Am I overreacting ? Can I have people's opinions

[ThatBluntTealScroller]

So I'm after some friendly feedback , I have Been asked to dogsit for a friend while they are on vacation for a weekend. I said yes ofc , now my issue is I have only met these dogs once and theyve never been in a child presence . I have a 6yr old which I have on weekends . Am I right to be hesitant on bringing my son into the dogs home ? I feel like my only option is to leave him at home with his dad where i know his safe and sound .

What is a 'ride and die'?

Anyway, you'd be better off speaking to the dog owners if you don't want to leave DC with dad.

No one is saying you’re a bad parent, they’re just saying surely the time to consider this was before agreeing - which is absolutely correct.

Yabu for describing your child as your 'ride or die'.

I have had Shelties all my life but would not be comfortable with someone house sitting who also had a child.

Shelties are great dogs, but you just never know how the child will be with them and how they will be with the child.

People are going only on what you've said on here. Are you extremely young, or something?

You're misusing the term 'ride and die', also.

‘Ride and die’? Jesus Christ grow up.

It’s not saying you are a bad parent to say pet sitting shouldn’t be at the expense of your weekend with your child. It’s saying that you are prioritising the wrong things. Who are these people to you and why does their weekend away mean you lose yours? Do you owe them?

Why did you say yes that you would dog-sit without knowing how they would behave towards your child.

That isn't your only option. The first option would to say that you can't look after the dog for a weekend rather than say that you cant look after your child for the weekend!

Also it IS relevant what breed of dog it is, is it territorial, has it been 'done', has it been around Children, etc etc.

That just doesnt make sense what you have just said!

I have always owned sheepdogs and they are the most protective dogs ever (we were in Wales and they were working dogs but, have also since had two wonderful sheepdogs since living in the UK). They are breed to protect and guard!

They are extremely clever but, they are territorial and they might not like a child in their territory if they arent used to them.

OP, you need to discuss this with the owners. Find out if the dogs are socialised with and used to children, and also have the dogs meet you and your child in their home with the owners present. So that the dogs can see that the owners welcome you and your child in their home.

Are the dogs well trained?

Also is your child sensible and will understand (if you explain) not to bother or tease the dogs, approach them while they are resting or eating etc?

If they are normal well trained well socialised family dogs who have been introduced to your child, and you will not leave your child alone with them I wouldn’t worry.

Collies, which Shetland Sheepdogs are, are herding dogs and are also protective. If they’re not used to children and your child isn’t used to being around dogs (no running, as an example) then you should keep them apart for the weekend.

Just leave your child with their dad. If the dogs can be left for a couple of hours, take your child to the park or something. I wouldn’t take my child to a house with dogs I don’t know.

Just ask them if they're okay with kids. Mines not. He looks cute but bites. He's had 2 trainers,but we've had to keep him away from people especially kids. He does not want to be petted. I'd ask the owners.

Ugh hate the typical “prioritising something else over your child” comments. Are mothers not allowed to be apart from their child? It’s one weekend ffs.

Well i had to google “ride and die” - and you’re using it wrong anyway. You could be his ride and die, but you shouldn’t really be his. Odd expression but I suppose Shakespeare made up new stuff, so 🤷🏻‍♀️

No, you shouldn’t be looking after these dogs if you don’t know their temperament well enough to make the decision yourself.

I would never expect to take my child to someone else's house to stay without them having been invited. I mean, I don't exactly see a sheltie as a particularly threatening dog (I used to have one), but any dog can nip or jump up. More than anything, as someone with a dog and a 6 year old, looking after 2 dogs and a small child isn't really what I'd describe as a relaxing weekend. It would be much easier to actually focus on dogsitting as you've been asked to do and agreed to without a child in tow. Your child has another parent. They just stay with them, if that is possible (other parent is available).

It's always interesting how people ask for opinions
are given them
then flounce when they don't like what they're told

Not really though, there's literally an ongoing thread elsewhere where a man has been bitten badly enough to need A&E by a teeny little Jack Russell. Any dog can do damage and if a dog is of unknown temperament, be it chihuahua or St Bernard, I wouldn't take a young child around them end of.

If leaving your child at home with dad is an option OP I'd just do that, better safe than sorry.

Jeeeeez imagine being upset that someone has a weekend away from their child?! I'm glad my parents had their own lives/identity and my friends do too.

But no, don't take your son in the house of unknown dogs, but could he join you for a park dog walk?

My son is my ride and die I have him 4 days a week .

WTF

It's basically something or someone you can immediately drop if some randoms need a favour

It’s two days, not a decade.

How about a Rottweiler?

Perhaps not 🙄

What is a 'ride or die'?!

We couldn't 'judge a book by its cover' as we haven't seen the cover.

Okay, this should have been discussed beforehand. A simple 'Are your dogs used to children? Can we meet outside of the home with my son first to make sure?' or similar would have done it. Can't you ask them this now? Not quite understood if you're at their house all weekend or if someone else is there with them most of the time and you're just dropping in to feed them?