I was about to go into a "they haven't been taught better/need more supervision" spiel, but then I saw that he is 13..
Do they have dogs of their own? Some people are just really clueless about dog behavior and have a friendship view of animals. As in "they're really nice, they won't bite me because we're friends" sort of thing and just have no idea that even the nicest dog can bite. It's not personal.
I'd probably stick with reiterating that we do not reach into dogs' bowls and that, even if a dog is ok with it once, does not mean he'll be ok with it again. And then feed in the crate, because sometimes people don't listen
Going to try this. No dogs of their own, and the previous one died before this kid. That dog was MAGICAL and didn't jump, counter surf, shed, or smell. He knew basic commands from the womb, and had an impeccable recall. He was the best dog ever born. I'm sure when we leave, Middie will be elevated to these standards in everyone's memory.
God, even just READING about this is pissing me off. I've had about 230948 times more than enough with kids doing stupid things with my dogs too.
Except that 13 is way too old. Like. What is he even thinking.
I also push the suggestion to crate the kid.
In seriousness though, I agree with Fran... feed Middie in a closed room to prevent anything from happening.
Though honestly, I'd lunge over and bite the kid's hand myself and just be like, "SEE? SEE, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REACH INTO A DOG'S BOWL."
... literally seething right now just from the thought LMAO.
I like these ideas. Including the hand in food.
I'd probably say something like "Dude, seriously? Aren't you smarter than that?" When logical reasoning doesn't work, "everyone knows you don't stick your hand in a dog's bowl while he's eating" along with some eye rolling and maybe an annoyed sigh.
I will try this instead of the measured, logical reasoning I've been trying. Thank you!!
It terrifies me that your roommate reproduced.
Since the kid is 13, if he still didn't get it after this I would walk over to him while he's eating his meals, lean really close and start grubbing through his food with your bare hands while he's eating.
Again, I love this idea. <3
That was gonna be my suggestion - stick your hand in his food while he's eating and ask him how he likes it. If he doesn't, point out the dog doesn't like it either.
Love x3!
feed my dog in a crate and find a new roommate
at 13 I wonder just what's going on in his head? Either he has developmental issues and then the onus is on me to keep my dogs safe, or there has been a serious disconnect in all forms of parenting up to this point and I wouldn't really trust him around me at all.
I find it incredibly entertaining just how perceptive you are by reading posts. There are some developmental issues going on for sure. Nothing has been diagnosed officially, so it would be inappropriate to post my assumptions here. Let's just say that we are certain he has a problem. There's a joint custody arrangement with two VERY different parenting styles in different cities.
I have to agree with Dizzy on this one. I know you know you need to get rid of this roommate, and I'm not sure of the circumstances surrounding him still being there.
but... I've had roommate problems before. I've worried about my dogs and lost trust in roommates to act appropriately with them. I've taken dogs with me to work/left them in the car, crated dogs in locked rooms, padlocked kennels and boarded dogs to prevent issues from happening. Because they will, and I am not taking that risk once you've lost my trust.
It SUCKS. It's not fair at all. But you have to prevent something from happening, and that's the only way, sometimes.. Until you behead the guy in his sleep because you've finally lost it... Then you've won the battle!
The circumstances just so we're clear (I should have mentioned, sorry) are as follows:
BF and I have been broke for a while due to unemployment. I just got a job, as did he, so filling up our coffers again is a possibility.
The R rents the house, we rent from him. We cannot kick him out. We cannot move out until we have a place to go and money to do so. We're working on it, but our escape plan is set for January at earliest. We have NOWHERE to go until then and CAN'T afford to move right now.
Honestly, I've never lived in the place where my roommate hasn't owned it or been the one on the lease.
The situation is hard, but not impossible and is taking time. We shortened our trip dramatically and are coming home tonight, we are also bringing him with us tomorrow, Sat, and Sun. We're done with the BS and I'm worried about Moo. He doesn't even really like the kid anymore, and he's normally obsessed with them. That alone worries me. That's the equivalent of Moo refusing bacon. He used to LOVE the kid and follow him endlessly with doe eyes, but now he clings to me. He still treats the other kids in the hood like they're The Bestest Things Ever, and while I have no proof of anything at all, I'm worried. Even the BF has commented.
