I’ve always liked dogs.

But that doesn’t mean they’ve always liked me back.

I’ve got a few scars to prove it; one in particular I’ll never forget.

I was mowing out the back when the owner's dog decided I didn’t belong there.

So he bit me.

No one was home, so I packed up my gear, climbed in the truck, and drove straight to the hospital.

While I was sitting there getting stitched up, my phone rang.

It was the dog's owner.

He’d just gotten home and noticed the lawn was only half done.

I told him that his dog had bitten me, and I was in the hospital getting stitches.

There was a long pause on the other end.

Then he asked, “So… when are you coming back to finish it?”

I laugh now, but it wasn’t so funny at the time.

Still have the scar.

But over the years, I’ve learned how to work with dogs or at least around them.

These days, when a lead comes in, I always ask, “Do you have a dog?”

If they don’t tell you, their dog usually will the moment you poke your head over the fence.

I look out for clues: bones, landmines, and chewed-up shoes.

And I always follow the old farm rule:

If the gate was closed, close it behind you.​
​If it was open, leave it open.

Although I’ll admit, I close gates mostly to keep the dog in.

Which also means... I can’t get out.

That’s why I now carry a secret weapon.

Dog biscuits.

When no one’s home and a dog seems unsure of me, I leave a tiny trail of biscuits behind me as I inspect the lawn.

By the time I’m halfway around, the dog’s gone from suspicious to quietly following me around.

They love it.

If they’re the escape-artist type and I'm mowing the lawn, I save the bickies till the end, tossing a small handful over the gate as I leave.

They stick around for the snacks.

And yes, I use quality biscuits and ask the owner.

If you’re in the lawn business and like dogs or at least don’t mind them it might be worth advertising yourself as “dog friendly” as a point of difference.

It’s a great way to stand out.

Especially if you know how to keep tails wagging and legs unbitten.

Until next time,Get out there, mow lawns, and have fun.

Stuart​
Lawnmowing101
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