To feel nervous about this holiday?

[cherrymama]

We are going on holiday in a few weeks to our holiday house on the coast.Me,DH,DS(6) and DD (8 months).

Our two good friends who don't have kids are coming too.

Trouble is they want to bring their Weimaraner puppy.I feel so anxious about this. Our DD is at grabbing everything stage and DS has received therapy for a dog phobia which he seems finally to have conquered.The dog has no experience with kids.

Also nervous dog will chew up furniture,wires,etc - it's family's holiday house so others would be annoyed at this too.

My mum said these dogs are not great with kids.Would IBU to ask them not to bring dog?I fear though it would affect our friendship,they love the dog so much.But I think it might spoil our holiday.They are so hospitable to us as friends and have us to stay often.But I don't know if I can risk the kids safety.

Don't hint; tell them straight out as someone else has put it, and tell them as soon as possible so they have plenty of time to make other arrangement for the puppy.

You've left it long enough as it is, you need to sort this out now.

Britfish - Give him away - Why? No, he is now 2 1/2 and the most handsome boy in the world. He still chews our feet etc and does tend to jump up with his mouth open and can give you a nasty bash with his teeth (he is a Springer) but I presume it is the nature of the breed to 'mouth' things (like ducks and geese ). I would never, ever give an animal away - an animal is for life as far as we I am concerned (said as my 20 year old, very smelly cat is dribbling on my keyboard!)

I personally would be straight up and say that they can't bring the dog. I have two children who also, until recently, were so afraid of dogs that if they even heard one bark in the distance, they would become hysterical and try and run with no thought as to where - even into a road before. This was because my son had been knocked over as a small toddler by a large boxer dog.

Harimo said: "I have a choc lab who has been around my two babies from birth (even though he was my only baby until he was 5). Never a problem.

Obviously they will need close consideration (as ALL children will need at ALL time ANYWAY) so what difference it makes is to me."

well, actually it makes a lot of difference to a child who is recovering from a phobia. Why should the child's emotional and mental wellbeing not be more important? And besides, your dog has been around your kids since they were born, this one has never been around children before as OP stated. I don't think they are being responsible at all if they aren't considering the OP's situation.

If they are good friends they'll understand. OP, your child is more important than the puppy, End of.

I would just say that you are not comfortable with them bringing the puppy.

Or as others have suggested claim your family have reminded you of the no dog rule at the holiday home. That gets you off the hook.

If you have reservations do not do it. You would feel dreadful if you let them come and something happened. It is your holiday and you need to relax too.

I also agree that you just tell them straight that they cannot bring the dog. If you try to give reasons/excuses/make suggestions then have to tell them straight in the end it will look like you were being difficult all along without a good reason.

FWIW I think it's a shame (although they should not have got a puppy and just assumed they could bring it) but if you are not comfortable you are not comfortable.

Do not say you are worried about the dog and the kids.

They love the dog and have no kids.

They will not understand.

All they will hear is 'precious kids/nasty dog'.

Say "Gosh I'm really sorry, it's such a pain but my mother/parent/whoever owns house/ has a strict no pets rule."

Presuming the puppy is around 6 months or older, he will be fine to go to a kennel, and at this age it is a good thing to get him used to.

We started leaving our dog when he was around 6 months and he has always been really happy to go into kennels when we go on holiday.

But if they do come without pup, be prepared for them to sigh a lot: 'oh Rover would love this beach' and 'wouldn't Rover have loved haring around this field' and 'What's the point in going for a walk when Rover isn't here......?'

It's your holiday house. If you are uncomfortable, say something before you go. Otherwise you won't relax, your friends will sense an atmosphere and everyone will have a rubbish time.

If you don't want to be 100% honest, can't you say that a friend who's allergic is staying there the week after, so you can't have pet hair etc etc? Or say that your DS isn't ready to be around a dog 24/7

whatwasthatagain:
i just sounded like you used to have him and didnt anymore. a dog is DEFINATELY for life and i would adore a springer if i had a bit more room.