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

Dogs can only be left for a max of 4 hours. And the smell will depend on the dogs and how small the house is. OP has said MziL and BIL have large houses

They can absolutely left for longer than this particularly as a one off. Dog owners can pop back and let out for wee etc if they are worried.

Bringing pets should be a 100% yes situation otherwise they don’t come. If someone is not comfortable the polite thing to do is not to bring it, not to make that person feel unable to attend.

Absolutely not. I love dogs and have dogs but that many untrained dogs in a confined space, plus children is a recipe for disaster.

Obviously I get that they can't be left all day and they can't get a dog sitter over Christmas day and boxing day but I'd rather just not go, and see them in between Christmas and New year for lunch out or something.

How far away do you live from each other? Could someone go and let the dogs out half way thro8gh the day if needed?

It's a shame the dogs aren't well trained enough to be left alone for the day.

I love dogs and everyone in my family has a dog but they are trained to within an inch of their lives and are able to spend a whole day alone if needed incase of emergencies.

YANBU to not want to be around badly trained dogs