I remember standing on top of my suburban in with two rotties gnashing their teeth at me.  I was thrilled and never showed that property again.

I agree the listing agent should do a good job at making sure the showing agent is aware of dogs that may bite. I always check before going into a backyard to make sure I don't see any dogs the listing agent did not tell us about. Once I was showing a home and I made it past the living room and into the den before I noticed a huge dog asleep on the couch. The buyer and I both turned and headed for the door. I have always heard about letting a sleeping dog lie. We let that one continue to sleep.
Good Luck and May all the dogs you encounter be friendly.

Rick

I wrote this based upon experience!  LOL!  It was'nt funny when it happened!  One was a dog that I can remember his mouth opening up like bear trap and chomping on the other agents arm as the dog lept 4 " of the ground.  Another was a pet pig bitting a client of mine.  It was a 300 lb razorback they left in the garage.  In neither case did the agents have any warning either in MLS comments or signage.  Scary isn't it?

It's not just a safety issue for the buyers and their agent. Listing agents and sellers need to think about the safety and well-being of the pet as well. My dog is very friendly and a little shy, but can also sneak out an open door once in awhile. I would be heartbroken if that happened, knowing that I could have taken steps ahead of time to prevent it.

I agree totally!  It can be done correctly. Just like the old saying..."An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"

Good Post, Jim!  A lesson I learned early on, and have remembered throughout the years is that ALL DOGS BITE.  NEVER approach a dog you do not know and certainly if his owner is not present or if you are entering his territory.  We forget that dogs are territorial by nature, and they are only reacting naturally when they feel threatened.  Many dog bites can be prevented by learning to read a dog's body language and anticipate if he is aggravated.  A dog bite can be a death sentence for a dog. And never be fooled by the small cute dog that looks harmless - they can be just as dangerous or unpredictable as large dogs.  All Agents should be fully aware of ANY pets on the premise when showing property and notify everyone involved.   This could prevent a dog bite and even save a pet's life. 

I guess what people do not understand is that we love pets, but sometimes we invade thier space.  The listing agent is the one that claims to be the professional... so how about some solutions?  Isn't it fair to offer everyone a better way to do it?  Kennel the dog, extra signage or notice, a chain or a leash, place the dog in the yard... etc...

I agree!  Our home is theirs as much as it is ours. (and sometime more!)  You should join my Pet Friendly Real Estate group.  Sounds like you could give some excellent advice! 

Thanks I just may!  I need to clone myself with all the projects I have going at this point!

I used this photos as a marketing piece when I had to deal with Sheena, the pet Doberman. The home did not have a lock box, the door was alway left unlocked as the seller had did not own keys...yep, you're right none were needed! Mary Strang

Thanks for sharing ...why is that so easy to believe?  I was previewing a home one day, and as I walked down the basement stairs my wife whispered..."Did you see the sign?" I said, "No! Why?"  Ellen said because it said do not disturb BIG VICIOUS DOG IN BASEMENT - LEAVE DOOR LOCKED!" The sign had fallen off the door, and I was now halfway down the stairs...it got very quiet in the pitch black darkness... I could hear an animal breathing real heavy...but still sleeping!  I walked backwards up the stairs on my tip toes, and locked teh door and sighed real deeply!  I then just left the home, and did not even look back!  I placed the home on my "C List@"  Keep in mind my "B" list never gets shown!