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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For refusing to move in with his previously aggressive dog...

167 replies

sarahmoore2 · 17/04/2024 18:31

long story short - partners dog has 'accidently' attacked and killed a small dog 7 years ago. Apparently it was the smaller dogs fault for being yappy? (Pitbull vs chihuahua)

I have a medium sized dog and I do not feel comfortable putting my dog around the Pitbull. Granted it was a long time ago, however I have recently seen the dog snap at peoples hand for no reason (at big events - maybe over stimulated?) and also snap at another dog over a bone.

Unfortunately it is the size that scares me as they are so powerful, my dog would not stand a chance against him. My partner has said we will keep them separate in the same house forever, but I think that sounds totally stressful, especially as we are at the age were kids are our next step. I just do not want to enter motherhood having to look after a baby and worry about separating 2 dogs. I really love my partner, but he has made it very clear that he is not willing to 'give away his dog' even though his parents have offered to take the dog so I can live comfortably (he will still get to see the dog). I have nobody to take my dog, and have no family nearby therefore I would lose contact with my dog if I rehomed him and do not have the option. We are at the stage now where we either get married and move in together, or break up. I am making multiple sacrifices to be in this relationship already; which is why I feel strongly about him making one. AIBU?

OP posts:
DeedlessIndeed · 17/04/2024 18:46

No way OP :(

If you have any maternal instincts then you'll not bring a child into a household with a preexisting, aggressive, banned dog that has killed before.

I would not even visit a friend or family who was in this situation with my child, let alone raise them in that situation.

OhGoodItsRainingAgain · 17/04/2024 18:45

I would absolutely flat out refuse to live with a large powerful dog with a history of aggression, which you have witnessed snapping at a person. No way. I certainly wouldn't introduce another dog or a baby into that house.

DrJoanAllenby · 17/04/2024 18:45

I love my dogs but my personal opinion is that once they kill a dog or a cat they get a taste for it and should be euthanised or kept in isolation and never allowed near another dog, cat or children.

I don't mean the prey drive from chasing and killing wild animals such as squirrels, rabbits or rats etc.

You are right to be cautious and should either postpone living and visiting arrangements until the dog dies, seeing as he won't euthanise the dog or split up altogether.

Two of our six dogs are big breeds and I am very careful they are never in a position to kill a Chihuahua or other pet that may be a nuisance'.

The onus is on the owner to protect others from their dog and also to protect their dog from being placed in a situation where it has to attack or kill.

The fact the dog is snapping at peoples hands show a your boyfriend is an irresponsible moron.

ellyoctober · 17/04/2024 18:43

Why would you find someone who owns a banned breed attractive as a life partner?

Break up before there's a child involved.

MimiSunshine · 17/04/2024 18:42

sarahmoore2 · 17/04/2024 18:36

@bettingpencil believe me, i have discussed this. he thinks we would introduce slowly and get him used to the child i said the child will be being a child, and he said we will train the child to leave the dog alone? He thinks the dog will protect the child like its his own? even though, he puts the dog away when children come over ...

He is an idiot.

Having a baby is a major life event. They take up all of your time, meanwhile the dog will be shut away for hours getting distressed or wound up. You’ll never be able to put a baby down anywhere for fear of either dogs to be honest. But one already showing aggression and two dogs that can’t be together is just madness

Ponderingwindow · 17/04/2024 18:40

You shouldn’t want to have children with a man that isn’t a responsible dog owner. He is supposed to be in control of his animal at all times, yet his dog managed to kill another dog. Even worse, he blames the other dog. Why would you trust his judgement?

Geebray · 17/04/2024 18:39

sarahmoore2 · 17/04/2024 18:36

@bettingpencil believe me, i have discussed this. he thinks we would introduce slowly and get him used to the child i said the child will be being a child, and he said we will train the child to leave the dog alone? He thinks the dog will protect the child like its his own? even though, he puts the dog away when children come over ...

Fuck that. Do you want your child to another tragic story in the news?

TwilightSkies · 17/04/2024 18:38

Yeah he cares about the dog more than he cares about you 🤷🏻‍♀️

hollyandivyknickers · 17/04/2024 18:38

@sarahmoore2 tell is more about this —-

. I am making multiple sacrifices to be in this relationship already; which is why I feel strongly about him making one

but to be honest - yes the dog issue is enough to spilt up

Geebray · 17/04/2024 18:38

Your dog is not the main problem here. NO WAY should you have a child in the house with an aggressive pitbull.

olympicsrock · 17/04/2024 18:37

This is your red line. He needs to choose between you and the dog. If he won’t then he is not the one for you

SheRasBra · 17/04/2024 18:37

Absolutely not. I wouldn't do it on the basis of my dog potentially being killed let alone raising a child in that environment. If the dog had never harmed another dog it would be worrying enough but this isn't even a theoretical concern - the dog has already killed.

sarahmoore2 · 17/04/2024 18:36

IfIwasrude · 17/04/2024 18:35

I would not want to be with your partner.

@IfIwasrude thanks - can i ask why / more context please?

OP posts:
sarahmoore2 · 17/04/2024 18:36

bettingpencil · 17/04/2024 18:34

why would you want kids around a dangerous dog?

@bettingpencil believe me, i have discussed this. he thinks we would introduce slowly and get him used to the child i said the child will be being a child, and he said we will train the child to leave the dog alone? He thinks the dog will protect the child like its his own? even though, he puts the dog away when children come over ...

OP posts:
IfIwasrude · 17/04/2024 18:35

I would not want to be with your partner.

bettingpencil · 17/04/2024 18:34

why would you want kids around a dangerous dog?

Quitelikeit · 17/04/2024 18:34

Sorry but no way.

So many red flags.

I would not be able to relax at all

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