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Original poster

Family Christmas - dogs, toddlers

35 replies

offmydesk · 19/11/2024 14:39

Can't be too outing, I just want advice on how to broach the subject.

Brother's dog has history of biting, specifically their baby.

Family christmases before now, when we've all been together, the dogs have come too so they're not left alone.

I don't want my young children to be in a house with these dogs.

AIBU? How to ask if the dogs are coming/if the dogs are staying/say I don't want them there?

OP posts:
PaddingtonInPeru · 19/11/2024 14:51

Are you both due to visit a different house (parents?), or are you talking about going to his?

I think you just ask outright - "Hi bro, were you planning on bringing the dogs to mum and dad's this Christmas?". Or as I would prob put it "Hi bro how you doing? What are you doing with the dogs at Christmas as obvs you can't bring them to mum and dad's with all the kids there?".

I can't believe he has a dog who bit his baby 😱 what's the story?

Vaxtable · 19/11/2024 14:49

Sorry did I read this correctly, your brother has a dog that’s bite his baby and he still has the dog!

I am a massive dog lover, but no way would I have a dog near any child , or indeed adult,once it’s bit someone

If he won’t keep the dog away I wouldn’t be going

Hoppinggreen · 19/11/2024 14:49

Hosting? Just checking you've made arrangements for the dogs as we are a no pets house
Visiting? Don't

truegum81 · 19/11/2024 14:48

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FranticHare · 19/11/2024 14:47

Their dog has history of biting their baby and they've done nothing?

Nope, wouldn't want my kids in a house with that dog either. Especially not at Christmas, with lots of excitable kids running around and being unpredictable - the dog would be really tested to not bite again. Unfair on everyone involved!

Talk to your brother, if he is bringing his dog, you have a wonderful Christmas somewhere else.

truegum81 · 19/11/2024 14:47

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BESTAUNTB · 19/11/2024 14:47

I love dogs but I agree that it’s too risky. If you’re the host, make it clear that pets aren’t welcome. If you’re not the host , politely decline the invitation.

truegum81 · 19/11/2024 14:46

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Wellingtonspie · 19/11/2024 14:44

Are you hosting or a guest?

Host. Just a friendly reminder pets are not allowed inside our house.

Guest. Just wondering if the dogs are coming again this year? Because your either anxious about it and ask that they keep dog close to them or because if it is you won’t come.

owlexpress · 19/11/2024 14:42

Call brother, say you want to talk about Christmas, discuss the fact you don't want the dogs there as you won't be able to relax with them around the children... Seems straightforward enough. If he argues/refuses to leave the dogs at home, you'll need to come up with a different plan for Christmas this year.

I'm a massive dog person and don't even have kids, but putting anyone in this situation is too risky.