Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Still trying to figure out what's the problem that needs fixing. Are you concerned the dogs will be underfoot? The solution is baby gates, crates, walks, bully sticks, toys, etc.

Are you concerned about fur? Ask your husband if he intends to vacuum thoroughly after they leave.

Is it about scratching hardwood floors? have your relatives cut the nails real short before they come.

Accidents in the house? Hand some paper towels and Resolve to the owner and remind them to take the dog out more frequently.

Dog fights? If all dogs are walked and exercised, they typically find a corner and go to sleep. Dogs sleep like 18 hours a day. But crates and baby gates help too.

What exactly are you worried about?

Mainly scratches on the hardwood. I can ask about trimming their nails, that's a good idea. I can get over accidents on the hardwood floor but it just seems gross on the carpet. I know you can clean the carpet but I'd just feel like it was always dirty after that. I realize my view might be a tad irrational in that regard.

Anonymous wrote:I haven't read all the responses but I'm currently hosting relatives whose dog is barking incessantly and, for some inexplicable reason, bleeding all over the place. They think its a paw thing. I think I'm going to have a GD stroke shampooing the rugs and couch when they leave. He may not be my responsibility, but I AM responsible for maintaining a clean home for my family and for making sure our neighbors aren't being kept up all night by barking. It's a huge stressor.

I'm a dog person, big time, and I've taken my dog to family gatherings (back when I was young and broke and kid-less and just didn't comprehend how stressful it could be on a host). I think you're very gracious for considering your spouse's wishes and your relatives' demands. I also think it's within your right to lay down some ground rules (and no one in their right mind would think you rude or inhospitable to do so).

My advice, if you really do intend to go through with the pet hosting, is to tell your guests what you're willing to deal with and what's a deal breaker. E.g., your dogs are welcome as long as they are house trained and non agressive. Those are very, very basic requests. I wouldn't in a million years expect someone to put up with a dog who wasn't house trained. And yeah, I suppose you could stipulate that non house trained dogs must wear diapers. The dog booties are a no-go. They just don't keep them on.

You're a saint, seriously. I hope your husband knows and appreciates this!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We always bring our dog and our families always bring their dogs. We enjoy it though and like seeing the dogs play. DH and I were just commenting on this the other day how all our friends and family are dog people.

I'm not a psycho dog person, but I don't think I would enjoy Christmas without my dog. I just wouldn't go.

i'm pretty sure this makes you a psycho (dog person).

Who are you to say something like that based on one statement?

I absolutely feel the same as PP. I would not like to board my pets over the holidays either. There are many like me. We are normal and simply consider our pets family.

"We are normal and simply consider our pets family."

That you wrote this without, apparently, a hint of irony is just hilarious.

Anonymous wrote:I can't get the image of 5 dogs wearing diapers running around your house out of my mind. Please report back and tell us how you manage.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We always bring our dog and our families always bring their dogs. We enjoy it though and like seeing the dogs play. DH and I were just commenting on this the other day how all our friends and family are dog people.

I'm not a psycho dog person, but I don't think I would enjoy Christmas without my dog. I just wouldn't go.

i'm pretty sure this makes you a psycho (dog person).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We always bring our dog and our families always bring their dogs. We enjoy it though and like seeing the dogs play. DH and I were just commenting on this the other day how all our friends and family are dog people.

I'm not a psycho dog person, but I don't think I would enjoy Christmas without my dog. I just wouldn't go.

i'm pretty sure this makes you a psycho (dog person).

Who are you to say something like that based on one statement?

I absolutely feel the same as PP. I would not like to board my pets over the holidays either. There are many like me. We are normal and simply consider our pets family.