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What to do- MIL dog is aggressive with children

15 replies

twinkiesaremyfave · 18/09/2017 17:20

I'm at a loss with what to do and would really appreciate some advice. I love dogs in general but admittedly I struggle to like my in law's dog and I'm worried it could be clouding my judgement. He's a Labrador (working strain) and completely out of control IMO.

I have a 10 month old and I don't want the dog anywhere near my DD as I've witnessed first hand this dog try to bite a child and the only thing stopping him was that he was tied to the bench we were sat on. The memory still haunts me as to what could have happened. MIL can't accept that her dog is aggressive towards children and told me that labradors aren't aggressive like staffies after she saw me making a fuss of a lovely staffie pup.
It's getting ridiculous now because I won't join them on a walk if the dog is there as she won't muzzle him and he's uncontrollable on the lead due to his size, she then makes the walk awkward now as she makes digs several times about having to do a separate walk with the dog.
She said the attempted bite was a one off and he was probably hot etc she wasn't there at the time of the attempted bite so refuses to believe it.
I won't take my DD round to hers as she refuses to shut the dog away and is adamant if I 'calm down' that they will be great friends Hmm
AIBU to carry on as I am and ignore the constant guilt tripping comments?

OP posts:
tinymeteor · 18/09/2017 18:56

You're doing the right thing. There are two red flags here - the dog making an attempt at biting and your mum being in denial. Both are dangerous. Your child should only be around the dog on your terms and under your supervision, if at all.

villainousbroodmare · 18/09/2017 18:57

Of course YANBU. I will never understand this. What would it take for her to realise her animal is a serious problem? Stay well clear of him.

Mummy2one2016 · 18/09/2017 19:02

YANBU, your MIL should be more understanding. I would never allow my lb in that environment. My MIL has a work bread dog and my son doesn't go in here house if the dog is there as she is very unpredictable and barks constantly which terrifies my lb. Labrador are actually involved in more attacks on children than most other dogs it's just not splashed all over the news.

Orangebird69 · 18/09/2017 19:04

Is the dog worked/training to be worked?

Notreallyarsed · 18/09/2017 19:06

You can tell your MIL that labradors and not staffies were responsible for more hospital treated bites of children last year.

NotTheCoolMum · 18/09/2017 19:07

YANBU. Let her make all the guilt tripping comments she likes. She sounds like an idiot.

purplecorkheart · 18/09/2017 19:09

You are right. No way would I ever take the chance. Even if you mil does not agree with you she should respect your decision.

blueberrypie0112 · 18/09/2017 19:15

You will have to tell her that her dog is trying to its job to protect her and that babies sound, smell, look different to them and there is a high chance her dog see your child as a threat. If she doesn't put her dog away , you can't bring your child over to visit. And because she was dismissive about your concerns, you can't trust her to watch your daughter alone,

Greyhorses · 18/09/2017 20:31

We have large breed dogs that live in the house with our DS, however never let MILs poodles within a mile of him.

It caused an almighty drama but I put my foot down and refused to go within a mile of the house unless they were caged. Eventually she got the message but couldn't understand why I wouldn't allow her dogs near as she couldn't see them as anything but lovely Hmm

I would be firmer and don't engage in discussion about it, either the dog is away or you don't come.

Ttbb · 18/09/2017 20:34

No, I wouldn't let my children around a dog even if it hadn't tried to bite them.

Winteriscomingneedmorewood · 18/09/2017 20:46

Your dh should be questioning her about why her dog is more important than her dgc. .
Good on you for sticking to your guns!!

DartmoorDoughnut · 18/09/2017 20:51

First link about dog bite stats that came up is this www.google.co.uk/amp/www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dog-breed-most-likely-to-attack-bite-you-revealed-a7166296.html%3famp

twinkiesaremyfave · 20/09/2017 17:16

Thanks for all the replies! DH is completely on board with the dog not being near DD but doesn't find the nagging on every visit as infuriating as I do, he just says no every time but would happily repeat it every time- I'm no so patient with people!!! Blush I've told him that he needs to make it VERY clear and the fact that they have their heads buried in the sand doesn't mean we're going to put our child in any danger. Hopefully it will sink in! Thanks again

OP posts:
verystressedmum · 20/09/2017 18:07

Not all labs are gentle and docile. My own lab was the softest most lovely natured dog ever to walk on earth but I've seen far too many not lovely, almost aggressive labs.
What was the situation wrt to other child it tried to bite? Not that it matters I'm just wondering.
I'd keep away from the dog and if my MIL couldn't accept the dog may be a risk then I'd keep away from her too.

MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 22/09/2017 16:31

My lab is the softest, most gentle thing out but my parents last lab was a bloody nightmare around food. He would come and sit by the dinner table and gently growl at you, he had to be fed outside the back door because he would go for anyone near his food bowl and we learnt to stay away. When there was no food involved he was lovely but you couldn't trust him to not suddenly get a whiff of food and go for the person holding it. Bloody peculiar dog he was. There's no way I'd have had young children around him. They often wander about with a biscuit and the consequences could be awful.

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