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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Trillie · 12/09/2026 19:21

You don’t like dogs, they don’t like you, you’re happily at home, they’re happily together- what’s the problem?

ovals · 12/09/2026 19:37

Does anyone know what I said at 9 o’clock this morning that deserved being deleted?

ovals · 12/09/2026 21:22

ovals · 12/09/2026 19:37

Does anyone know what I said at 9 o’clock this morning that deserved being deleted?

Don’t worry, I’ve remembered. I said something about people having daft opinions and doubling down on them. Was daft the offending word?

LubyLooTwo · 13/09/2026 01:54

Although I like dogs Yorkies are awful and I avoid them all cost.

Mumofyellows · 13/09/2026 06:28

As I’ve already said I lovely my dogs and they are always invited to family gatherings but we rarely take them unless it’s an outdoor venue that’s suitable for them because they would be over stimulated and not enjoy it very much. If these 10 dogs are happy then it’s really up to their owners if they want to do this at Christmas and it’s up to you to avoid it if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Surely it is as simple as that? Just say no thanks, that many dogs is too much for me, but have a lovely day and we will see you an other time?! Thy have made the choice already by the sound of things and have prioritised having dogs there as that suits the majority.
We will be packing our dogs up in the car on Boxing day and taking them on their annual Christmas holiday, this year to France and Germany where we have booked dog friendly accommodation and we will celebrate our lovely rescue girls adoption anniversary in style in the mountains. The hatred towards dogs on here is bizarre, spending time in their company is a whole lot more enjoyable that a lot of humans!

Gloriia · 13/09/2026 08:01

Mumofyellows · 13/09/2026 06:28

As I’ve already said I lovely my dogs and they are always invited to family gatherings but we rarely take them unless it’s an outdoor venue that’s suitable for them because they would be over stimulated and not enjoy it very much. If these 10 dogs are happy then it’s really up to their owners if they want to do this at Christmas and it’s up to you to avoid it if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Surely it is as simple as that? Just say no thanks, that many dogs is too much for me, but have a lovely day and we will see you an other time?! Thy have made the choice already by the sound of things and have prioritised having dogs there as that suits the majority.
We will be packing our dogs up in the car on Boxing day and taking them on their annual Christmas holiday, this year to France and Germany where we have booked dog friendly accommodation and we will celebrate our lovely rescue girls adoption anniversary in style in the mountains. The hatred towards dogs on here is bizarre, spending time in their company is a whole lot more enjoyable that a lot of humans!

There isn't hatred towards dogs, I'm a dog owner myself so obviously I love <welltrained> dogs. There is intolerance towards inconsiderate and irresponsible owners. There's a difference.

'If these 10 dogs are happy then it’s really up to their owners if they want to do this at Christmas and it’s up to you to avoid it if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Surely it is as simple as that? Just say no thanks'

You seriously think people should forego their Christmas get togethers because some are too stupid to think hang on 10 dogs in one house is not a good idea??

Gloriia · 13/09/2026 08:09

ovals · 12/09/2026 19:37

Does anyone know what I said at 9 o’clock this morning that deserved being deleted?

I doubt anyone has kept a log. Mnhq usually happy to clarify if you overstep the mark?

ovals · 13/09/2026 08:14

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Gloriia · 13/09/2026 08:17

'The hatred towards dogs on here is bizarre, spending time in their company is a whole lot more enjoyable that a lot of humans!'

I think you've hit the nail on the head tbh. Some spend far too long solely in the company of their dogs that they forget normal and considerate social etiquette when it comes to people.

TheLastNotch · 13/09/2026 09:02

I find when visiting, people actually ask me to bring my dog ! They a bit let down when I say "oh I wasnt planning to...?" and ask me if I can bring her.

I think MN dog views can lead you to believe that everyone hates you and your dog, but in reality it isnt my experience.

Gloriia · 13/09/2026 09:44

'I think MN dog views can lead you to believe that everyone hates you and your dog'

Everyone loves me and my dog Grin, I just dont take her to social situations as it's unfair on her and other people. She gets enough pats and attention on walks.

Lollipopsicle · 13/09/2026 12:05

KidsAndDogsGalore · 07/09/2026 19:13

🙄 another dog hating thread.

Utterly ridiculous comment! Seriously, you think it's appropriate for 10 poorly trained dogs together in a house at the same time with small children? You're the one with a problem if you think that's remotely o.k.

TheLastNotch · 13/09/2026 12:34

Gloriia · 13/09/2026 09:44

'I think MN dog views can lead you to believe that everyone hates you and your dog'

Everyone loves me and my dog Grin, I just dont take her to social situations as it's unfair on her and other people. She gets enough pats and attention on walks.

Of course it is different if your dog cannot cope very well and is not happy in social situations. (Since you say it's "not fair on her")

Mine is happy and comfortable. All dogs are different, and they're all lovely ❤️🐾

Cyb3rg4l · 13/09/2026 12:51

Whoah that’s a lot of dogs! Could you all meet up outside somewhere for a Christmas walk?

Gloriia · 13/09/2026 13:35

TheLastNotch · 13/09/2026 12:34

Of course it is different if your dog cannot cope very well and is not happy in social situations. (Since you say it's "not fair on her")

Mine is happy and comfortable. All dogs are different, and they're all lovely ❤️🐾

Ours is fine playing in fields etc with other dogs? That is the usual dog socialisation. Attending human social functions in other's homes, nope.

Dogs like their own space and to snooze, they don't tend to enjoy attending house parties and dinners with a load of other dogs. That's the owners dragging them along.

Cadeaukatze · 13/09/2026 15:20

Cyb3rg4l · 13/09/2026 12:51

Whoah that’s a lot of dogs! Could you all meet up outside somewhere for a Christmas walk?

Can you imagine being out for a Christmas walk (with or without a dog of your own) and meeting a family group with TEN dogs? It really isn't a good idea.

pinkiphoneandwine · 13/09/2026 15:29

Cadeaukatze · 13/09/2026 15:20

Can you imagine being out for a Christmas walk (with or without a dog of your own) and meeting a family group with TEN dogs? It really isn't a good idea.

That would be me, all in Christmas jumpers! All perfectly well behaved, going nowhere near you. And if your dog is badly trained and approaches mine? They won’t respond or move from “sit”. Why would that be a problem for anyone?

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