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Original poster

Dog at family christmas gathering

208 replies

Pippy2022 · 07/12/2024 00:21

I want my kids to join the big family gathering around Christmas time but a new 'big scary' dog will be there (pet of SIL). I can't speak directly to SIL and partner is useless communicator. Shall my kids just go on a separate day and not see rest of family or do I die from anxiety the whole time and pray for the best. Feeling quite annoyed about the whole thing tbh.

OP posts:
Feelingathomenow · 09/12/2024 20:28

Pippy2022 · 07/12/2024 15:29

I actually like dogs and pet them and I have supported my kids around them on the very rare occasions they have been around them (we dont have friends with dogs) but they still don't like them. I can't force my kids to like dogs.

But dogs are everywhere whether you like it or not. Teaching a child how to behave around animals is the same as teaching them to cross a road, to boil a kettle etc. All life skills that are needed in life.

LameBorzoi · 09/12/2024 21:00

KnittyNell · 09/12/2024 13:35

Is it obligatory to like dogs these days?
I’m not keen.

No, but it's a bit daft to not have basic skills / understanding of dog behaviour.

Fireworknight · 09/12/2024 21:26

SnoopySantaPaws · 09/12/2024 13:20

Maybe we should start one!! Maybe ask Santa for a dragon for Christmas!!

1st book How to train your dragon. Free flame proof gloves.

Show quote history

Found the second book to read.

Dog at family christmas gathering
SnoopySantaPaws · 10/12/2024 04:13

Fireworknight · 09/12/2024 21:26

Found the second book to read.

Show quote history

Looks perfect!!

and given how little sleep I'm getting, as complex as I can deal with 🤣

AvidAunt · 10/12/2024 15:21

DecayedStrumpet · 07/12/2024 14:58

Hilarious eye-rolling responses "just ask SIL if the dog is well-behaved"

Has anyone ever met a dog owner who has described their little darling as badly behaved, even the ones with a biting history? "Oh but that was the kid's fault for holding food/walking through the door/making a noise... Rover is a lovely dog really"

If it's a rescue dog SIL won't even know all of its history and who knows how it might react to kid noise or sudden movements.

Yes, a good dog owner is aware of their dog's behavior and doesn't set them up for failure. One of my dogs is undergoing chemo and it makes his behavior unpredictable. My cousin was scheduled to visit with her family, including her 6 year old daughter, and I called and told her that I wasn't comfortable having her child in my home because of my dog's behavior. Most dog owners I know make similar choices to keep both people and their dogs safe and comfortable.

lifebyfaith · 10/12/2024 15:27

Poor dog.

Catza · 10/12/2024 15:38

OonaStubbs · 07/12/2024 13:22

Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ. There are no dogs in the bible.

Is there turkey in the bible? Pigs in blankets? Christmas tree? Christmas carols? Santa?
Do you bring gifts of myrrh and frankincense?

I must say my memories of the bible content are rather rusty but I don't recall any of the things we do for Christmas mentioned in there.

Catza · 10/12/2024 15:48

DecayedStrumpet · 07/12/2024 14:58

Hilarious eye-rolling responses "just ask SIL if the dog is well-behaved"

Has anyone ever met a dog owner who has described their little darling as badly behaved, even the ones with a biting history? "Oh but that was the kid's fault for holding food/walking through the door/making a noise... Rover is a lovely dog really"

If it's a rescue dog SIL won't even know all of its history and who knows how it might react to kid noise or sudden movements.

I am that dog owner. I am quite open about the fact that my dog is not the easiest to train and please allow me a moment to lead her away before you step into my house as she can become overly excited. I am perfectly happy to admit that she is at a risk of absconding so that I will be keeping her on the lead at all times. I am also happy to say that she is a sled dog and is prone to pulling so no, I won't let your kid to walk it. And yes, your child is welcome to come over and stroke her but she is likely to try and give them kisses, so only proceed if you are comfortable with this idea.
All normal things for me to say when I am talking about my dog. There is really no need to paint all dog owners as a-holes who are in love with their "fur babies". My dog is not my baby, she is my dog and I treat her accordingly and give fair warning to others.

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