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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think crying over a puppy snapping at your heels is a bit pathetic?

466 replies

outofthefryingpan · 26/01/2018 22:32

We have a 7 month old pup. A small breed which will never grow higher that knee height. A friend came round unexpectedly with her 9 yo boy and because husband thought it was our daughter he let the pup down to greet her when he opened the door.

Pup ran outside and started snapping at ankles of the 9yo boy. Pup chased him a bit until husband managed to pick him up. Boy crying hysterically in floods of tears. Mother (friend) then storms off in a huff and apparently then arrives home herself in tears. Friend’s husband then demands we “do something about that dog”.
I’ve apologised profusely but they’re still all really upset about it. AIBU to think they’re being a bit pathetic about it? They’re good friends and I really value our relationship as I’ve always thought of them as really sensible people. Can’t believe the drama over this 5 second incident! I could understand it if it was a big dog but honestly- it’s tiny!

I suppose if you’re not used to dogs you don’t know how to deal with them but am I really BU to think it’s a daft drama over nothing?

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 26/01/2018 22:34

Puppy teeth are sharp. They hurt. Being chased by a biting puppy would make many kids cry.
You need to tackle the biting and control your dog.

trixymalixy · 26/01/2018 22:37

YABVVU

Littlefish · 26/01/2018 22:37

It might be a daft drama if it's your dog, you are used to it snapping, and you don't mind being snapped at and chased.

However, for other people, being chased and snapped at by a dog, however small, could be very worrying.

I think you're being very unreasonable to your friends. I wouldn't be coming back to your house in a hurry with 1. a snappy, chasing dog, and 2. friends who don't seem to care that their dog behaves like this.

teaandtoast · 26/01/2018 22:37

I think you're allowed to be 'pathetic' when you're 9.

EnglandKeepMyBones · 26/01/2018 22:37

My niece would be petrified if this happened to her. She had an incident with a dog where she ended up quite hurt at a young age and she has been spectacularly anxious of all dogs ever since, especially when surprised by them. You may think he was being dramatic, but it's not your call to make. It's your responsibility to keep the dog under control at all times - and I say that as a dog owner myself.

Whatshallidonowpeople · 26/01/2018 22:38

Some people are scared of dogs. It might be stupid but there we are.

LivininaBox · 26/01/2018 22:38

WTF? I have been nipped by a small dog and it fucking hurt. Just because your dog is small doesn't mean it doesnt hurt if it bites or nips. You are mean to criticise a 9 yo for bring scared of your out of control dog.

peachgreen · 26/01/2018 22:38

YAB extremely U and an irresponsible dog owner.

mumtomaxwell · 26/01/2018 22:39

YABU! Not everyone likes dogs, even little ones. Don’t be one of those weird blinkered dog owners who thinks their pet can do no wrong. Suck it up and apologise.... and train the dog!

Monoblock67 · 26/01/2018 22:39

He’s NINE years old and you’re calling him pathetic? What a horrible person you are. For all you know he could be terrified of dogs.

inkandstone · 26/01/2018 22:39

What exactly do they expect you to do? Surely they knew you had a puppy before they visited.

CruCru · 26/01/2018 22:39

The thing is, some people just really, really don't like dogs. Any dogs. For every person who loves dogs there will be one who just plain cannot imagine wanting to spend time with one. They just don't talk about it as people who love dogs think they're horrible for not liking them.

When you say it was snapping at the ankles, what do you mean? Was it trying to bite their ankles? Even in play, that is quite unpleasant.

Having said that, if they knew you have a dog, I'm surprised that they came round (assuming that they generally don't like dogs).

Backingvocals · 26/01/2018 22:40

It’s not stupid or pathetic to be scared of a dog that bites. Why would anyone think that’s ok?

Crunched · 26/01/2018 22:40

I agree and they are doing their 9 year old (ffs) no favours in their response to this situation.
But I am a dog person and was truly shocked at how many children are terrified of dogs when I became a parent and met children. At the first sign of my DD1 becoming scared (not healthily aware) we began to explore having a dog ourselves.
If possible, and if you care about the friendship enough, could you suggest their DS comes and spends time with your pooch?

Momo18 · 26/01/2018 22:40

A 7 months old puppy isn't exactly small, surely you shouldn't answer the door without controlling the dog first? It's irresponsible. The poor dog could end up been put to sleep if it does damage

Magstermay · 26/01/2018 22:41

A seven month old puppy will have adult teeth and should not be snapping at ankles if properly trained. A child not used to dogs is entitled to be upset at this. It doesn’t really matter how big the dog is, a small dog can still cause a lot of damage.

It sounds as though they have reacted in anger but they have a point.

tabulahrasa · 26/01/2018 22:41

I'd expect the owner of a dog who bites to take it seriously tbh, no matter what size the dog.

A 7 month old small breed dog isn't exactly a puppy, that's an adolescent dog that should have already been trained out of any mouthing behaviour...

singingdetective · 26/01/2018 22:41

Puppy nips can bloody sting (I was a dog groomer and have quite a bit of experience in this!) and at 7 months old the dog is old enough to have been trained out of this by now.

ZoopDragon · 26/01/2018 22:41

Poor child! He wasn't to know the puppy was only playing. I expect he had a shock. Puppies can really hurt when they scratch and nip! I think your husband was careless to let the puppy out without checking. Why didn't he catch him straight away and apologise profusely?
Your dog may seem harmless and cute to you but not to everyone. I hate strange dogs chasing me, even tiny ones. Be thankful he didn't kick at him in panic!

DonnyAndVladSittingInATree · 26/01/2018 22:41

I’m scared of something (not dogs) and I’m not 9. But I would be a quivering, gibbering wreck for days if i’d Been chased and nipped by it.

MissionItsPossible · 26/01/2018 22:42

Yes YABU keep control of your damn dog in future. I hate inconsideration like this. Just because they may be your loveable, harmful pet doesn't mean other people see them in the same way.

Bobbybobbins · 26/01/2018 22:42

I had a small dog snapping at my heels as I was jogging in a park. It then ran off but I was not impressed at all and I am a grown adult sharing a space with dogs!

Seniorcitizen1 · 26/01/2018 22:42

Snowflakes starring early. You are rught - pathetic

Greensleeves · 26/01/2018 22:42

Are you for real?

You're lucky it wasn't my terrified child your ill-disciplined mutt tried to bite Angry

gandalfspants · 26/01/2018 22:43

Doesn't matter how small the puppy is, chasing and snapping is not acceptable. Knee high is toddler face height.

I say that as someone with two knee high excitable dogs.

I don't let them run out the door even though they don't chase or snap because lots of people are scared of dogs / averse for religious reasons (also because people encourage them to jump up to save bending down - again, toddler face height). They only get greeted when they sit calmly.