they have a pit bull. Now i am not really anti pit bull or anything but for some reason my son is a little freaked out around strange dogs. We have a dog but he is a really calm lazy dog, if a dog come up to my son he really get scared and that's no way to act around a pit bull. I am thinking of just pretending to forget about the party or planning something for us to do at the same time. HE's only six so i should be able to get away with this, i feel bad though because she came to our party, and i chatted with her mom for a long time at another party. I just don't want to put my son in any unneccessary danger. What do you think?
2007-05-11 18:45:54 · 20 answers · asked by noone 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
The party is in their backyard.
2007-05-11 18:46:20 · update #1
So is the consensus that i should talk to the mom, because i was afraid that i might offend her.
2007-05-11 18:58:21 · update #2
I haven't yet R.S.V.P'd for the party yet and i told my son there was a party but not necessarily wether he was going or not. I have 2 children younger than him one being a baby and my husband is working that night so i will have to drag all of them there, so helping will be difficult unless i get a sitter for the younger two.
2007-05-12 03:39:43 · update #3
I would talk to the mother about your concerns.Let her know your son is very nervous around other dogs (your dog being the exception) and you are concerned how he will be around your dog.Let her know that you would like your son to come to the party and have fun with his friend but ask her where the dog will be during this celebration.A number of excited kids running and screaming is not the place for most dogs.Ask if she plans on keeping the dog in a penned in area or somewhere safe for everyone's safety.It only takes seconds for a party to turn from a celebration to a tragedy.If the woman is reasonable she will understand your concerns.
2007-05-12 00:59:55 · answer #1 · answered by gussie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would simply ask the mom if the dog will be present, and mention your son is afraid of strange dogs. I don't see how that could offend her in any way. Just don't mention it has to do with the dog being a pit bull - as that really doesn't matter, your son is afraid of all strange dogs it sounds like. Most likely, if the dog is at all skittish or would be any issue to kids, the mother will have the dog in the house, or anywhere other than near the kids. Good luck!
2007-05-12 01:16:06 · answer #2 · answered by Mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, I would imagine the dog would not be attending the party. Not because its a pit bull but because you never know how that many kids together will treat the dog!
Being scared is no way to act around ANY dog. If the dog is at ALL dominant he/she can try to assert that dominance. Doesn't matter if its a teacup poodle or a bull mastiff.
Pit bulls are generally some of the BEST family dogs. In their own house, they act more like floppy cats than dogs. They don't get hurt easily, guard their family and "genetically" they are NOT violent with people but with other animals... goes to show how poorly these poor animals are treated. Sad!
Talk to the mother, ask her if the dog will be around the children. Tell her your son is often scared around strange dogs even though you yourself have a dog. Tell her you are worried he won't want to stay. I'm sure she'll understand.
If her dog was a perceived threat, I'm sure she would not have him around all the children. Not to mention, her own kids!
2007-05-11 22:56:54 · answer #3 · answered by Noota Oolah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could go to the friend's house to chat with the mother and meet the pit bull before the party? Yes, some pit bulls are aggressive because people have trained them that way, but many pit bulls (including all of the ones I've ever been in contact with) are extremely sweet and loving. Before you say yes or no to your son, see if the pit bull will even be an issue.
2007-05-11 19:17:36 · answer #4 · answered by alc051001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just ask the mom to have the dog shut in a bedroom during the party. I have a golden retriever who is a little overfriendly. She loves to play and get petted. But for kids who don't know how friendly she is, they might be scared. Explain your son's fear to the other kid's mom. I'm sure she would be more than willing to shut the dog in a bedroom, because some other kids may also be scared of dogs, even if their parents never said so. That's reasonable for any mom to assume. I shut my dog in a bedroom all the time. Let your son go to the party. Shutting the dog in a bedroom will be no problem for the other mom.
2007-05-12 12:26:11 · answer #5 · answered by Buffy J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, definately speak to the other child's mother. It is a much better option than lying to your son. Maybe she already plans on tying the dog up. There is nothing offensive in asking if the dog will be restrained during the party. Most people who have pets that are giving children's parties DO restrain their pets during the duration of the party.
I am having a party for my daughter next week, and my bouncy puppy will be restrained. I am doing this for the safety of other children, even though my puppy, who weighs at least 30lbs, has never bit anyone.
Children run around at parties. They carry food at parties. They do a lot of things that pets aren't typically exposed to, at least in an abundance. The other child's mother should not get offended by you inquiring if the pet pit will be restrained in some fashion.
2007-05-12 02:01:45 · answer #6 · answered by Susan E 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well talk to the kids mom and see if she would put the dog in another room for the party. ALOT of parents would probably feel funny with thier children around a pitt anyway. Don't think that just because he is 6 that he will not remember some time or another about the party, trust me, I tried that once, still haven't heard the end of it, lol and my son is 5. But anyway, talk to her and then let your son go if she agrees with that. By the way, I LOVE pitts
2007-05-11 18:54:07 · answer #7 · answered by cherokeegrl26 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a pit bull for 13 years. he was the best dog we have ever had! he was the biggest baby because we were NICE to him and he was naturally nice back. Animals are only mean if they are abused. So maybe you should have your son go over there for a play date before the party to see if he can handle the dog. If they are nice to the dog then i guarantee he is a wonderful dog!! Good luck and remember, dont judge a book by its cover! =]
2007-05-12 02:56:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bet with a lot of kids, presents, cake, parents, etc around, the dog will be locked up in the house anyway. If you are really uncomfortable, you should just call and tell the mother that your son is afraid of strange dogs, and ask if her dog is going to be around. I'm sure she'll offer to keep the dog locked in a separate room at that point.
2007-05-11 18:55:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most people having a large gathering of sugared up 6 year olds would lock up any pets for thier own protection. Talk to the mom and ask her if she is planning to put the dog somewhere and explain your son is afraid of strange dogs - I cant imagine that offending someone!
2007-05-12 00:57:26 · answer #10 · answered by jillmarie2000 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋