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Entrepreneurship:  Not sure how to handle the Pet Problem...  |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
 Posted - May 23 2009 : 04:24:56 AM
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Well My garden is coming together and now I am making my signs to put out . . . directing traffic to me, where to have them park and now have a question:
How do I word a sign letting folks know that their pets are Not welcome to run around!
The last thing I want is someone's dog doing his/her business for me to clean up. . . or even worse, upsetting my chickens! I was thinking of having my sign say: " Please keep all pets in your vehicle" or " No Pets Please"
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated here!!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
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ranchmama
True Blue Farmgirl
360 Posts
Elise
Rosebud
MT
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2009 : 06:34:08 AM
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Those sound fine. Our you could ask that all pets be kept on a leash. But that's if you want them out and about. Maybe put a sidenote on your sign, if your pet messes it up, clean it up or something like that. That way they know they are expected to watch their pets, maybe offer used grocery bags so they can dispose of the mess themselves.
It's your place so you can make the rules! lol
Elise
Every Child Deserves Our Love &
A Bear of Their Own
http://ATeddyForKeeps.org
http://ranchmama.blogspot.com/ |
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lorijarrett
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Lori
Norfolk
NY
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2009 : 08:22:45 AM
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I agree that a sign stating "No Pets Please" is appropriate and considering you have chickens running around it's not just a "messy" issue it could be a safety issue as well. Ranchmama hit it on the nose, you are the boss! Your customers will understand. Take care and I wish you much success!
Lori
www.countryhandsandheart.etsy.com
www.farmgirlinthemaking.blogspot.com
Farmgirl at Heart #397
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2009 : 08:54:14 AM
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I'd go with "Free Ranging Chickens NO pets please" . Nothing is worse than a dog after a chicken...unless it's if the dog gets the chicken! Wishing you great success!!
Sharon
Farmgirl Sister #74
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2009 : 1:28:35 PM
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I agree- I think you should be able to put a sign up saying something like the ladies have suggested. Then if people disobey politely tell them that because not all pets are as well behaved as theirs, you need them to have them left in the vehicle. Although if the animal is already out there, and this being summer and all, you might have to allow them to have the animal on a leash so the animal doesn't suffer heat exhaustion and you don't suffer the loss of a sale. I would put up several signs in obvious places too.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2009 : 4:38:46 PM
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Thank you!!! Great points made by all. I think overall everyone will understand, however, there is always one in the crowd that causes the problems. So I began thinking about what signs I have seen at other farm stands and how they have handled such a situation.
Alee, I like your suggestion on how to handle an "offender" politely put. Your point about the heat is also well taken. Since my stand is very small, leaving their pets in the vehicle won't be a problem for now. As our business grows, I may put in a pet walk area for the hot weather.
Sharon, Lori and Elsie, I so appreciate your answers too! I like the sign " Free Ranging Chickens NO Pets Please" that says it all no explanation needed (I have a neighbor who is top shelf in my book, however, his dog . . . as lovable as he is, will head right into my garden and dig and run over just about everything! So I had to start my rule of NO Pets with him. . . at least he understands and keeps the dog in his truck when he stops by.
Thanks again for all the great suggestions and the moral support!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2009 : 07:30:59 AM
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You could put on your sign that outside pets upsets your chickens, dogs, etc. so please keep them in the car. You could also offer a drink of water for their pets from a paper cup. But most people who take their dogs with them will bring their own water. Or offer a small dog cookie just to let the owners know that you don't hate dogs.
I've had many folks want to bring their existing dogs to meet the prospective new puppy but I just tell them that it upsets my stud dogs (which it does) who then might want to mark their territory. My boys never do but people just let them run into my flower garden messing everywhere! If you place the problem on you instead of their pet, they understand. It's your place and you make the rules. People who let their children run wild at my place are quickly told to settle them down as well. Good Luck.
Tina
You can tell your dog all of your secrets and they'll never say a word!
www.kennelcreations.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2009 : 2:11:21 PM
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Thanks Tina, that is kind of the approach I have been using. .. it's me not your dog. . . I personally LOVE Dogs!! Use to have several over the years. However, I want my farm stand to be easy and fun for all. Nothing worse than stepping in #@^* LOL!! I am sure folks will understand, just figure I need to set the ground rules now rather than later.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 29 2009 : 08:45:33 AM
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How do you handle unruley kids that come to your farm? I have friends come over to see the goats and they end up in the chicken yard chasing them and the ducks. They love it but my chickens don't. They also end up climbing in the apple trees picking off apples to throw at each other. Not good.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - May 29 2009 : 09:14:46 AM
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Quite some time ago, I saw a sign that I loved, so it is one that will be posted in plain view; it reads:
" Unattended Children will be given free kittens " and next to the sign is a cardboard box labeled: " Kittens "
if the children start to stray, I will speak up right away and gently but firmly remind parents to " please keep their children at their side"
Isn't it funny how folks can be when they come from the city?? I would never go to their homes or place of work and allow my children to be so unruly. . . yet bring their kids to the country and it's like the wild west with no rules or laws. . .
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2009 : 6:14:35 PM
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Very close family friends have a U-PICK Bing Cherry Ranch, they have a large sign at the entrance with ranch rules in large block letters. One of the rules is : We can not allow to to bring your pets in, it is against our insurance companys policy rules. Another rule is: We welcome your children so they too can experience a Farm/Ranch, they must be with you at all times, no running, climbing or entrance to any animal pens, we would not want to have to ask you to leave. and of course there's a BIG thank you and please come back at the bottom. It does still amaze me how some city parents will think nothing of their kids running wild and crazy, cause the answer I've heard from some is "Kids will be kids", WRONG!
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2009 : 6:45:30 PM
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I like Theresa's idea. Maybe you should include, "Think before entering with pets."
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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Especially For You
True Blue Farmgirl
541 Posts
Tina
Watkinsville
GA
541 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2009 : 06:54:43 AM
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I also like Teresa"s idea. But why would you bring your pet to pick veggies?
Tina |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2009 : 05:54:42 AM
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LOL!! I know, however, we live in the country. . . the tourist are coming to experience everything and "Fido" is part of the family and they want him to experience the farm too! ( You know the ones, they carry their dogs in large tote bags into the food store)
A friend of mine had another suggestion, which has had me laughing to no end: " Put up a sign that says Please do not feed the bears" and put a picture of our local Black Bear on it. Hahahaha Folks are funny when they even hear that a bear passed through weeks ago. . . like it is waiting in the bushes to attack!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
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Calicogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
5216 Posts
Sharon
Bruce Crossing
Michigan
USA
5216 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2009 : 10:06:09 AM
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There's a sign in our hardware store that reads:
Unattended children will be given an Espresso and a new puppy
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
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Entrepreneurship: Not sure how to handle the Pet Problem... |
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Not sure how to handle the Pet Problem...
