AIBU to refuse Christmas visits because of the family dogs?

Even well behaved dogs I would be out. 10 dogs? No way.

I think a lot of the points is that it’s not reasonable to expect the OP to tolerate 10 dogs and yes, it would be kinder to leave them at home so everyone can participate and enjoy Christmas.

And you can’t get away from the fact that 10 dogs in any confined space will stink to high heaven.

Interesting thread! I have more dogs than that myself and always have a full house at Christmas, and many, many visitors throughout the year. They are well trained though and my house isn’t dirty. Mine don’t beg for food and they aren’t allowed in the dining room.

Sweet.

Because they love dogs and dogs are pack animals.

Have you ever had a dog?

No, it is not. OP chooses not to be around dogs. Relatives are unwilling to come to hers and leave the dogs behind. Both perfectly reasonable responses. However, there is a tone in some comments that portray dog owners as addle brained, unsanitary, selfish folk who care more about pets than people, and portray dogs as disgusting, loathsome, pestilence carrying nuisances. So, yes, dog bashing.

All the nopes. Even one poorly trained dog can ruin things for everyone, let alone ten! My SIL has two untrained dogs and I HATE being anywhere near them. They bark constantly, stare at you when you’re eating and jump up on you whether you’re sitting or standing. SIL called at our house last week to pick something up from DP. I could hear the dogs going absolutely berserk in the car from inside the house and got this awful overwhelming feeling of panic. They aren’t big, scary dogs but the loud, relentless barking seems to trigger my fight or flight response. Our neighbour moved in about a year ago and I only found out last month that she had a dog because it is so quiet and well behaved. She never mentioned it in any of the conversations I had with her! The lady who lived in the house before her had three rescue dogs, all beautifully trained and well behaved. Sometimes, after being around SIL’s dogs, I have to remind myself that I like dogs. Just not hers.

I love dogs but 10 at Christmas dinner? Eh no 🙈🙈

What about suggesting a walk boxing day. Everyone can bring their dogs. Go to a pub, sit outside for a drink then walk back. Job done

Sounds like hell!

Send dh alone.

Dh and I work from home. When we worked in an office all day we didn’t have a dog as it wouldn’t have been fair.

It doesn’t sound like the op is the host so if the host is happy then the invited guests can choose to come or not. 10 dogs sounds a lot but if everyone else is happy, why would they change for op? My mum would always make my dog welcome at Christmas with a gift wrapped under the tree.

idiotic comment

No way I’d be going (I think there’s a consensus)!

When I read threads like this, I am delighted I spend Xmas far far away from other people

I’ve assumed they are local by the suggestion of popping in on Xmas eve/Boxing Day

What do the dogs do while their owners are at work all day

Are they local? What are their reasons for not coming to you without the dogs for Christmas Eve / Boxing Day for a few hours?

Why not though? Your dog doesn’t know it’s Christmas. It will just think you’ve gone out like you always do. It’s not like it will feel left out.

4-6 hours is plenty of time to come for Christmas dinner. Dog owners can pop back for a bit to let out for a wee and return for cheese in the evening. It’s what you sign up to when you get one, not making it everyone else’s problem.

Honestly what is this obsession with bringing a pet along for Christmas? It’s not normal or expected and people never used to do it. Dogs can stay home.

I find it so sad people are prepared to sacrificed family time because they won’t be separated from their precious dog. DH and I both have allergies and this same debates comes up regularly with BIL and it’s beyond tiresome. The allergies haven’t gone away. No the dog can’t come. Yes you are the one creating an issue.

I adore dogs, and I’m that family member that wouldn’t leave mine at home on Christmas Day but there’s not a chance on earth I’d want to spend the day with 10 untrained dogs. YANBU

I absolutely love dogs, but that would be too many around at once especially if food is being served.

Bloody pets can stay at home!
They aren't babies, having to have regular feeds, for Heaven's sake. What's WRONG with these people?
Yes, I have my own much loved pets, but not everyone is a dog or cat person & I wouldn't inflict them on others.
As for your DH, @Xmasinkennels - I wouldn't be thrilled with him going out on Christmas eve & disrupting your family's celebrations. If his family can't be bothered..

Ha yes it would. For me 2 would be a lot at Christmas dinner but 10 is a pack! Not even funny.