It will be my child's bday soon and I want everyone minus their dogs to come. My husband's dog gets upset and snappy (he's a big dog) when other dogs come around and our house is just too small for all those people and their dogs. I don't want them dragging in dirt and knocking down my child, either. I KNOW at least one person will be offended. How do I minimize this without getting into long explanations that won't help anyway?
2006-11-01 10:42:57 · 20 answers · asked by reddragonsong 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just tell everyone. Be honest and up front. Say that your dog gets too upset and your place is too small. Let people know that if they do bring their dogs they are to be tied up out side. Don't mention the part about the dirt and house work. But be firm and make your point known in no uncertain terms. Be sure that everyone in your household will back you on this - or don't even bother trying.
Now stick to your guns. Don't allow any dogs in to your house. Have some rope and leashes available in case some one brings a dog. Also have a few water bowls handy.
If you are going to do this - be sure that your own dog is kept out of the way for the duration of the get together.
Some people may not show up over this. You must be willing to risk that.
2006-11-01 10:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You and your husband need to work this out and come to an agreement. Other people getting in between the fight with your husband is not a good thing. Sorry to say but, a little toddler can cause just as much destruction to a brand new home as a 85 pound dog. The dog can't spill juice all over the floor or draw on the walls with crayons. I've cleaned plenty of houses and the most destruction to the homes have been done by children with crayons and juice spilling on carpets.
2016-03-28 03:57:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing wrong with requesting that people leave their pets at home when they come to visit you. I think it's impolite to bring a pet without asking first.
My brother and his wife take their little dog "everywhere" they go (probably because he barks so much if they leave him home alone). The last time he was here he "pooped" on my new livingroom carpet. Of course my "sister-in-law" blamed it on our dog.
We have a small female dog and cat who live together very peacefully, they are great friends. My brother's dog chased our 11 year old (3-legged) cat all around my house! I was extremely annoyed (and more so because my sister-in-law didn't try to correct her dog).
The next time they were coming over I simply told them they were welcome "without their dog". I just explained that their dog was too "disruptive" and I wasn't about to let him upset my cat again.
I really didn't want to offend anyone either but if they aren't going to worry about offending me by bringing their dog, than I'm not going to worry about offending them by telling them their dog isn't welcome!
Sometimes you just have to come out and say it. You can be "assertive" without being mean. Good luck.
2006-11-01 11:05:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is entirely rude and inappropriate for people to think that they can bring their pets to other people's homes without asking first. So, I would have no problem offending the offenders. That being said, if your ultimate goal is not to offend, then make up a reason why pets cannot be around...like your dog is on medication that makes him sensitive to other animals or some B.S. like that. Good luck.
2006-11-01 10:53:12 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are well within your rights and not being ast all unreasonable.. its your childs party and your home. Everyone else should be respectful of that.
Send invitations.. even if you were not going to .. do it now
On the invites... say
People only party.. or sorry no pets
or if you need to explain a bit
you could say
We look forward to seeing you but please leave Pets at home.
To avoid problems with our dog, please leave your pets at home!
something like that
thats it.. you do not need to explain why and if they are offended so be it
For anyone to assume its ok to bring a pet of anykind to somebody else house for a party is just completely rude.
Shows NO respect or consideration.
Good Luck
Wismom
2006-11-01 10:49:58 · answer #5 · answered by Wismom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just come out and ask. If you are sending invitations, ask them in the invitation to refrain from bring pets (please) to avoid compromising the safety of both their pet and the children, as animals do get excited in those situations. You might want to put your husband's dog apart from the common area just to show you are following your own rule, so to speak. Good luck on this one!
2006-11-01 10:47:21 · answer #6 · answered by Cub6265 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If these people cannot respect your reasonable request nothing you say or do will help so don't loose any sleep over it. My dog goes nearly everywhere with me but I will leave him home if I even think he may not be welcome or his presence will cause a problem. It's not fair for you to be put in this situation over something so silly anyway.
2006-11-01 10:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by puremynx13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think your best bet is to be honest and sincere..if they really are family, then they should understand. especially if you have a little one.sometimes peoples love for their animals blinds them to the fact that most of us dont really like our crotches sniffed or being jumped on ect. be kind, but firm...and be honest with your concerns.if they truelly cant leave the mutt home, then i think they have a bigger issue than you.
-fallen
2006-11-01 10:54:28 · answer #8 · answered by fallen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL same thing happened to my aunt...this lady brought her dog over for 2 hours...inside the house :|...and my cousin is scared to death of dogs...so you can imagine...-On the invitations put do NOT bring your pets...or they will be shot...lol
2006-11-01 10:47:37 · answer #9 · answered by 1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them as politely as you possibly can. If someone gets offended even though you were polite, there's really nothing that you can do about it. If they care about you, and if you've been as polite as possible, they will honor your request. If not then maybe they're not worth your time, family or not.
2006-11-01 10:46:20 · answer #10 · answered by TROLL EATER 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋