We are planning a Christmas party at our house. My sister-in law has asked to bring her small dog. I don't think it is a good idea with all the people, presents, and food. I want the party to be about family, not centered around her dog running around the house. She is typically vocal about everything and always has something to say. I want to tell her no dog, but I also want to keep the peace. How do I tell her no in a nice way?
2007-11-20 07:44:14 · 14 answers · asked by Thomas C 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Tell her that you understand how important the dog is to her but that you think he might get stepped on or overexcited with all the people there, and he would probably enjoy resting quietly at home instead.
2007-11-20 07:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by Maria b 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You might try being direct. "Sue, there will be too much activity in the house and I do not want a small dog underfoot. There are just too many things that can go wrong. Thank you so much for understanding." A list of things that can go wrong: unfamilar dog does not know how to ask to go out in a strange place = you get poo on your carpet; small dog gets stepped on and hurt; small dog does not like everyone at the party and takes a bite out of someone, etc.
If she has a very good reason for bringing the dog (dog needs medicine, etc.), perhaps you can compromise and allow her to bring the dog and its crate and put the crated dog in a spare bedroom or the basement.
On the off chance she gets lippy to you about it, re-state your NO statement. She may choose to not come. If that's okay with you stick to your guns. She may come without the dog and get mouthy when she's there "Patty is so MEAN because she wouldn't let me bring Fluffy." You can simply respond affirmatively "Yup, I'm a meanie. Who wants pie?"
Good luck with this.
2007-11-20 09:46:09 · answer #2 · answered by oldernwiser 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are pushy and there is not a nice way to tell them no. If you don't want the dog there, tell her that the dog will have to stay at home because some of the guests are allergic to dogs and having her in the house would cause them not to attend, and humans are preferred guests to dogs. Tell her you'll make sure to send home an extra good dogie bag of treats to make up for her missing the party. My brother is the same way with his 2sm and 2med sized dogs, him & my sis-in-law take them everywhere. We had to ask them to not bring the dogs to our grandma's 99th Birthday party, and they choose to stay at home with them instead, There were hard feelings on both sides, him mad that he wasn't welcomed with his dogs, and we felt he ditched grandma's party for dogs that will probably be here next year when grandma just might not, this was back in July and we are all over it now, but you have to stick to your guns if you don't want the dog at the party.
2007-11-20 08:06:56 · answer #3 · answered by Chelle Mary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Borrow a really ferocious cat for the day. But really, who is going to look after her dog for her on christmas day? Unless she lives close by enough to pop round and let it out for a run a couple of times, you should just let her bring it. Sounds like the real problem is your sister in laws attitude and how she doesn't respect your house. And that maybe she is an irritating and annoying person you wouldn't have chosen to be in your family. Maybe focus on that rather than rat-dog.
2007-11-20 07:58:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her that with while you personally think it's fine, other people you're inviting may have allergies to the dog, and therefore, you don't think it would be a good idea to bring the dog. Or, if you know that to be untrue, say something like, "Normally, you know I'd love to have Fido over. But just this once, I'd like it if the dog was left at home for this special occasion."
2007-11-20 10:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by Heidi B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell her that you are not really fond of having dogs around the house, otherwise you would have had one of your own and that you really have to take into consideration other people who may have allergies to dog hair. To be honest if one did have an allergy, it can be a pretty bad reaction with stinging eyes and irritation.
2007-11-20 21:35:18 · answer #6 · answered by VelvetRose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetly say "As much as we love to see and be entertained by ChompChomp, I just don't think it would be a good idea to bring him to the party. Thanks."
If you need to say much else, maybe you should no longer host the party until they can respect the wishes of your home.
2007-11-20 07:53:42 · answer #7 · answered by GinGi 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
tell her that some of the people you invited are allergic to dog hair so it would be better to keep the dog home
2007-11-20 07:59:58 · answer #8 · answered by blueberry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell her that you don't think it is a good idea and not to bring it...Be plain, open and honest and you should be ok, if she has a problem then I guess she won't be there.
2007-11-20 08:03:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"No, we have no room for the dog, with all the people who will be there. Leave Fritzi home, with some food & water in her dishes. She'll be just fine."
2007-11-20 08:06:03 · answer #10 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋