From the article: Solutions to Pet Problems When Grandchildren Visit
Have you had conflicts with children or grandchildren over pets? Perhaps pets have been a problem when they are visiting in your home, or when you go to visit them. Perhaps allergies come into the picture. Tell us about the problem that pets created in your family, and how you handled the situation. Share Your Experiences
My vicious dog
- I love my son-in-law so much that a recent visitor thought he was my child rather than my daughter. This love was only made stronger when they brought a new grandson to me 2 years ago. Our grandson is now the light of our lives. Trouble came when he was old enough to chase our family dog Beau. Like most American Eskimo dogs, Beau is very protective of children, but he is also high-strung. So recently, a sudden move toward his face, when he was in a tight space, unable to escape, resulted in a bruising nip to the little one's arm. My dear sweet grandson was swooped up by his mother and me, comforted and told he should not touch the dog's face. When he got on his feet again, he immediately ran to Beau and said "I'm sorry Beau!" This set my son-in-law in action and he charged in anger at the ball of white fluff. Barely controlling his anger, he made it clear that he feared the dog might maul his son. From then on, Beau has to be confined when they visit. How can I change this situation?
- —Guest CatPurry
My mom's dog
- We have always had big dogs who lived outside. My mother (who used to hate animals in the house, by the way) now has a "little yapping dog,"--some fancy breed I never remember. It drives all of us crazy when we visit, but we just grin and bear it. Truly, we love her so we try to love her dog!
- —Guest janey chambless
Limiting Exuberance
- We had a problem with my dog being so happy and exuberant that people were visiting that she'd jump on them. This was really scary for my great- nephews, especially since Raini is short, but weighs over 50 pounds. (Half basset) I instituted the "greet people from the couch" rule --- Rain's allowed on the couches and chairs anyway, and this way she can get closer to people's faces for greetings rather than jumping up. When the human rug-rats get wild, she can go, too. She has a wire enclosure in the den that is her room, and when she gets too wild she has to go in there and do a "time out". Rain's 3-1/2 now, and we rarely have to send her to her room. ;-D
- —BethPete
big dog
- When my dog was a puppy was big and rather exuberant. Every once in awhile he would take one kids, my own, or a guest and swing them around the yard by their clothing. Fortunately everyone involved had a sense of humor about it so no lawsuits ensued. It did give me a couple of really bad moments though.
- —containergardener
Grandpa Hates the Beagle
- When Grandpa comes to visit (my father-in-law) he makes it known that he disdains our Beagle -- all Beagles, actually. Last year he was over for my son's H.S. graduation and he was cranky from his meds or something. He started yelling & kicking at our dog. I had to tell him firmly that he could not treat our dog like that, and that he shouldn't treat any animal that way. I then reminded Gramps that it was my son's special day, and if he wanted to lie down he could, but that the day wasn't about him & he wasn't allowed to ruin the day. After that, he calmed down and later apologized. His wife (my MIL) said nothing. Since then, he has stopped audibly complaining abt the dog. I think he needed someone to stand up to him or straighten things out rationally...his wife obviously is afraid to.
- —Guest Lisa Kate
Sad but True
- I had a lovely dog who adored me, but, if anyone else came anywhere near me the dog turned nasty, especially around children. It was so uncomfortable and one day a friend came with her children and the dog became uncontrollable. Eventually, for the safety and protection of any child I had to have her put to sleep. It broke my heart and to this day I still don't understand how this came to be from such a sweet dog to a monster. But hey, sorry, the kids' safety had to come first.
- —ElaineLemm
No Problem With Pets
- One of my daughters cats has been shedding like crazy and pulling out clumps of fur. The other Meows loudly. My daughter began long ago training her cats and setting limits where they can go. So when the baby arrived they alread new to obey. If they come on the bed they are allowed only at the foot or on a special blanket. Same with our husky when she visits. She simply has to obey limits nd we all get along fine and enjoy each other with no problems. Now if we could just get Grampa to quit Meowing at the cat ;)
- —S_Khalsa
Cousin allergic to cat dander
- My young cousin is allergic to cat hair and dander and whenever he comes over, he itches like crazy. His mom just loads him up with Benadryl and he seems to be OK. Still, I try to be especially circumspect in vacuuming when I know he's coming over.
- —Barb.Rolek
"Solved" is a strong word...
- My parents (my kids' grandparents) have a dog that is... to be charitable... a little nuts. It's a nice dog, and I certainly don't think it'd hurt the kids intentionally, but it could do some damage without meaning it. Unfortunately, my Dad is really at fault. The way he plays with the dog just gets it all riled up -- and more likely to knock over one of the kids, etc. We haven't solved the problem -- I'm still very nervous when the dog is around the kids, especially the youngest ones. But it's less of a problem now, as the kids get a little bigger and the dog slows down with age.
- —Guest Frank
