My nieces hate my dogs? (and I baby-sit them!)?

Question

::sigh:: I don't think my brother and sis-in-law don't really like them either, I have 2 (well-behaved) AmStaffs. My dad is a mailman, hates dogs (he's been bit at least 10 times,) so he always mentioned how one of my dogs "almost" bit him when the family is around, which doesn't help.

ANYWAY, when ever I baby sit, which is often, I have to lock my dogs in my room, or make them stay outside. They love outside, unless of course, there are interesting guests inside! I don't feel it's fair to my dogs! But I don't want any dis-harmony with my family. (I get paid to baby-sit anyway! ~Used to have a home-day-care.)

Just to add, they have a kitty, and 2 of my kids are allergic to cats! I don't tell them to get rid of their cat when we come over!

Answer 1

I'm sorry but they would have to get a grip.  They know you have the dogs.  It is not fair to the dogs and I know your dogs aren't going to hurt a flea.  Like you said they do nothing about their cat.  I am in a similar situation.  My in laws don't like my animals.  They don't come to my house because I refuse to kick the dogs out while they are here.

Answer 2

Well, do you live with all of these relatives? If you do, then you have to keep the peace for the sake of the humans and animals in this pack ! So make a goal of moving out so that you and your dogs can be happy. You cannot expect everyone to love animals the way you do and you have to respect that and they should show the same respect in return.But until you have a place of Your own where you call all the shots, you need to compromise.

Answer 3

I agree with Forest Basenji, her ideas should help. I personally have no problem telling my family to either tolerate my dogs or get the h*ll out of my house. Luckily all my family members love my pits.

Rescue Member get out of the dog section, you have no idea what you are talking about, my pits play with my 9 month old. They don't bite her, but we have seen her bite the dogs.

Answer 4

Keep my dogs in a separate part of the house.

Little kids and dogs don't mix - especially powerful dogs like you have, and, as you say, you get paid to baby-sit.

Answer 5

If it were me, the first thing I'd do to make the immediate situation better, is make "outside" a more desirable place for the dogs :).  Maybe go to the butcher and get some big, raw meaty bones or some oxtails?  Raw chicken backs?  Something safe for the dogs to chew that is VERY tempting and enjoyable.  You may have to look around and go to a specialty meat store (supermarkets often don't have raw bones).  A specialty meats place will cut the bones into appropriate sized pieces for your dogs, and they are incredibly cheap....so you can stock up, keep 'em in the freezer and dole them out when the kids come by.  

This way, the dogs have a lot more fun being outside and don't mind missing out on the "company" as much.  

Then, I'd work on helping the nieces get accustomed to the dogs.  You don't mention how old they are....if they are very young, it may simply be that they are intimidated by the larger dogs.  If they're older, it might be Mom & Dad's influence, if they've made remarks about your dogs in front of the kids.  Either way, if your dogs are calm and well behaved with the kids, you can all go for walks, to the park.  Or, teach the dogs a few cute tricks, like "shake hands" and "roll over" and get the kids involved- have them ask the dog to do tricks and give them treats for it.  Kids usually like giving treats.  

You could also try keeping the dogs in the house, supervised, and seperate them from the kids by a baby gate.  Maybe the kids won't be as intimidated if they can see, and touch the dogs but the dogs can't get to them.  It may give them a chance to see that the dogs aren't any threat.  

Kids are easily taught....believe it or not I was scared to death of dogs when I was a toddler.  My mom adopted a little Lhasa mix from the shelter and I was terrified of it for the first week.  But over time, my fear disappeared.  I just needed to learn that it was all OK.  A little effort and you may get your nieces to come around :)

Answer 6

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If your family doesn't lock up their cats for your children's health, there certainly no reason to lock up your dogs due to sheer ignorance.  

Answer 7

Hmm...well maybe with the parent's permission you could try to show your nieces that they have nothing to be frightened of. Or let them know that you will not be able to keep the dogs locked up while babysitting them anymore because it is cruel to your pets. You could also bring up the fact that your kids have to suffer through their allergies when you visit them and that's actually a medical issue. Their kids are just scared which they will get over eventually by being around the dogs. Just jkeep in mind that you run the risk of them not allowing you to babysit anymore because of the dogs.  

Answer 8

I don't think it is very fair for you or your dogs to have to make changes like this. Especially if your dogs are use of being with you all the time. I would have a talk with them and let them know your dogs are part of the family too and that they are going to have to be around. I'm sure you can get some more kids to baby sit that will be ok with it. I would make sure the dogs are not jumping around them of course. I just seen the pics of your dogs!!! I love them!! They almost look like pits :)

Answer 9

I have a similar situation, most of my family loves my Corgi-mix, but one of my sisters and her husband don't care for the dog. They have 2 small children and have no pets at all and I don't think they are ever planning on having any. But, I don't care about that I won't punish my dog for what ever there problem is with him, and they know this. I am usually the one who babysits them when they need it. I don't put my dogs outside they just have to deal with it. I also think that they know I would never let my dog hurt them and the kids do love my dog and 2 cats. I am sorry I hope I helped.

Answer 10

i have the same problem my grandma hates big dogs and we have a pitt mix just keep them on the leash inside and when they get to close the person just take the leash and pull them away and then after awile the dog wont get close and the person can get "closer" to the dog it might just work out for you like it has for me.

Answer 11

Hmm, I don't see a question...

I guess either keep doing what you're doing, or try something else.  Can you ask them why they don't like the dogs?  What they don't like about them?  Can you take your nieces and the dogs to the park together?

Answer 12

thats ridiculous!

theyre your dogs so if they dont like it they can find a new babysitter!

Answer 13

Sorry, but I would have to tell my family members that I can not baby sit for them anymore.  It is not fair to have to lock your dogs up just because the kids are afraid of them.  I would not do that to my dogs.

If they get upset, mention the part about your children being allergic to their cats.

Best of luck to you.  This is a really yucky situation.

Answer 14

Yeah you are doing the right thing i have to lock up my dogs when people come over. or just get a cage for each one or get a big cage for both so they can still be inside with you and they can still see who as entered your house. Good luck