Do you think this is fair? Friend has 5 year old son, I have 2 dogs?

Question

My dogs are both spaniels, very gentle and well behaved. They are brilliantly trained, and respond instantly to commands. They love young children and are around mine and my neighbours kids constantly, they were around mine as babies (under supervision of course!). A friend of mine has a 5 year old son, no allergies, no fear of dogs, nothing, but she is a paranoid mother who can't stand the thought of a dog licking the child's hand, or him patting them, because of the 'germs'. When they come over, I make sure the dogs don't bother them, but she wants me to lock them outside! Isn't this rude? It's my home, and my dogs are indoor dogs (no, my house isn't dirty, it's cleaner than hers!), if they're not bothering him why should I lock them away because of her paranoia?

Answer 1

As a pet person I sympathize with you (you can post this in pets- dogs forum too)
typically people learn from their mom - her mom was probably the same way -

Personally I would rather have my kid exposed to some germs than the chemical sprays they are wanting us to use on our homes...

perhaps you can put them in other room with baby gate?? or crate them??
or have them on "sit stay" beside you..
stand your ground its your house...

talk to your friend tell her that your dogs are relatively safe..well trained etc... a dog licking a kids hand is only a problem IF the dog has worms... and IF he happens to have just licked himself when shedding worm eggs.. and IF the kid then puts his hand in his mouth..

Answer 2

I feel that she kind of had a nerve to even ask you that. It's YOUR house not hers. I could see if the dogs were unruley and constantly jumping on her or the child. But that isn't the case.
I would suggest if you like her company, to get a baby gate and gate the dogs in another room. I usually do that with mine when new people stop over. Mine are very leary of strangers, so gating helps them to calm down a bit and get them use to a new person.
As far as the germs go..........I think people lately are just going over board with the "germ" thing.

Answer 3

Yes it is very rude of her to ask you do to such a thing to the dogs when they are good with kids. If her son had problems then it would be ok if she asked but not tell you. As for germs, what does she think floats around in the air? Germs are EVERYWHERE. I would just tell her that your dogs live there and it is their home too and that you understand her paranoia but your dogs are going to remain free but that you will watch them and keep them away from her child (poor kid missing out on the love of an animal)

Answer 4

What about a compromise of maybe baby gating them into one area of the house. As a mom I know I can be over protective (more for dog bites not "dog germs") but also as a dog owner its my house and the dog lives here. The simplest and easiest way I can think of keeping both parties happy would be to baby gate them in the kitchen or living room just while she is there. Good Luck

Answer 5

I have a dog and children and I did lock my dog in the basement when we had guess because she is so big and doesn't know her strength and my kids know how to handle her. but this is your house and if she doesn't like how you run your house/ dogs tell not to come over that you will visit in her house. Or make a joke out of it and tell her when she starts paying you rent she will have a say and if she laughs tell her it's funny but I am being serious. God luck.

Answer 6

I understand you feel obligated to help him. But, I say set an ultimatum. He's gotta get his act together by a certain deadline. And lay down some rules. He needs to chip in, get the pets out of there, clean the basement, show some respect and/or find a job closer to home or move closer to his job. I mean just tell him how's it gonna be. He has no choice. He can move out and be homeless or simply do what you request which would be the best thing for the both of you.

Answer 7

I've gladly locked up pets for friends with allergies or being annoying to guests (behavior, not presence), but never for plain irrational dislike. If they are not bothering them, she should respect your house or you guys might need to meet at her house. One compromise could be to command them to stay in a room, but don't lock them in, it's their house to and your friend needs to understand that. Also, I hate dogs and but will not make my friends lock their dogs up if they are not licking me or climbing on me, no matter how much they offer. My point in saying this is to le you know that even a dog hater (ok, not really hate) thinks your dogs should be respected in their home.

Answer 8

Do you want the friend and her son over, or do you want your dogs to be inside 24/7?

You just have to choose. Right or wrong is not the issue. You may win the battle but loose the war! Be careful that this is not just a power struggle, with you feeling entitled, because you feel "right".

You may end up loosing a friend over this. Is it worth it, just so your dogs don't have to spend a couple of hours in the backyard or in the bedroom?

Answer 9

you shouldnt lock your dogs away, i see an argument coming on here though. you just might have to tell her not to come over if she refuses to be around the dogs,, i myself dont like to be licked by dogs, and would let a dog lick my kids mouth but i wouldnt freak out i would just push the dog away

Answer 10

This is a delicate situation and I do empathize.
You have a point, it is your home. But the polite hostess would constrict the dog to a closed off area (not necessarily outside).