Alot of men don't take women seriously, and we women are raised as people pleasers and find it hard to be bitches. Although I am finding it easier as I get older.

Mike, that is an awesome idea! Why didn't I think of that? My dad is 6' 1" and about 240 pounds ... he is a former marine and knows how to be mean. He definitely has intimidation down to an art. Most people who meet him know better than to challenge him. Just his "mean look" alone is enough to wither most people.

Even though Mr. Plumber doesn't seem to have much sense, that would probably be pretty effective, since he doesn't give a crap about what I say. I'll have to try that (if I need it, I am going to do my best to avoid any chance of that situation being repeated) as he will be back one more time, then hopefully we are home free.

Thanks for the suggestions. Even if I don't need them again with the plumber, it is always good to have ideas to help avert future disasters.

Live and learn.

"Those who know how to use swords, don't flourish them."

I calmly, firmly worded assertion goes a long way. Very few people are going to assault you in your own home, for telling them not to touch your dog. (I do, however, strongly recommend owning a firearm, if only for the peace of mind and confidence it imbues.)

Being confident, calm and sure when you address morons goes a long way to insure a positive outcome. People seize on doubt and insecurity in your voice and in your words. They see weakness and take it as license to walk all over you.

Equally, making open threats, balling up your fists, yelling, getting in someone's face and being physically confrontational all only serve to instigate a fight. They also tell the other person you aren't in control of the situation, or yourself. Again, those who know how to use swords, don't flourish them.

You needn't be physically imposing- only mentally so.

Alyssa is right...if necessary, practice in front of a mirror.

Calmly and firmly state what you want, if you have to, dig your nails into your palms to remind yourself not to get hysterical. I've used that trick and it works.

And buy a book on assetiveness training.

Look for Verbal Judo.

Wow, bless people like yourself who are willing to work with dogs with such... high spirits! :-) I have service ppl in and out of the house and I always either bring the dogs in the same room with me or move their crates in another room. I also HATE when people disregard my firm requests about not letting the dog jump on them, lick their face, etc because "It's okay, I love it!" Even when I say she's a therapy dog and it is not allowed behavior, some "I know dogs best" knucklehead will encourage the licking/jumping, etc.
I can't believe he fed your dog, that was such a liability, as was handling your high spirited dog!

Elisabeth,
what about tethering him to you while you are doing the crate?
that way both hands are free but he is "technically" not tied up.

If he would be too much of nuisance to you to get anything done, how about bringing a kong out with you to give to him while you do his crate? I would make sure the tether is a bit longer than normal so that he can lie down, a bit away from you, and you can move about and transfer straw without moving him too much.

If anything like that happens again, i would resort to physically placing myself between the person and the dog. If that meant putting my hands on them and removing their hands I would do it. Be absolutely ADAMANT with your request, get in his face, push whatever has to be done to get the point across that NO ONE touches your dog or tries to Correct your dog but you!

High spirited ... I like that definition! Next time someone asks what is wrong with him or why he acts that way, I'll just say he is high spirited ... much easier than trying to explain a driven malinois who was neglected for months and sounds much nicer than saying he is crazy!

Wendy, that will work once he learns a few more manners. This dog is all over the place. Even on walks, if I dare stop for a second he turns and jumps and mouths and continues for several feet after we start walking again ... God forbid my shoe come untied! I always double knot them before his walk, just in case. Once I get his behavior under a bit more control, that will definitely work, but as he is now and not even a Kong (or any other toy ... unless it is alive o.O) will keep him occupied once it stops moving. He is getting better though, and I am also working on an impenetrable fortress of a kennel for him for so I don't have to put him on the tie out. I don't like tying out dogs.

I do need to work on tethering him to me though. This is probably a good thing to add to our marker training ... how to be calm when tied to my belt

Thanks!