Politics of parenting

[OBonio]

My sister is getting married at the end of the month and Nanny M agreed to take our 9 month old overnight so we could enjoy a drink or two. Sister-in-law and husband decide to take their daughter of 11 months on holiday that same day and leave their dog with Nanny M too.

Bearing in mind this dog is an Old English Mastif (read small horse) and has been known to 'go off on one', and it will be the first time Little OBonio will have stayed with Nanny M, we aren't too happy about this. We have made this known to the respective parties.

We now have an upset sister-in-law and an upset Nanny M on our hands both of which are trying to make us feel guilty for 'making them leave their dog at home' and 'not trusting her to look after Little OBonio with large dog in tow'.

Are we being overly protective of her? Are we or they being unreasonable?

[Clanad]

This says it all:
http://kidshealth.org/research/risk_dog_bites.html

Last year in the U.S. nearly 100 children were mauled to death by dogs. Most cases involved the mastif type dogs, usually Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. Many that survived the attacks were scarred, both physically and emotionally for life...

[alijangra]

Not at all. They should understand your concerns. Especially as you say it has been known to 'go off on one'. Dont let them make you feel guilty or bully you, your wee one is your priority.

[mycats]

My son was bitten on the face by a "friendly" family pet (not my family, his friends) and had to have 7 stitches in his face.He was 7 at the time, so no, in no way are you being unreasonable! Dogs are unpredictable and anyway, you wouldnt be able to relax and enjoy yourself becasue you would be worried sick. The dog will be fine alone for one night or they should find someone else to look after it.

[jmahdavi]

You are actually being very sensible. My sister was bitten when she was 2, in the face, by a dog that she had grown up with. It belonged to our neighbour.

Dogs misread situations and therefore can react wrongly, when ther feel threatened or jealous.

Dont feel guilty, its YOUR child and how would you, or Nanny M or your SiL feel if something happened?

IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND. No matter how kind natured the dog is, it is still a dog and has fight for survival instincts.

[smudge]

There is no way I would leave my baby/toddler with anyone who owns a dog. I would be terrified of my child either startling the dog, or the dog being jealous & the possibility of it lashing out with it's paws or biting!

You can never be too careful with dogs or cats - no matter how well trained & loved they are.

[smudge]

P.S. So no, don't feel guilty, you are just being caring, loving parents!

[OBonio]

Thanks for all the answers. They've been making us feel as though we're over protective... saying that, I think they're irresponsible parents... but I'll keep that one to myself.

[Pippa68]

I agree ~ you never can tell. You are being very responsible.

I haven't known anyone have bad experiences with dogs & children but I do know of a woman who had a dog for years ~ a very loving & affectionate animal who instead of kissing her one day took a big chunk out of her face.

No, you are not being over protective ~ you are just being a responsible parent.

It's not worth the risk, & your relatives should understand this. If they don't then there isn't really anything you can do..but at least you have a clear conscience with regards to little OBonio. That is far more precious!

[unruliejulie]

My Mum has a dog who, in the past, has been known to snap (he was badly treated before they had him) To them though, he can do no wrong and my Mum always says stuff like, oh, he won't hurt him, but you just don't take chances. Even the softest, friendliest dogs can be pushed by kids pulling and poking them. I am a big dog lover but nothing is more precious than your childs wellbeing.You onlly need to take your eye off the ball for a split second for an accident to happen. No, you are NOT being over protective. Is there anyone else who could take him for you or if not, just take him with you.(peace of mind) Its no reflection of your Mums skills at child caring, just one of caring loving parents.Good luck!

[electricblue]

I have 3 kids,have always had dogs,i wouldn't take any un-neccesary risks with any of them,luckily,my dogs have been brought up properly,i've never had problems with my dogs,they're rottweilers,all dogs are capable of turning,not just the big ones,in this case it seems that sis-in-law is possibly a teeny bit jealous?Does she like attention by any chance?If her dog is like you say'known to go off on one' i'd say SHE is the one that needs to find some 'care and consideration' in her body towards her child and yours!!