Concerned Woman Wants To Prevent Brother-In-Law From Bringing His Aggressive Dog To Family Gatherings

"His dog tries to bite people too if it decides the person is too close"

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• January 21, 2024

Pets are a big part of our families, bringing happiness but sometimes also unexpected problems. This story is something many pet owners might understand: dealing with a pet that has behavior problems when you're around family.

OP's brother-in-law adopted a rescue dog a few years ago, which exhibits aggression towards both people and other animals. This dog has made multiple attempts to attack OP's dog and often behaves aggressively while they are eating, even when OP's dog is not present.

The dog also attempts to bite people if it deems them too close, despite approaching them on its own. To prevent any conflicts, OP keeps her dog leashed when visiting, but her brother-in-law chooses to unleash his dog and refuses to use a muzzle.

Initially, after the first incident where their dog attempted to attack OP's dog, OP's brother-in-law had promised to keep their dog muzzled and on medication to prevent future incidents.

However, this commitment only lasted for one visit before they deemed it unnecessary. This situation has led OP to question if she is in the wrong for requesting that her brother-in-law not bring his dog over.

As additional context, OP and her husband are planning to move into their own house soon and intend to host family dinners there, which is why she is seeking input on whether her request is justified.

OP's brother-in-law adopted an aggressive rescue dog a few years ago, which has shown hostility towards both people and animals.

OP is wondering is it wrong to request that her BIL not bring his unleashed and unmuzzled dog over after it tried to attack her dog.

OP is currently having family dinners at her in-laws' house, but they plan to move to their place soon.

Bringing uninvited pets to someone's home is not okay.

OP has the right to set the rules in her own home.

OP should avoid lengthy explanations, just repeat, 'Your dog is not invited.'

He can decide to leave his dog at home or choose to stay home himself.

OP needs to protect her household from uncontrollable dogs.

Having the BIL's dog over could potentially cause anxiety or conflict for OP's own pup.

OP has the right to control who enters her home, and if someone doesn't accept her decision, it's their problem.

OP should establish boundaries and stick to them.

OP is not in the wrong if she doesn't want a dog around after it attempted to bite her.

OP's brother-in-law is responsible for the dog's behavior, and if the dog attacks someone or another dog due to his negligence, it will ultimately be his fault.

It's not right to bring your pet to someone's house without being invited. OP can decide who can bring pets in. She doesn't have to explain a lot; she can just say, "Your dog can't come."

OP needs to make sure her home is safe, and having a dog with behavior problems around could make her dog anxious or cause fights. OP can decide who's allowed in her home, and if someone doesn't like it, it's their problem.

Setting boundaries and sticking to them is important. OP isn't wrong to say no to the dog, especially since it tried to bite her.

The brother-in-law is responsible for his dog's actions, and if it hurts someone or another dog because he didn't take care of it, it's his fault. Safety and comfort for everyone in the house should come first.

Damjan