Dog Hater

[Jody Neeley]

We are going to be getting a puppy in just a few short months. It is a decision my husband and I have reached after years of thinking about it and months of researching. I know you can never be completely prepared but I believe we have looked at all the pros and cons and have decided this is a good choice for our family. My mom, however, is a huge dog hater. She claims she is allergic just to keep them away from her. My sister has a little chihuahua and she is constantly complaining about the dog. When my little girl told grandma she really wanted a dog my mom replied, "well, if you get one I won't come and visit anymore." It is pretty extreme. My mom lives just a few miles away from us and I have been meaning to tell her our plans. I just dread the response! I will explain how we have come to make the choice, but I am wondering if anyone else has dealt with a true dog hater and if you guys have any great ideas. Thanks in advance!

[Kris and Sawyer]

I wouldn't say my parents are dog haters but they are definitely not animal people. We never had dogs or cats growing up, mainly because my parents are clean freaks and they see animals as dirty. I purposely didn't tell them about Sawyer until it was a done deal and he was home. They love him now! They will never be dog people but they play with Sawyer when they visit. My house, my rules, my decisions. Now I send them more pics of Sawyer than their grand kids... Lol.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I'd almost just tell her and leave it at that. She may not come over at first, but grandma's can't keep away. 

Tell her that the dog is hypoallergenic, doesn't smell like dog, and is very smart. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

My Mum was terrified of Cats which resulted in her saying she hated them. When we got our first kitten she said she would never come to stay but she did. The Cats and my Mum ended up having a relationship. I wouldn't say it was love more one of mutual respect.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think that if you are very calm,  don't defend your choice i.e. don't get drawn into any arguing about your choice, and do not back your mom into a corner she will come around eventually.  Like others have said, grandmas cannot stay away forever. My mom who is NEVER wrong (ask her) once  decided to let bygones be bygones when I refused to capitulate about a disagreement we had.  I just quietly stood my ground about the issue and stayed away from her.  She finally called me - she couldn't stay away from the kids.  I am sure she still felt she was right, but at least the problem blew over.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

When we first knew he was going to be ours, I sent the grandparents a gorgeous picture of Rippley in an email with text as if it were a birth announcement - stating, "presenting your new granddog!" (ha, ha!) Plus, I used the angle of how having the dog is really a bonding force our family (true) as the kids are spending more time with us, time outside, less video games, we are all healthier for it... I also continually send them pics, esp ones of my sons hugging the dog, and now they are so in love. They ask regularly about the dog, sometimes before asking about the kids! They didn't start out as haters, but it certainly has helped them bond.
Oh, and when they visit I make sure he is well exercised beforehand so he just lays at their feet, And I train him so he doesn't jump on them, which my parents appreciate... Good luck with the new pup!!

[Marie and Hoka]

Many in our family definitely do not love dogs, some from allergies, some from dislike/mistrust of dogs.  My parents grew up on farms with working dogs and do not like dogs in the house.  It does sometimes limit our ability to have large gatherings, although our house is most central and a good layout for parties.

I love my family and would like if they all loved and approved of my pets, but I get love and laughs from my pups every day and would never give them up!  I can go see my family at their houses.

And in the end my Mom actually now loves my little terrier Moxie, and even lets her inside the condo to visit!

[Leslie J]

I think the best thing to do is crate train. We entertain a lot, and sometimes small children are afraid of Cocoa. I give her a treat and she's happy to rest in her crate and watch everybody. Cocoa can get overexcited when guests first arrive, and in those cases I also crate her for about 15 minutes until she calms down.

It may be they'll learn to tolerate your dog if you take it slow and don't push her on them. Part of it will depend on your pups personality :)