Family gathering, niece doesn't like dogs.

[talksensetome]

We are having a family gathering tomorrow to mark 20 years since our mum died, therefore my brothers and sisters will all be there, along with partners and children.

My sister (sister2) is hosting, she is ok with dogs although doesn't own one anymore. I have a dog which I would like to take, he is a good dog and doesn't jump up or run around barking.

Our other sister (sister 1) has said she would rather I don't take the dog as my niece is scared of them.

I would usually get our younger sister (sister 3) to dog sit but given the occasion she will obviously be there too.

Would I be unreasonable to push it a little and ask could I take the dog and leave him in the kitchen? the children will probably be playing upstairs most of the evening and the smokers of the group tend to congregate in the kitchen so its easier to get to the back door.

I don't really want to leave Dog on his own all evening because he will cry, he doesn't get left alone for long periods usually.

So WIBU to make this suggestion and potentially put DSis 1 in a position she would rather not be or am I being one of THOSE dog owners?

[Herhighness]

If your sister is happy for you to take the dog, take the dog. After all it's her home and little niece doesn't have to go in the kitchen where the dog will be.
Your other sister can't keep her child away from dogs all the time as they are everywhere.
I have two small dogs and previously had two for many years, the sooner a child is introduced to animals and learns about them the better.
Hope you family gathering goes well.

[BusterGonad]

I've just read this post and personally as an adult I would not want to be close to an American bulldog and as a child I wouldn't consider being in the same house as one. I'm sorry OP but that's a scary looking dog regardless of it's nature.

[foursillybeans]

Yep, you are being one of those dog owners. Sorry.

Hope you all have a lovely time at the party and you get to share and remember happy times with your DM as a family.

[Footyfan16]

Out of interest, what do you do with the dog when you go to work or have to be out of the house for a few hours? (ie shopping, docs appointments etc?)

[talksensetome]

He's not scary he is beautiful ...but yes I agree he could be quite intimidating to a small child that is wary and had my dsis said that is the issue I would not have thought any more of it.

[Underthemoonlight]

My DB is like this wants to take his bloody dog everywhere it's bouncy and untrained and quite frankly I think it's abit rude to put your animal you choose to have in someone's home.i think you should sort altertive arrangement children triumph dogs in this case.

[NataliaOsipova]

the sooner a child is introduced to animals and learns about them the better.

Why? Better for whom? Dog owners, maybe. I really dislike dogs. I always tell my children they should never approach or touch a strange animal. I only wish that dog owners would afford us the same courtesy!

[talksensetome]

footyfan it is a new issue him being left alone, he used to be fine with it but my sister and her partner are staying with me for the foreseeable and as such one of us is always home.

[talksensetome]

Thanks Navy I agree he is gorgeous and so loving. He sits outside the toilet when I am in there and follows me everywhere just like a toddler.

[Witchend]

I assume though you can appreciate that some people would find him scary?
Just as one of my neighbours who is ex-special forces can look pretty scary, but when you know him he's the one singing "I'm a little tea pot" for the children with them all fighting to sit next to him. But if he says something is/isn't happening you listen. and then tease him about it later

[Underthemoonlight]

I also have another DB who's dog is much better trainned I wouldn't be surprised if the issue is with your dog.

[talksensetome]

moonlight my sister has never met my dog so has no idea of his behaviour but for the record he is incredibly well trained, he has to be, he is a very big dog and I have three young children. How rude to imply he is badly behaved.

[EssentialHummus]

I'd be all over your dog for a cuddle. He's beautiful!

[talksensetome]

essential he does love a cuddle, thinks he is a lap dog and sits on my knee (when I give permission).

[WaitroseCoffeeCostaCup]

It's a dog not a child.

[5moreminutes]

Or could it be that the OP's specific dog is very bouncy/ barky/ "mouthy"/ nippy and the ones DN is OK with are sedate and calm?

Could it be that the comment about the nephew wanting a puppy was no different than a comment about the nephew wanting a pony/ helicopter/ drum kit/ F1 car - ie an off the cuff comment about what he's got into his head he wants this week (but won't get) perhaps repeated to the OP because she likes hearing nice things about people liking her beloved dog?

Either way glad you've been reasonable enough to see you were unreasonable initially talksense :o

I know someone who "has" to take her very "lively" jumpy dog everywhere - if people ask for him to not be there she still brings him and uses a room for him, meaning whoever isn't comfortable around dogs can't go in that room - not great when it's the living room or kitchen in a house with only two downstairs rooms especially on a rainy day with a house full of people... I think a lot of the people eager to put in a YABU boot might know someone similar!

[Footyfan16]

He's gorgeous!

However, it's not fair to bring him along if it has been requested that you do not.

I'd have a look to see if you can get a dog sitter, if not, perhaps kennels for the night.

[5moreminutes]

Sorry - post took ages to upload and cross posted with lots of posts!

[MidniteScribbler]

I would trust a big dog over a little one in most cases. I don't have a very large scar on my hand from a big dog. I do have my scar from a small dog "who wouldn't hurt a flea". Big dogs are usually treated as dogs whereas little dogs are often treated as babies and aren't always expected to adhere to the same behavioural expectations that big dogs are.