Redditor Decides To Stop Spending Christmas With The In-Laws After Her Dog Bit Her MIL And They Didn't Want It Around

"So as far as I’m concerned, he’s behaving like a dog"

Maryjane

• Published in Christmas
• January 31, 2023

"Let sleeping dogs lie" is more than just one of those idioms that have been so thoroughly misinterpreted that its true meaning has been lost. Actually, it's a literal caution.

It's most likely true that a dog will exhibit aggressive behavior when startled while sleeping. This response, known as the "sleep-startle reflex" in dogs, can be rather frightful, especially if there are young children, senior citizens, or those with disabilities present.

Many dogs will quickly get back to sleep when abruptly awakened. But when startled awake unexpectedly, some dogs may growl, snap, lunge, and bite.

In today's story, we see a Redditor and her partner, who has an Australian Shepherd. They take this dog along to see both their parents during the summer.

The last night they were at her in-laws, their dog bit her MIL when she startled him while he was sleeping. The OP thinks that a lot of factors could have contributed to the dog's reaction, and she did list them.

From the OP's perspective, it is completely understandable that the dog bit her, but her in-laws think he’s aggressive and don’t want to see him. The OP disagrees that he’s aggressive, but she absolutely respects and understands her MIL being nervous around him.

She doesn't want to push the matter, but she definitely doesn't want to spend Christmas without her dog too. Read the full story as you keep scrolling down. 

The OP Writes...

The OP convinced her to go to the hospital just to be safe

The only option that would allow us to stay overnight at my in-laws

Here are what the other Redditors thought about this story

Your dog is a family member

Even the nicest dog could bite you

There always a chance a dog would bite if it's startled

Your parents could take the dog for a few days

It doesn't fully sit right to minimize the human relationship

They have to understand that different plans will be made

You're still going to visit both sets of parents

You and your partner are on the same page

You're not taking responsibility for your dog

This situation is entirely of your own making

Your response is a string of weak excuses

The fact that he growls and snaps is also telling

You're going to ignore her because of this

A scared dog can be as dangerous as an aggressive dog

Be straight forward with no manipulations

Your wife could visit them for a day or two

That would be the middle ground

Are you really prepared to tell them this?

This Redditor is one of of those who loves dogs

Here's the edit the OP added later on

Anyone who owns a dog with a sleep-startle reflex must first come to terms with the fact that this is how their dog is. It cannot be corrected through the punishment of any kind, nor can it be corrected through training. 

Redditors dissected the matter and gave the verdict of "No AHs Here." Drop your own opinions below and share this post as well.

Maryjane