I’m scared of my parents dog

[Nov2010]

So my mum and dad decided they were ready to have another dog, their last one died a few years ago. They picked Rex up from a rescue centre last Monday and he seemed to settle in really well. We went to visit on Saturday evening for the first time and he was ok with my OH and DS but growled at me. He kept up the growling until I left the house. Unfortunately this has reinforced my fear of dogs, despite having two of my own who I love to bits. Since then I have been left wondering how I feel about my son visiting and I’m not at all comfortable with it. We’ve all had a tough year as a family and I know that for my mums mental health the dog is good but telling her she can’t have her grandson round is going to really upset her. Am I being silly or am I right to be worried about the dog. Help please. 😕

I would also be very concerned about their dog, especially around a child. I would not be comfortable with my child there.

Our dogs are v nervous around people. When we have guests, we shut them out because the situation usually can't be controlled enough. We may do some training on a lead with the dog muzzled (e.g. Dog look into room where guest is, guest ignores dog, dog gets treat) but only if guest is happy with this. Why can't they shut the dog out? If the dog is growling, it's stressed and scared so shouldn't even be in the situation. They should know all of this if they did any research into getting a rescue?

You are not silly imo, I also would be concern about the dog and my child being around him. I’m surprised that your parents didn’t react somehow on this situation especially knowing about your fear of dogs.

@Aquamarine1029 thank you. I feel better knowing I’m not just being over anxious.

I think you are right to be wary.
How old is your son?

I wouldnt like that either, and I like dogs

I wouldn’t want my child around the dog either, a nervous growling rescue and a child is a recipe for a disaster.

@User415373 they are going to going to convert a safe space for the dog where the dog can go when I am there from now on. This will also be handy if he shows the same nervousness with other people and for when my DS visits. He hasn’t yet but just incase. They have had rescue dogs before but this is the first time they have had a nervous dog.

I would be worried.

Children want to stroke dogs play ball when they want not when the dogs wants and just wants to sleep.

This has happened to my children and it’s snapped and bite 3 of my 4 children over the years.

Now my mum keeps them separate now - the kids are older not crawling babies and it’s the kids fault for wanting to stroke the dog not the grumpy dog! 😳😳😳🤪🤪🤪🤪 (this is a tiny dog)