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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

staffordshire bull terriers

39 replies

thesunshinesbrightly · 30/09/2009 12:13

First off, i would like to say in NO WAY do i mean used as a weapon.

My son is bullied constantly, kids from school and some live in our area, would i be AIBU to get him a dog of his own?? just mainly for a family dog and also for kids to be abit weary of hurling abuse at him, people are very welcome to tell me if AIBU.

in the back off my mind i am VERY AIBU, but he can be a constantly with him,my son is, not weedy but not well built either and small for his age and seems to be a target for these kids.

and just for him to feel abit more safe as he hates been alone.

OP posts:
Simplistica · 30/09/2009 12:52

Wow, chool seems very crap!

I would try and speak to that link I gave (kidscape)- they are most helpful and very experienced at forcing schools to take action.

verygreenlawn · 30/09/2009 12:57

I would just reiterate the benefits of karate already mentioned - it's confidence building, requires concentration and discipline, and from the point of view of other children is seriously cool! Oh and is ultimately defensive - not aggressive - and so great for children suffering from bullying.

skihorse · 30/09/2009 13:05

Nancy No, it's not. But to give you the answer you're looking for; I don't live in the UK.

messalina · 01/10/2009 20:42

Thank goodness skihorse doesn't live in the UK. I cannot stand those dogs, or rottweilers BTW. I cannot understand children who have those sorts of dogs around small children. I hope you don't skihorse.

junglist1 · 01/10/2009 20:58

Don't feel guilty sunshine, you're in a desperate situation. I have nothing but sympathy for bullied children, and always run my mouth when I see bullying going on. It ruins lives. But things change even for bullied children. Life flows along, your son will have happy times again.

valhala · 01/10/2009 21:04

Messalina, how many Pit Bull Terriers have you met?

magnolia74 · 01/10/2009 21:09

Please don't get one
The stereo type of staffies is in most cases incorrect, our staffie would rather lick a person to death than bark or show any protective behaviour!

Any loyal dog may show protective behavior regardless of breed.

Original poster
thesunshinesbrightly · 01/10/2009 21:20

thankyou for all of your replies, but can you please let this thread die off, i am soooooo embrassed that it crossed my mind for even a split second, and I turned into something i most hate in a person and

OP posts:
skihorse · 02/10/2009 14:07

messalina I'm TTC - so intend to have many children around the aforementioned "killer/horror" dog. It's just as well I don't live in the UK as per your statement I'm thinking you think these dogs are only vicious within the confines of the UK borders. Phew! What a relief!

cupcakekaty · 02/10/2009 16:16

I'm sorry to hear about the bullying. I had to comment as I have a Staffie and believe me they are like little babies themselves. They are joyful, loyal dogs but also need company and it breaks my heart to see "hoodies" dragging them around the streets thinking they have a vicious deterrent on their arms, as this is just not the case at all. Why dont you try a self defence class? Kids can be awful and I have some experience of dealing with bullies. One of the best ways to deal with it is to confront them in a neutral setting away from their peers, or to involve the school and their parents. Difficult for the person being bullied, but it can't get any worse only better. Good luck

CurlyCasper · 02/10/2009 16:19

First - this is not a good reason to get another dog!

Second - If kids are going to be bullies they will do it regardless of whether or not your son has a dog. It's not like he can take his pet to school. And while you may not want it as a weapon, using your current justification for getting the dog, I can hear now the threats of "wait till my dog gets you after school"

Finally - if your son is alone, encouraging him to spend all his free time with a dog is hardly going to make him more socially able. I had a great balance between friends and dogs growing up. But there were many schoolmates who saw my serious involvement with dogs (family breeds and works then etc) as "sad".

Find an activity where he will make real friends. Just one solid friendship can sometimes be enough to stop the bullies in their tracks and cure any loneliness.

CurlyCasper · 02/10/2009 16:21

P.S Re: "I cannot stand those dogs, or rottweilers BTW"

why, messalina, have you met every single one? That's a highly ignorant response.

girlsyearapart · 02/10/2009 16:26

Staff would be too strong for him to walk on his own anyway. Mine can pull me over if he felt the urge (ie saw food)

Think you can have pitbull if you have a licence btw. Not 100% on that one.

Sunshine your ds can borrow my lovely Staffie if he wants to?!

Anyway if you value your shoes/sofas/remote controls/walls don't get a Staff pup.

CurlyCasper · 02/10/2009 17:06

sorry thesunshinesbrightly must have missed your post about letting the thread die off. I really hope you find something that helps to boost your son's confidence. Good luck

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