I showed a house last week, twice. The owners showing instructions were... "when you get there let the two friendly dogs out the back sliding door, then let them in again before you leave." OK, so this sounds easy enough. Off I go.... I meet the client, take them to the house, and the owner is there. (Great.... she can deal with the dogs.) I hear lots of growling and snarling then she leaves and we can go in. The only request, "Let the dogs in before I go." The only problem was the cute little dog with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth wanted to stay out. I played every game with him that I could, but he was a little stubborn. Finally after looking like a fool for awhile, he complied.

My buyer liked the yard, so she wanted to bring her son back to see it. He is an adorable 7 year old, that unfortunately was bit by a dog when he was younger, and now is deathly afraid of dogs. (Even small friendly ones) The seller was not home this time, and it was my job to let the pooches out of the house. The one who likes the outside was fine.... out he went. The other one refused. He went upstairs and hung out outside the master bedroom until I coaxed him down. Then the couch was his spot. The little boy's grandfather had to carry the 7 year old around the house, he was terrified.

Unfortunately, they will not be buying that house. The child could not feel comfortable, and therefore the mother moved on to the other one. (It just so happens that the one she is buying had a dog too- a large chocolate lab, but the owner left with it, out the back door to take a walk before we went in.)

So, sellers, I know you think your pet is adorable, but if you want to sell, make it easy for the buyer to look at your home. Take Fido for a walk, and help the buyer love your home, not fear your pet.