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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Everyone just assumed they can bring their dogs with them for Christmas day ??

950 replies

caninechristmasconundrum · 15/12/2024 10:27

In the last year 3 members of our family have got dogs (2 puppies 1 older rescue) . We always host for Christmas and I (maybe stupidly) assumed that dogs go to kennels or stay at home for the day ? I’ve never had pets before so will admit I don’t know much ! I don’t see why a few hours at home / in a crate is bad for dogs though? We don’t live that far away.

Seems they all expected to bring their dogs with them ???

After BIL and SIL made this clear and told us that ILs will be the same about their rescue dog I’ve sent a message to everyone saying ‘Really sorry but I think there may have been some confusion on my part and I assumed the dogs would all be left at home on Christmas day. We are not able to have them here due to personal preference, lack of space and the dc are still so little. You’re all still very welcome but I understand if it’s going to be a problem leaving the dogs at home so let me know what you’d like to do xx’

DH got messages back asking is it because of my ‘germ ocd’ (in part it is that’s why I put personal preference) and telling him he has a say in it too as it’s not just my house. He replied that he assumed the same and although we have the biggest house it’s not exactly huge and having 3 dogs there too will just be too much so he’s in total agreement with me (they aren’t small breeds and the puppies are at that into everything zooming about stage)

Is this the norm now that dogs go everywhere and are never left home for a few hours ? AIBU to want a dog free Christmas ?!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
crockofshite · 17/12/2024 04:37

Gleeanda · 15/12/2024 10:49

YANBU, but some people get very "we come as a package" about their dogs. MN saying you're right is not going to prevent a family bust up. At this notice and with puppies they might not have much option for a sitter.

Good luck. One option is relent just for this year. In future years you can make it very clear that it's people only, and choose not to be offended if they decline.

Relent?

RELENT?

3 unwanted dogs in your home???

WTF

crockofshite · 17/12/2024 04:40

Patienceinshortsupply · 15/12/2024 11:03

Bonkers dog owner here, we have 4 coming on Christmas Day. And I'd never turn a dog away.

But as this thread shows, dogs are far nicer creatures than humans are.

One of the stupidest comments ever.

Marblesbackagain · 17/12/2024 05:09

Mnetcurious · 17/12/2024 00:01

Both sides had equal responsibility to clearly state.
No, they definitely did not. The obligation is on the dog owner only - to check with the host if dog is allowed and if not to decline the invitation or sort arrangements for the dog. As evidenced by plenty of sensible dog owners on this thread who say they would never assume dog is invited and would always ask.

Well I disagree and thankfully am surrounded by like minded individuals 🤷‍♀️

mumedu · 17/12/2024 06:01

Sounds good

mumedu · 17/12/2024 06:03

Marblesbackagain · 16/12/2024 19:43

If it's the norm amongst their family then it should have been said. Doggy day care is closed, kennels may not offer collection Xmas day so it isn't straightforward.

Both sides had equal responsibility to clearly state. Who issues an invitation and doesn't say look we can't have the dog

Um, everybody, that's who.

Marblesbackagain · 17/12/2024 06:11

mumedu · 17/12/2024 06:03

Um, everybody, that's who.

Oh dear. I know this is difficult for you to understand but no not everyone. Honestly the irony of going in about manners and then being so rude. 🤦‍♀️

DrippySuet · 17/12/2024 06:36

@caninechristmasconundrum

Oh well done, and well done to your DH too.

And what bloody awful messages from his family, trying to turn this on you.

What is it with dog owners and this massive sense of entitlement?? I bet they are exactly the type to take up the whole pavement while I walk in the road.

You absolutely do not know how they will behave in your house, and what could set them off around your children.

And anyone with that attitude to begin with is, absolutely, the type to say “oh my dog’s never done that before” and twist any shit behaviour from their dog into being somehow your fault.

WeregoingtoIbiza · 17/12/2024 06:50

caninechristmasconundrum · 16/12/2024 23:22

Dh cancelled after more messages (‘why can’t the dogs just have the conservatory for the day?’, ‘Why are you upsetting MIL?’ , ‘Can’t you just put your foot down and stick up for your family?’ etc etc). He just said he had had enough so it’s going to be a quiet Christmas this year !

Well done to your DH for sticking up for his family, you and your DC.

Have a wonderful Christmas xx

ChristmasinBrighton · 17/12/2024 06:52

Looks like DH is one of the good ones OP.

I am sure you will have a great Christmas.

skyana · 17/12/2024 07:10

Your dh is a good man!! Well done to him! How dare they try to turn it against you, wonder how they took to the cancellation, they need to learn they can't take their dogs everywhere. Ridiculous

ClicketyClickPlusOne · 17/12/2024 08:17

Well done that DH!

They sound an entitled lot anyway.

Crisps, chocs and drinks (between them) is nowhere near a fair share of hosting Christmas, and not helping with the prep and clean up. It’s just not fair that the family who host because of space end up with the hard work and the expense.

They need to learn that as dog owners it is on them to check where is dog friendly.

Its a bit sad that a happy Christmas tradition isn’t happening, and you won’t see them, but given the way they treat your hosting I suspect their were issues anyway.

I love dogs, but there are increasing numbers of twatty dog owners.

Thursdaygirl · 17/12/2024 08:43

That's brilliant news - well done DH! We don't hear about many men who are prepared to defend their wives against their families. How did the relatives take the cancellation?

dynamiccactus · 17/12/2024 09:44

caninechristmasconundrum · 16/12/2024 23:22

Dh cancelled after more messages (‘why can’t the dogs just have the conservatory for the day?’, ‘Why are you upsetting MIL?’ , ‘Can’t you just put your foot down and stick up for your family?’ etc etc). He just said he had had enough so it’s going to be a quiet Christmas this year !

Good to hear! It's funny how it's ok to upset you but not the MIL!

I am glad you have a supportive DH as well.

dynamiccactus · 17/12/2024 09:45

What is it with dog owners and this massive sense of entitlement?? I bet they are exactly the type to take up the whole pavement while I walk in the road

To be fair you don't need a dog to be a pavement hogger Grin

BlueLimeRun · 17/12/2024 10:04

I wouldn’t be suprised it there’s a tearful phone call from MIL as a last ditch attempt to get their own way..

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 17/12/2024 11:12

Username2532 · 17/12/2024 03:09

Hmm interesting, what about, Guide dogs, police dogs(who detect drugs and bombs) assistance dogs, Army service dogs, therapy dogs, sheep dogs(they herd livestock)
There’s probably more roles they do, maybe you get the gist now or do you still think they’re dim.

Having grown up with cats, and having both a cat and dogs now, @Username2532 , I am not sure you can use the roles that dogs perform to prove they are more intelligent than cats - in my experience cats are uncooperative little bastards, so it is perfectly possible that they could guide blind people, or detect drugs, but they simply cannot be arsed to do so! 😂There are very good reasons why our cat's nickname is CatBastard!

"What is it with dog owners and this massive sense of entitlement?? I bet they are exactly the type to take up the whole pavement while I walk in the road"

I'm not sure which poster this quote is from, but I suspect that it's the sense of entitlement that comes first, rather than the dog ownership. Someone who is an entitled arse will act in entitled ways, whether or not they have a dog, and whatever they are doing.

TwistedWonder · 17/12/2024 11:15

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 17/12/2024 11:12

Having grown up with cats, and having both a cat and dogs now, @Username2532 , I am not sure you can use the roles that dogs perform to prove they are more intelligent than cats - in my experience cats are uncooperative little bastards, so it is perfectly possible that they could guide blind people, or detect drugs, but they simply cannot be arsed to do so! 😂There are very good reasons why our cat's nickname is CatBastard!

"What is it with dog owners and this massive sense of entitlement?? I bet they are exactly the type to take up the whole pavement while I walk in the road"

I'm not sure which poster this quote is from, but I suspect that it's the sense of entitlement that comes first, rather than the dog ownership. Someone who is an entitled arse will act in entitled ways, whether or not they have a dog, and whatever they are doing.

This sums up cats for me 🤣

Everyone just assumed they can bring their dogs with them for Christmas day ??
Danielle9891 · 17/12/2024 11:33

Your no being unreasonable. Your house is pet free and there's nothing wrong without not wanting animals in your house. I wouldn't think to take my dog out to someone else house.

It seems since lockdown people take their dogs everywhere. It's definitely getting worse. I went to a music festival last year and there were dogs there and on Saturday I went to the Christmas market and people had dogs even though it was packed and people were standing on them. Both times the dogs looked terrified and would have been better off left at home. I think it's pretty selfish of the owners not to consider their dogs happiness.

I love my dog but we've trained her to be ok with a few hours alone. We got her during lockdown and I was in the house on furlough, so it took a while for me to train her but I've managed it.

Thursdaygirl · 17/12/2024 11:40

in my experience cats are uncooperative little bastards, so it is perfectly possible that they could guide blind people, or detect drugs, but they simply cannot be arsed to do so!

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius you are so absolutely right!! Cats are incredibly intelligent, but only when it suits them, and if there's something in it for them ......

tempname1234 · 17/12/2024 11:41

I’m a dog owner. Have been fur over 35 years (various dogs). We don’t assume we can take a dog everywhere. We ask.

we sometimes book into a dog sitter (do not like kennels as our dogs are pampered. They’d be scarred in kennels), we can leave our dog home for a few hours alone or we take with us.

any time there is possibility of fire works, we take our dog or have dog sitter. None of our dogs (thankfully) have been reactive, but you never know.

we have a dog flap and a secure garden so they can go out if they need to “go potty”. They’re also confined within the house in a large room.

however, we do try to go to dog friendly restaurants, cafes and pubs. Our dogs were all very socialised and would happily sit under a table. Often, people never knew there was a dog until we got up to leave. We also bring a bone so the dog is happily chewing away and entertained.

we do ask if invited out where we will be gone for more than 4 hours (including travel time). Our dogs were all ok to be alone for that duration.

in people’s homes that don’t have dogs, we’d keep our dog in lead, bring a bone and dog bed. We’d keep the dog right next to us. A long walk before we get there and a few short walks while we’re at someone’s house keeps the dog entertained and tired. These walks on pavement so they’re not wet nor muddy. Wipe paws so no paw prints in house.

this may not be possible with a rescue if it has been traumatised, have separation anxiety and may not be possible with puppies who have not yet been trained.

you’re not unreasonable to not want dogs in your home. You shouldn’t have to defend why/why not.

you could , however, ask for your family members to control their dogs’ behaviour as described above. That is not unreasonable and would mean compromise by all parties so everyone could enjoy Christmas together and stress free. If they can’t control their dogs, then of course they should not be bringing to your home for Christmas.

momager1 · 17/12/2024 11:51

@caninechristmasconundrum your husband is a rockstar! Christmas here, is at our house as we have 2 dogs. Our family friends that we spend Christmas with, welcome our dogs, and we frequently visit for a couple of hours, But Christmas day , with all the excitement and food and just merriment, means I would be on edge watching them, at home they will take themselves off to the garden or up to bed if they are getting tired or overwhelmed. My husband just put his foot down with some friends who wanted to come and stay in January for a week (they stayed last january and were amazing houseguests, so that not a problem) They TOLD us that this year they need to bring their dog. UM. NO. it is a yappy bitey little jack russell. My dogs are two large chilled out standard poodles that while the like other dogs they meet on the beach or on walks, they do not like to share their home. Result? they are not coming. It is not about cost as it would cost more for the vet certificate and flight than putting the dog in a kennel or getting a sitter. Sorry. Love dogs. but my home, my rules. Luckily my husband, like yours, is on the same page as me.

Riesel · 17/12/2024 11:52

you could , however, ask for your family members to control their dogs’ behaviour as described above. That is not unreasonable and would mean compromise by all parties so everyone could enjoy Christmas together and stress free. If they can’t control their dogs, then of course they should not be bringing to your home for Christmas.

I get your point but just wanted to say it’s often not as easy as that as people have different expectations on what good dog behaviour means.

Some dog owners especially new dog owners might believe or pretend to believe their dogs are under control while they’re being a nuisance. My daft former neighbour apparently didn’t understand her dog running and jumping up, to dig it’s sharp claws into me while it was in our apartment building meant it’s out of control. She was really offended when I told her to get a grip of her dog.

Other dog owners might have a little chuckle at the dog stealing a bit of food off the table or begging for crumbs or even humping other people. While I would consider it bad behaviour.

It’s all so subjective and some dog owners don’t want to acknowledge they can’t manage their dogs behaviour, so will claim that they can and are managing it, while the dog is tearing things up . So it doesn’t really end up being a true compromise.

I feel the husband definitely made the right choice to cancel it altogether.

Just by the way they responded to Op, and have went about this they sound quite entitled - and aside from the disrespect they’ve shown to OPs marriage, entitled people are often not good at managing their dogs behaviour.

And also just to add for some people having multiple dogs in their house on Christmas Day, even if all are genuinely well behaved will never be a stress-free enjoyable experience, especially if there are young kids around.

Dogs can be unpredictable especially in new and loud and busy environments.

NewName24 · 17/12/2024 12:19

surreygirl1987 · 17/12/2024 00:10

Both sides had equal responsibility to clearly state.

Whoever thinks this is batsh*t.

If I invite someone to my house, I shouldn't have to add a clause - oh by the way, just to make clear, your pet goldfish isn't invited, and neither is your great aunt Mildred, oh and neither is the fox that lives in your garden. I've invited THEM and them only. Why tf would anyone with half a brain think that I was inviting their pet animal to join us...?!

Edited

Exactly

I always think this on wedding threads (when people assume dc are invited when their names aren't on the invitations) and on children's party threads (where people rock up with siblings). Nobody should ever have to list who - or in this case WHAT - is NOT invited. that would just be bizarre.

Lottapianos · 17/12/2024 12:47

'you could , however, ask for your family members to control their dogs’ behaviour as described above.'

I'm guessing that would go about as well as if you asked people to control their children's behaviour!

DarkAndTwisties · 17/12/2024 13:30

caninechristmasconundrum · 16/12/2024 23:22

Dh cancelled after more messages (‘why can’t the dogs just have the conservatory for the day?’, ‘Why are you upsetting MIL?’ , ‘Can’t you just put your foot down and stick up for your family?’ etc etc). He just said he had had enough so it’s going to be a quiet Christmas this year !

I hope he said "i am sticking up for my family".

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