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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to refuse Christmas visits because of the family dogs?

442 replies

Xmasinkennels · 07/09/2026 17:35

So the Christmas plans have started. MIL thinks she is in charge of everyone’s schedules and movements 24-26 dec.

Last year we declined as they all have dogs!

This year she is trying to insist on various times at various peoples houses and I’ve said no ! We can’t be around any of the dogs!

We’ve offered to host here on Xmas eve or Boxing Day but that’s an absolute no as nobody can leave their beloved pets.

She can’t/wont accept that we just don’t like their dogs. MIL has two yappy snappy yorkies. SIL has four dogs. BIL 1 has three. BIL 2 has one. None are well trained and they all smell and it’s just not festive to me at all!!!

We offered alternatives! AIBU to stick to my guns on this

OP posts:
Millytante · 07/09/2026 19:59

KidsAndDogsGalore · 07/09/2026 19:13

🙄 another dog hating thread.

That’s nonsense

TeenLifeMum · 07/09/2026 19:57

I would assume they all want their dogs there more than they want to see you so I guess everyone wins. I wouldn’t have Christmas without my dog and I assume your family feels the same or, like round here, there’s not a lot of dog kennel space available at Christmas.

Deafnotdumb · 07/09/2026 19:51

I would arrange to meet at a pub for a drink/meal. Avoid the dogs at houses thing altogether.

prettiestpuppy · 07/09/2026 19:38

As a dog person I say YANBU. You’ve offered alternatives, the balls in their court.

TunnocksOrDeath · 07/09/2026 19:35

Out of interest, what were the alternatives you offered? For what reasons were they rejected?
DH and I have our own in-law issues at Christmas, but understand that both of us want to see our families, and so does DC, so we come up with a plan and just present it to everyone as diplomatically as we can manage.

Didimag48 · 07/09/2026 19:27

I love dogs but 10 is really far too many! Stick to your guns!

dreamiesformolly · 07/09/2026 19:23

KidsAndDogsGalore · 07/09/2026 19:13

🙄 another dog hating thread.

So not wanting TEN dogs bouncing around at Xmas makes one a dog hater in your world, does it? Don’t be so ridiculous.

dreamiesformolly · 07/09/2026 19:22

Ten dogs, YANB remotely U! I like dogs but no bloody way would I be up for this.

Dollymylove · 07/09/2026 19:16

I wouldn't be going. I like dogs but putting 10 unruly dogs together in an enclosed space is asking for trouble. Someone could end up with serious injuries

KidsAndDogsGalore · 07/09/2026 19:13

🙄 another dog hating thread.

Bunniemalone · 07/09/2026 19:07

Absolutely not, I have 2 very large dogs, well trained & frequently bathed, which I adore. But as my SIL says trained at gunpoint & I have checked with frequent visitors no doggy smelly in the house. However I would not impose them on anyone, not everyone likes dogs, so rude. No way in hell would I be visiting or allowing them to visit me. Your DH can crack on. Nothing worse than been licked or jumped up on, why can't people train their animals. I also can't stand yappy nippy dogs in coffee shops etc. If they can't lie down & be quiet leave them at home.

Cotopaxi · 07/09/2026 18:56

Stuff that for a game of soldiers, especially if some of them are snappy.

It's Christmas, not Dogmas.

MooseMuff · 07/09/2026 18:52

Hell nah! Wait till you have a baby in tow!!

LlynTegid · 07/09/2026 18:47

Don't waiver, keep to your undertaking.

It's not kind for the dogs either.

Bonkers1966 · 07/09/2026 18:44

Why should your Christmas be ruined because of other people's animals? Do these in laws not understand that you also have needs and feelings? Stay away from them.

Betterbeingdead · 07/09/2026 18:39

I don't like dogs much. They smell bad and they.lick their behinds then lick people's hands and faces . Badly trained ones jump up and their claws hurt . I don't like them near food either . I fully appreciate most people love dogs and some treat them like humans that's their choice no problem . That's fine . But I don't have to that should be fine too . Have the Christmas that suits you and let the dog lovers have their doggy Christmas separately if they can't leave them for a few hours

RoloForYou · 07/09/2026 18:20

Xmasinkennels · 07/09/2026 17:58

MIL and BIL 2 have big houses but even so it’s absolute hell when all the dogs are there. The last time we went at Christmas (2024) I felt sick as it smelt of dog so strongly and they were just everywhere I felt like I was constantly tripping over dogs or avoiding them and it felt dirty 🤮

That sounds gross. I was in cafe Nero the other day and there were five dogs there and that made me want to finish as quick as I could and leave. Have a nice peaceful Christmas in your clean house!

angelcake20 · 07/09/2026 18:18

Admittedly I dislike dogs, though have put up with PIL’s for 30 years. I did refuse to ever let them stay here again though after the current one constantly got under my feet and then wee’ed (weed?) all over the kitchen floor while I was cooking Christmas dinner.

pestowithwalnuts · 07/09/2026 18:16

YNBU at all.
l can never understand why people want to foist their stinking dogs onto other people.
This would be a huge massive NO for me..and a great reason to avoid the arsehole in laws

EmeraldShamrock000 · 07/09/2026 18:15

My idea of a nightmare. I like dogs, likewise at Christmas two of my sibling bring their dogs, theire is usually three dogs, they won’t be doing it this year as I am hosting and my dog doesn’t like other dogs. 😳

Radioheads · 07/09/2026 18:15

Absolutely let your husband crack on and visit alone.
No way could I be around so many dogs and their smell.

Grumpyoldcat · 07/09/2026 18:13

I love dogs but that is too many!

vodkaredbullgirl · 07/09/2026 18:11

Madness all those dogs and I have 2 myself.

HisNibs · 07/09/2026 18:06

Are there any children in this mix? I ask because the only thing I can think that would be worse than 10 poorly trained dogs around all of the usual Christmas festivities, would be small children being there getting nipped, knocked over etc

Nofeckingway · 07/09/2026 18:06

Great reason to avoid Xmas with the ILs . I suppose they feel strongly about their pets and I hope they don't make you feel bad for not wanting to join them . What about your own family .

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