AIBU to refuse Christmas visits because of the family dogs?

[Xmasinkennels]

So the Christmas plans have started. MIL thinks she is in charge of everyone’s schedules and movements 24-26 dec.

Last year we declined as they all have dogs!

This year she is trying to insist on various times at various peoples houses and I’ve said no ! We can’t be around any of the dogs!

We’ve offered to host here on Xmas eve or Boxing Day but that’s an absolute no as nobody can leave their beloved pets.

She can’t/wont accept that we just don’t like their dogs. MIL has two yappy snappy yorkies. SIL has four dogs. BIL 1 has three. BIL 2 has one. None are well trained and they all smell and it’s just not festive to me at all!!!

We offered alternatives! AIBU to stick to my guns on this

That’s too many dogs! Why do people need more than one?

I bet they’d all bring the dogs though, or say a flat no.

I wouldn’t go either no chance!

YANBU. in our family we have 4 (very well trained) dogs, whenever we all get to together we all say - there are too many dogs in this house.

10 is ridiculous

I don't think so. I'm a cat person but love being around other people's dogs, also love the idea long dog walks over christmas and the other nice bits etc.... but 10 dogs in one house, where the dogs don't normally live together?
My sister has always worked for various wildlife trusts, where its normal to bring your dog to work but at one point the dogs where all clashing and it wasn't great for anyone.

My thoughts exactly. I adore dogs and all animals but ten untrained dogs sounds like a Christmas from hell 😂

I hate eating meals at people’s houses where there are dogs……so there’s absolutely no way I’d let my actual Christmas Day meal be ruined by them! Not a chance!

Block out all their noise and complaints, enjoy having a cosy (dog free) Christmas in your own home and leave them all to it!

Absolutely not unreasonable. I have dogs and they stay home when we go visiting; it gives us a reason to leave after a given period of time without causing offence too.

This is one of the issue ls I think. We are the only ones with young children . It seems that as the other dc in the family grew up SIL / BILS then got dogs and they all
treat the dogs like they are children ! Furgrandbabies MIL calls them !

I hate bad dog owners

Hard pass

Let your DH drop by if he wants to but I'd stay home

@Xmasinkennels furgrandbabies! Even more reason to stay away. Nope, no way, not ever would I be entertaining that household at Christmas. She can refuse to accept all she wants. What is she going to do? Beat you up? DH can drop in if he wants.

It’s funny how some people are though about their pets. I have 2 cats who are not allowed in the kitchen at all, yet when my mum suggested coming to me for Christmas I said no because I could not think of anything more embarrassing than finding a cat hair in the food. So I go to her pet free home where that won’t happen, I’ll help cook, or even do all the cooking if she wanted me to, but I wouldn’t risk the fur in my food

Ugh, these people with snappy dogs are the worst - I bet they insist that they’re just being friendly and won’t hurt anyone.
I had to chase a terrier the other day that the owner had off leash, and the dog chased after my absolutely petrified daughter. The owner offered a pathetic ‘he won’t hurt her’ while it was snapping at her heels, and then clawing at me. Needless to say I had choice words with her and her dog.

You are right to stick to your guns OP, it sounds awful.

My husband and I would never allow a dog into our house.

Would be like Christmas in Battersea Dogs Home. No thanks

I’d be staying home!

When our family gets together for celebrations (Christmas and similar) we have 9 dogs and 7 cats between us! The only pets on hand are at the home of the host, so typically 1 dog, and they are sometimes crated for the duration depending on their behaviour! No one brings their dog unless they are staying overnight due to distance.

I love dogs, but that's too many! Stick to your guns.

Ha yes it would. For me 2 would be a lot at Christmas dinner but 10 is a pack! Not even funny.

Bloody pets can stay at home!
They aren't babies, having to have regular feeds, for Heaven's sake. What's WRONG with these people?
Yes, I have my own much loved pets, but not everyone is a dog or cat person & I wouldn't inflict them on others.
As for your DH, @Xmasinkennels - I wouldn't be thrilled with him going out on Christmas eve & disrupting your family's celebrations. If his family can't be bothered..

I absolutely love dogs, but that would be too many around at once especially if food is being served.

I adore dogs, and I’m that family member that wouldn’t leave mine at home on Christmas Day but there’s not a chance on earth I’d want to spend the day with 10 untrained dogs. YANBU

Honestly what is this obsession with bringing a pet along for Christmas? It’s not normal or expected and people never used to do it. Dogs can stay home.

I find it so sad people are prepared to sacrificed family time because they won’t be separated from their precious dog. DH and I both have allergies and this same debates comes up regularly with BIL and it’s beyond tiresome. The allergies haven’t gone away. No the dog can’t come. Yes you are the one creating an issue.

4-6 hours is plenty of time to come for Christmas dinner. Dog owners can pop back for a bit to let out for a wee and return for cheese in the evening. It’s what you sign up to when you get one, not making it everyone else’s problem.

Why not though? Your dog doesn’t know it’s Christmas. It will just think you’ve gone out like you always do. It’s not like it will feel left out.

Are they local? What are their reasons for not coming to you without the dogs for Christmas Eve / Boxing Day for a few hours?