that are important and not to judge breeds of dog. I have encountered a few like that myself, but luckily I have come up with a few facts they could not argue with. You did too, it is just your lady liked the sound of her voice way more than the argument. 
she showed her ignorance to you right away by calling them rothwilders. Nothing drives me crazier than a person who calls a breed of dog the wrong thing. I am a little more sympathetic about more exotic breeds, but come on, a Rottie is a fairly common breed. I revel in correcting people like that.
she showed her ignorance to you right away by calling them rothwilders. Nothing drives me crazier than a person who calls a breed of dog the wrong thing. I am a little more sympathetic about more exotic breeds, but come on, a Rottie is a fairly common breed. I revel in correcting people like that. 
Around here, even among the owners and staunchest friends of the breed, they're routinely called "Rock Wilders!" What a hoot! And when you say, "Oh, you mean a Rottweiler?" They say, "Yeah, a big ol' Rock Wilder."
Of course, my standard answer for those people who rag off on big dogs and think only small dogs are worthwhile is to tell them that although I really like the little critters, around here the only reason they survive is because the big dogs keep the coyotes away from them. I've also been known to point out that I don't have to worry about anyone breaking into my house! That generally stops 'em cold.
Of course, my standard answer for those people who rag off on big dogs and think only small dogs are worthwhile is to tell them that although I really like the little critters, around here the only reason they survive is because the big dogs keep the coyotes away from them. I've also been known to point out that I don't have to worry about anyone breaking into my house! That generally stops 'em cold.
Oh, here's what ACTUALLY goes through my mind when I'm talking - er . . . listening to these idiotic diatribes:
Every time I hear about a dog 'attacking' someone my first reaction is to wonder what some idiot did to the dog, and if it's a kid, I wonder why the parents didn't teach the kid to have respect for other creatures. Dogs don't just bite for no reason, even if the reason is that they've been conditioned that way. There is always a reason and there's always a human behind the reason.
Every time I hear about a dog 'attacking' someone my first reaction is to wonder what some idiot did to the dog, and if it's a kid, I wonder why the parents didn't teach the kid to have respect for other creatures. Dogs don't just bite for no reason, even if the reason is that they've been conditioned that way. There is always a reason and there's always a human behind the reason.
I seriously considered giving her a bad haircut so she wouldn't come back to me, but we live in a small town, and word of a bad haircut travels almost as fast as gossip of an affair!! She made me angrier than the client who asked if I was pregnant when I was over weight! It's the frustration of her not listening to any other point of view, people like that drive me nuts!!
You know, Kathy, if you have a few photos of your dogs up in your space, maybe a couple of framed 5 X 7s and an 8 X 10 - big enough to be seen by anyone in the salon even if they're not directly in your area, it will deter some of these boors, and the ones that aren't deterred will be seen for what they are by the rest of the clientelle - and you can have fun listening to them trash the offender after they've left!
That kind of person will find something to yak about, and I've found they can never be truly quieted. Sounds like you did a pretty good job, tho! I'm hoping you messed up a couple hairs....maybe in the back. lol Maybe gave her a bad little snip...one for the 'Rock Wilders' of the world. She BETTER have left a good tip if you had to listen to her bizarre ramblings!
I'm hoping you messed up a couple hairs....maybe in the back. lol Maybe gave her a bad little snip...one for the 'Rock Wilders' of the world. She BETTER have left a good tip if you had to listen to her bizarre ramblings!Renee: Good idea with the pictures. I have a couple of really good ones of my "big viscious" girls lying in bed with me, taking care of me, when I was sick for 7 mths!
metalmorphosis: My sentiments exactly....We don't want kids, but hmm....I guess we should have some so they can take care of us when we're old and nasty like this lady!!!!
metalmorphosis: My sentiments exactly....We don't want kids, but hmm....I guess we should have some so they can take care of us when we're old and nasty like this lady!!!!