Trial Run for Dogs in Resort Rooms

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think that many of us (dog owners and non-dog owners alike) have a lot of experience with dogs in our daily lives, and that can contribute to opinions. I know it's contributing to mine.

This morning my DH and I were talking about this thread and the dogs/owners in our neighborhood (we're former dog owners). There are 10 houses, 6 with one or more dogs. We decided there's a pretty full range of dog behavior, as well as levels of behavior management skills in their owners, from the excellent, to the seems good but not a lot of data, to the loving but unable to control owner/poorly mannered but lovable dog, to a mildly inconsiderate owner (presents in front of the house), to the owners with aggressive dogs. I understand it's a small sample. I also see that range, some examples more frequently than others but all, in my town as I go about my day. I have no idea how widespread utilization of this will be, or who will choose to bring his/her dog, or if they will be following the rules, but I know the range that I see every day and since I'm locked into my trip, in order to make the best of things I have to consider it.

Just two hours ago, I was reading this thread and then I tried to leave to pick up my son for an appointment. There was a woman trying to walk her goldie, and a loose dog was being aggressive to the goldie. They were partially in my yard, blocking my egress because they were in the entrance to my fence. I then recognized the loose dog as my next door neighbor's. This dog is aggressive to me and my family on a daily basis, but he's usually in the house or yard, and he does know me. I felt like I had to help the woman, since I know the dog and I didn't want any involved to get hurt, but was trying to stay out of the dog fight. The owner came out but couldn't get it under control. Eventually, we got the dog back in the house. During my efforts, you guessed it...I stepped in dog poop in front of my house left by probably the inconsiderate owner two doors down. I thought you might appreciate the irony in this story, @Mackenzie Click-Mickelson ! Thankfully, I could throw on a pair of extra shoes so I wasn't late for my appointment!

Now for sure I'm not laughing at your part of the story regarding the aggressive dog but yes there is humor on the dog poop part I'm lucky that my neighbors around my part of the neighborhood do pick up after their dogs but basing off of one of the social networking sites for neighborhoods all over the city it's not the case elsewhere. Sorry about stepping in it by the way. It's gross for sure especially if you're wearing sneakers/tennis shoes that has grooves on the bottom

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Wow some of you should have a career in law enforcement (if you don’t already). I wouldn’t even think of this. But what does enforcement of the 7 hours rule matter? Many ppl have posted that is too long to leave a dog b/c it’ll destroy the room & incessantly bark as soon as the owner leaves. If the dog it quiet in the room, who cares how long the owner has been gone?

I simply asked how it would be enforced.

Someone mentioned the magic band. But that won't work, unless people are required to take every magic band with them when they leave.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I simply asked how it would be enforced.

Someone mentioned the magic band. But that won't work, unless people are required to take every magic band with them when they leave.

MagicBands are all clones of each other. All a MB does is relay the information in the MDE account. It doesn't store any information on the band itself. That is why you can use different bands for the same ticket. One MB per person tells them everything they need to know.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

MagicBands are all clones of each other. All a MB does is relay the information in the MDE account. That is why you can use different bands for the same ticket. One MB per person tells them everything they need to know.

Yes, they are the same.
But unless they start checking to see how many bands someone has, they don't know if I wore one and left one or just wore one. Or if I've left 4 in the room, and didn't wear one at all. Or whatever.

Something would need to be placed in the room or at the door to passively read the bands. Right now the bands are read only when you touch the touch point.

 

[manning]

More dogs in the park?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Something would need to be placed in the room or at the door to passively read the bands. Right now the bands are read only when you touch the touch point.

I really have absolutely no idea if the door locks-sensor device can track a person the way a ride like Tower of Terror can know that you are on the ride. I'm just saying that it might be possible. All the technology already exists for them to be able to do that.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Yes, they are the same.
But unless they start checking to see how many bands someone has, they don't know if I wore one and left one or just wore one. Or if I've left 4 in the room, and didn't wear one at all. Or whatever.

Something would need to be placed in the room or at the door to passively read the bands. Right now the bands are read only when you touch the touch point.

I’m confused.. not surprising at this point. What difference does it make how many bands are left in the room? What matters is the one you use to open the door, etc. they all access the same info. I have 8 bands but deactivated all but 1 since it seems to work better when I do that. If I change bands I activate it.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Let's face it, there is no way they will know exactly how long a pet dog has been in a room alone. What we do know is that 7 hours is more than enough time for some major problems ( damage, soiling, wetting, barking ) to occur in that room. Not in every case with every dog, but in plenty of cases.

 

[Disneylover99]

Then don't stand that close to a leashed dog! It's really not that hard.

Some pathways are narrow. Some leashes are long.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I’m confused.. not surprising at this point. What difference does it make how many bands are left in the room? What matters is the one you use to open the door, etc. they all access the same info. I have 8 bands but deactivated all but 1 since it seems to work better when I do that. If I change bands I activate it.

The problem is, you don't use a band to get out of the room. So that means that Disney would have to either have people "checkout" when they leave or somehow read the band as it leaves the room. And if it doesn't read the band, if they just look for active bands in the room, our room would always have active bands in the room. I don't deactivate a band unless I get rid of it.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

The problem is, you don't use a band to get out of the room. So that means that Disney would have to either have people "checkout" when they leave or somehow read the band as it leaves the room. And if it doesn't read the band, if they just look for active bands in the room, our room would always have active bands in the room. I don't deactivate a band unless I get rid of it.

I don’t think those bands are that long range. I doubt they can “scan” a room for bands. Having a person checkout when leaving does make sense. Waiting to hear what all is in the waiver that is required.

 

[Jafar30]

More dogs in the park?

No not in the parks.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

For what it’s worth... I’m watching Orlando news and Disney workers are protesting ( not in the park) and the police are there. They want a raise...don’t blame them. Now add this new policy to the work load.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Wow some of you should have a career in law enforcement (if you don’t already). I wouldn’t even think of this. But what does enforcement of the 7 hours rule matter? Many ppl have posted that is too long to leave a dog b/c it’ll destroy the room & incessantly bark as soon as the owner leaves. If the dog it quiet in the room, who cares how long the owner has been gone?

I can't speak for others, or to whether an individual dog would bark or not, but here are some of the reasons it matters to me.

• People have pointed to Universal as having a successful program. Their stated policy is that a dog is never unattended in the hotel, and you can kennel them or hire a sitter they can help you provide. Even at their kennel, you must come back from the park and visit your dog every 3 or 4 hours or something. If this can be considered a leading example, then Universal must have determined for whatever reason that it is a humane policy, and possibly that it decreases the likelihood of property damage and complaints from other guests. Whether a particular dog would be fine or not for 7 hours, they determined that this is the best overall policy.
• Disney must have agreed with this at some point, because my understanding is that service dogs need to be with their owners at all times.
• Although it is not required, the stated policy gives the owner permission to leave a dog unattended for 7 hours. If the owner does choose to do that and were to encounter a delay or misjudge time, that timeframe could get a bit longer and become more challenging for the unattended pet.
• Since it is in such stark contrast to Universal (and other chain's) policies in which the dog is never unattended, it's possible other chains may have considered it might contribute to conflicts with guests. Not saying it will, but it could. There was a pp a few pages back where someone mentioned a hotel manager said when there are noise complaints at his pet friendly hotel, the owner tends to deny the occurrence. If it is like Universal's policy, it is cut and dry, the owner is supposed to be there with it's dog. If not, there's no way to know what's going on and how long the dog has been alone if you're worried about him. If it sounded like your neighbor dog was in distress and you chose to let the owner know upon their return, and not report it, it could lead to some conflict or anger on either side. You could choose to go to the front desk to begin with or whatever, but it just muddies the water for me but I'm having a hard time articulating why and I'm pressed for time. Of course a lot of people would just go to the front desk to begin with, and it's just a hypothetical. But hotels generally have noise and/or disruptive behavior ordinances probably in part to decrease the likelihood of conflict and complaints, and in that baby situation I mentioned a while back, someone knocked at my door and screamed at me and then got management.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

For what it’s worth... I’m watching Orlando news and Disney workers are protesting ( not in the park) and the police are there. They want a raise...don’t blame them. Now add this new policy to the work load.

It's been a rough time for the Disney workers I feel for a while now. I know there was stuff going on last year and this year as well I believe in regards to pay. I know the housekeeping credit also was something (I can't remember if they were protesting that or not?? but I know they put up something on FB when they thought the trial had ended but really all it did was get reduced in the amount of the credit and moved to other resorts).

 

[ShadeDK]

I have a question for the group. We've talked all about the responsibilities of dog owners at the resorts. Those responsibilities have largely been dismissed as invalid because of the possibility of a small sub-group of irresponsible dog owners and lax CMs.

What is the responsibility of people who have physical and emotional problems with dogs? I believe that they also have personal responsibility to avoid the source of their discomfort as much as they can since they are now aware there may be dogs in the vicinity.

I think I understand what you mean and it's a good question, but I don't think those individuals have a responsibility in this instance. Someone raised a similar idea much earlier in this thread - suggesting that because Disney had issued the policy these guests were on notice and essentially had assumed the risk. Guests (or people in general), however, don't really have a responsibility to avoid situations that may harm them (since it's presumed most of us do that anyway). More importantly, innkeepers (Disney here) generally have a higher standard of care and an affirmative duty to foresee and prevent dangerous situations to their guests (the astute will see an immediate problem in defining a "dangerous situation"). And that goes to all guests - not just the ones with phobias or allergies (who present a more serious case since you take the victim as you find them - for example, if you playfully pop someone in the head and unintentionally kill them because they've got a thin skull, you can't really argue that it's on them because they had a condition and should've been wearing a helmet).

Now if someone with a phobia/allergies intentionally went out in search of dogs or into a dog designated area, I see your point. People with peanut allergies probably shouldn't tour the Planter's factory. One of the reasons I'm hoping for greater clarity from the resorts about dog rooms and designated areas.

Now if we're just talking civility and courtesy - sure, I think both sides would do well to respect designated areas (wherever those end up being) if they're going to try and coexist at these resorts. One reason the responsibility question may be lopsided is that the phobia/allergy crowd is all too happy to avoid the dogs, while the dogs and dog owners are more likely to spread out since they're held in check only by observing the policy or Disney's enforcement of it.

 

[robinb]

Some pathways are narrow. Some leashes are long.

Then you look forward for dogs on the path and give the leashed dog the right of way if you see one ahead. If you’re worried about being jumped on by a leashed dog, don’t put yourself in the situation where you might be jumped on. It’s really not rocket science no mater how many “what about’s” you come up with.

 

[mom2rtk]

For what it’s worth... I’m watching Orlando news and Disney workers are protesting ( not in the park) and the police are there. They want a raise...don’t blame them. Now add this new policy to the work load.

Wait, they want Disney to spend some of the money they're making on the new policy actually ON the new policy?

Crazy talk.

 

[LSUmiss]

I can't speak for others, or to whether an individual dog would bark or not, but here are some of the reasons it matters to me.

• People have pointed to Universal as having a successful program. Their stated policy is that a dog is never unattended in the hotel, and you can kennel them or hire a sitter they can help you provide. Even at their kennel, you must come back from the park and visit your dog every 3 or 4 hours or something. If this can be considered a leading example, then Universal must have determined for whatever reason that it is a humane policy, and possibly that it decreases the likelihood of property damage and complaints from other guests. Whether a particular dog would be fine or not for 7 hours, they determined that this is the best overall policy.
• Disney must have agreed with this at some point, because my understanding is that service dogs need to be with their owners at all times.
• Although it is not required, the stated policy gives the owner permission to leave a dog unattended for 7 hours. If the owner does choose to do that and were to encounter a delay or misjudge time, that timeframe could get a bit longer and become more challenging for the unattended pet.
• Since it is in such stark contrast to Universal (and other chain's) policies in which the dog is never unattended, it's possible other chains may have considered it might contribute to conflicts with guests. Not saying it will, but it could. There was a pp a few pages back where someone mentioned a hotel manager said when there are noise complaints at his pet friendly hotel, the owner tends to deny the occurrence. If it is like Universal's policy, it is cut and dry, the owner is supposed to be there with it's dog. If not, there's no way to know what's going on and how long the dog has been alone if you're worried about him. If it sounded like your neighbor dog was in distress and you chose to let the owner know upon their return, and not report it, it could lead to some conflict or anger on either side. You could choose to go to the front desk to begin with or whatever, but it just muddies the water for me but I'm having a hard time articulating why and I'm pressed for time. Of course a lot of people would just go to the front desk to begin with, and it's just a hypothetical. But hotels generally have noise and/or disruptive behavior ordinances probably in part to decrease the likelihood of conflict and complaints, and in that baby situation I mentioned a while back, someone knocked at my door and screamed at me and then got management.

I hear you on all those points. But, what I don't understand is why we can’t wait & see how it plays out (excluding allergies & phobias). I know it’s been pointed out that the what ifs are endless on both sides.
I don’t think the policy is all that relevant b/c so many what ifs include things that are already against policy. As far as the Universal comparison, I understand the policy is different. But, it doesn’t prevent any of the things ppl are saying will happen. Disney’s just puts more responsibility on the owner to do what is right. Since so many ppl have posted that don’t have any faith that ppl will follow the policy or that WDW will enforce it, my point is what’s the point of debating the stringency of the policy itself?

 

[robinb]

I think that many of us (dog owners and non-dog owners alike) have a lot of experience with dogs in our daily lives, and that can contribute to opinions. I know it's contributing to mine.

This morning my DH and I were talking about this thread and the dogs/owners in our neighborhood (we're former dog owners). There are 10 houses, 6 with one or more dogs. We decided there's a pretty full range of dog behavior, as well as levels of behavior management skills in their owners, from the excellent, to the seems good but not a lot of data, to the loving but unable to control owner/poorly mannered but lovable dog, to a mildly inconsiderate owner (presents in front of the house), to the owners with aggressive dogs. I understand it's a small sample. I also see that range, some examples more frequently than others but all, in my town as I go about my day. I have no idea how widespread utilization of this will be, or who will choose to bring his/her dog, or if they will be following the rules, but I know the range that I see every day and since I'm locked into my trip, in order to make the best of things I have to consider it.

Just two hours ago, I was reading this thread and then I tried to leave to pick up my son for an appointment. There was a woman trying to walk her goldie, and a loose dog was being aggressive to the goldie. They were partially in my yard, blocking my egress because they were in the entrance to my fence. I then recognized the loose dog as my next door neighbor's. This dog is aggressive to me and my family on a daily basis, but he's usually in the house or yard, and he does know me. I felt like I had to help the woman, since I know the dog and I didn't want any involved to get hurt, but was trying to stay out of the dog fight. The owner came out but couldn't get it under control. Eventually, we got the dog back in the house. During my efforts, you guessed it...I stepped in dog poop in front of my house left by probably the inconsiderate owner two doors down. I thought you might appreciate the irony in this story, @Mackenzie Click-Mickelson ! Thankfully, I could throw on a pair of extra shoes so I wasn't late for my appointment!

I just read your post after musing about how many dogs I have seen in Chicago today. I think that once something is on our ‘radar’ we can’t stop seeing it! I remember when I was pregnant, I saw pregnant ladies everywhere! When my DD has her ACL repaired, I suddenly saw scarred knees everywhere!

You’re a good woman to help corral the loose dog. Sorry about the poop. BTDT had to get it out of deep grooves in my shoes. Ick.

FWIW, all the dogs I saw today were very well behaved.