Would your kid's friend's fear of dogs stop you from getting a dog?

Anonymous
We are considering getting a dog this summer. One of the things in the con list is that DD's BFF is terrified of dogs (she's 5, so could outgrow it), and at least one or two of my friends aren't big dog fans. We love to have people over and I hate to think that friends would no longer come to our house. At the same time, if our family wants a dog should we be held back by the feelings of other families?
Anonymous
No

Get the dog
Anonymous
Can you put the dog in another part of the house?
Anonymous
No, I would get the dog. I would absolutely control the dog around this child though.
Anonymous
We trained our dog that she is not allowed in one room in the house. That way people afraid of dogs can go in the living room, and know the dog won't come in there, because she's not allowed.

My dog makes me happy approximately 8-10 times a day on a week day. More on weekends. My DD's best friend comes over at MOST three times a week. Dog wins.
Anonymous
Get the dog.

When we have parties, our dogs are crated in a bedroom so they are not underfoot at the party, regardless of how people feel about them. I don't want them being pests and having to worry about a guest setting down food where they can reach it.
Anonymous
Get the dog.
We have people over every now and then, but the dogs are part of the family. We use baby gates when needed.
Anonymous
My DD's BFF is terrified our our beagle (!). She is slowly getting over it and we crate the dog when she comes over.
Anonymous
I have a child who is scared of dogs. My friends who have dogs are so supportive and put them in other rooms when we are over. However, I actually want my dd to get over her fear, so if you got a puppy I would ask that she see it from a distance and see how small and not intimidating it seems. So a friend who got puppy would be helpful to me anyway I would be mortified if a friend held off getting a dog because of my DD's fear.
Anonymous
Get the dog. Just crate it while you have company over who is afraid of it.
Anonymous
No. I am scared of dogs as is my child. Get it and just be ok coming to our house or meeting somewhere.
Anonymous
Get the dog. Seriously. You might also want to reconsider being friends with people who don't like dogs. It's usually a sign of a real lack of empathy in a person. Watch out.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:No. I am scared of dogs as is my child. Get it and just be ok coming to our house or meeting somewhere.


Why are you scared of all dogs? Even a friends dog that you could take time to get to know?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Get the dog. Just crate it while you have company over who is afraid of it.


Poor dog! We've trained our dog to not jump on people. He goes ballistic (as in tries to hurt himself suicidal) if we try to lock him in a room without us. Some dogs just can't be crate trained. That being said, we've never met anyone who's afraid of our 8lb dog.

Get the dog OP!
Anonymous
Get the dog! It is crazy to make a decision based on the likes and dislikes of a 5 yo girl who isn't even in your family. Will you ask her opinion before you get a new minivan or rearrange the furniture in your house But definitely make sure you have a safe place to keep the dog when she or other scared or allergic people come over. And I assume you will get a friendly dog who is good with kids so even if he escapes, he would just frighten the girl and not hurt her.
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