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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:
Teabagtits · 26/01/2018 23:50

*yappy wee shite not happy

NNchangedforthis · 26/01/2018 23:50

Originalfoogirl - I know, obvs I have taught them this behaviour Hmm

One older gent called my 5 year old son a pathetic little shit because my son went to hold his dads hand when the guys dog came near...

Iusedtobecarmen · 26/01/2018 23:51

NN changed
I wpuld love you to see you kick my dog out of the way. In my houseSmile
Don't come if you don't like my pets.
Public places are a different matter. But my house.
Then again,anyone slightly.precious wpuld not be invited in full stop.

rightsaidfrederickII · 26/01/2018 23:52

As a dog person, and someone with a (rescue) dog that has significant issues (reactivity) that sometimes worry others, YABU.

The child didn't know if the dog was going to evaluate the behaviour into full scale biting, and you should be training the dog. Start by emitting a loud high pitched yip sound every time it nips - it's dog for "ow that hurt"

And get yourself to a puppy / young dog training class pronto. Dogs don't magically become nice or well behaved without training.

Iusedtobecarmen · 26/01/2018 23:52

fuzzyduck yy

PurpleTango · 26/01/2018 23:52

Your dog is 7 months old and is still nipping? Why haven’t you trained it not to nip?? Poor kid!

PoptartPoptart · 26/01/2018 23:54

It’s because of irresponsible dog owners like you op that children develop a fear of dogs in the first place.

Originalfoogirl · 26/01/2018 23:55

One older gent called my 5 year old son a pathetic little shit because my son went to hold his dads hand when the guys dog came near.

Twat.

We’ve had similar comments. Our girl is in a walking frame so can’t easily just run away. People have said some bloody stupid things to her. She is learning to shout back at them. I’ve told her they are the only grown ups she is allowed to swear at 😂

HuskyMcClusky · 26/01/2018 23:55

YANBU.

The kid is 9, not 4. And your dog was in your own house, not roaming the streets.

I feel sorry for the child, but that is a massive daft overreaction by both parents. If my 9-year-old carried on like that I’d be trying to defuse the situation and calm him down, not pander to it.

Iusedtobecarmen · 26/01/2018 23:56

If You are that scared of dogs,don't go to a house where a dog lives!!!!
I don't like heights so I wouldn't climb a mountain and say it was too high

Amortentia · 26/01/2018 23:56

I’m intrigued to know what bread this small dog is. I had a friend who had a Jack Russell who was by far the most terrifying dog I have ever encountered, and I’ve been bitten by an Alsatian.

Originalfoogirl · 26/01/2018 23:56

Don't come if you don't like my pets.

Your pets are the least reason I wouldn’t come to your house.

3EyedRaven · 26/01/2018 23:56

Iusedtobe
OP said the dog ran outside. So, the ‘in your house’ bit is not equivalent/relevant to this scenario

HuskyMcClusky · 26/01/2018 23:57

And yes, you need to train your dog - not denying that. Doesn’t change my opinion of his parents’ (over-) reaction, though.

Iusedtobecarmen · 26/01/2018 23:57

Husky yes.
Adults are the worst
Making a fuss.
I've had adults scoop their child up when my skinny dog walks past.
"It's ok darling"

Dazedandconfuzzled · 26/01/2018 23:58

I hate the idea of someone being 'precious' just cause they are frightened of something. Maybe if some dog owners were more considerate and trained their dogs properly they wouldn't have any bad experiences that have led to them being 'precious'. And sanctimonious dog owners who think the people that are scared are the problem really need to take a look at themselves and their dogs.

HuskyMcClusky · 26/01/2018 23:58

OP said the dog ran outside.

Into their own garden, presumably. Not public property.

Iusedtobecarmen · 26/01/2018 23:58

Don't worry
You wouldn't be invited.
I.dont pander to anyone

3EyedRaven · 26/01/2018 23:59

Husky The child didn’t go into the house, the dog came out. I would expect someone to be able to stand by the front door of a dog owners house without the dog coming out. That’s not unreasonable/unrealistic.

Rosetree123 · 26/01/2018 23:59

I can't believe the amount of people on here saying the OP is being unreasonable. Some puppies take longer to train. I have had dogs all my life and my pug I have right now took far longer to train than any other dog I had, when he used to bite my ankles he was PLAYING! Most likely the OPs dog was trying to PLAY. People need to get off their high horse Hmm. If it was a matter of minutes then it should not be made out a big of a deal as it is was. As I said some dogs take longer to train than others, were not all dog whisperers. YANBU.

Originalfoogirl · 26/01/2018 23:59

I've had adults scoop their child up when my skinny dog walks past. "It's ok darling
God damn those parents who comfort an anxious child. What pricks they are.

CheshireChat · 26/01/2018 23:59

Also, I thought the friends didn't know OP has a dog.

3EyedRaven · 27/01/2018 00:00

Sounds like it was the pavement/street outside. Maybe a front garden. Irrelevant really.

NNchangedforthis · 27/01/2018 00:01

If I ever had the misfortune to come to your house Carmen, and your dog started to bite at my child ankles then I most certainly would try my best to kick it out of the way.
My child trumps your dog.

I’m not precious. But friends with dogs respect that my kids don’t like them. So put them out of the way. It called having a bit of compassion. Try it sometime perhaps.

Carouselfish · 27/01/2018 00:01

I came on here fully prepared to say, yes, they were being pathetic, it was a puppy, but having read your post, OP, I think YABU. Your husband should have just immediately picked the puppy up again/enabled the 9 year old to get away into the house and kept the puppy in his arms so they could meet it in a calm, friendly way. Puppy nips do hurt and even if not, the child was scared. You don't just let that happen when you've got a guest.

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