I have a problem with my aunt and my dog?

Well, I think you are probably right, the aunt sounds silly, and sadly many people have these irrational fears.

However, you are stuck with her (it seems) for a while. So things I would do:

- get the dog a bed and have the dog sleep on that - on the floor. Taking the dog off the couch won't hurt the dog, and it may keep the aunt from being overly anxious.

- leash the dog in the home and during dinner time, keep the dog on the bed. If the dog won't stay put, tie the leash around the foot of a large sofa (something heavy) - put the dog bed in front of the sofa and tell the dog to down stay there.

Mostly, people who are not used to dog feel uncomfortable when they invade their space. Hopefully (but maybe not) the aunt will relax a bit.

If the daughter is scared of her - this might be where you invest time. Spend time with the dog and the daughter- if your dog knows any tricks that might amuse or entertain (as sad as it sounds) the daughter might warm up.

The way to your Aunt's heart is through her kid - if you win the daughter over - the Aunt will mellow.

Good luck

PS: I keep my own dogs on dog beds when company comes over and they are very happy there. Its actually less stress for me to know the dogs are in one place and not bothering people - and if its people that are nervous of dogs, I leash them as I told you and that really helps with the fear factors - people SEE the dogs are tied - and instinctively relax.

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I do NOT agree with keeping the dog outside and did not wish to imply that would be an acceptable "compromise".

My dogs are indoor dogs - and while I do think making SOME effort (if its possible) to compromise indoors to relieve the tension isn't a bad thing - you are not a door mat and I agree that I would stand up and say it.

Be firm - try to keep a smile on your face, and keep it short (I ramble -and actually suck at this becuase when I'm pissed off - i will unload on someone but I'm giving advice of what YOU should do (in this case, its do as I say, not as I do :-)

If your dog is well behaved, and only you know - then don't apologize for the dog, and simply tell the Aunt the dog stays. If it becomes impossible - then speak with your Mom or Dad and have an "intervention".

Aunts are not supposed to be mean witches - and I want to believe with another adult present, it could be worked out.

Good luck

Well, in my opinion, I don't think your aunt should be saying that. She's NOT the owner of the dog OR the house. Your parents should be the ones to say that. THEY own the house and partly own the dog. It's obvious she doesn't like dogs.

I think you should tell your parents about the situation. Maybe they could talk to your aunt about it. Another thing is, you could take the dog out in the back yard and play with him/her.

Hope this advice helped!

If your aunt is having issues and making you and your dog miserable take your dog on a walk then go together and hang out in your room until your parents return. Later tonight when your parents have had a moment to unwind discuss your concerns with them but be calm and rational.

If she is going to continue to watch you while your parents work then make sure your mom tells her the rules again.

take the dog to your room for now

She needs to get the rules straightened out & you need to do as you're told.