# In-Laws Hide Aggressive Dog From Family

> Family visits to in-laws interrupted by hidden aggressive dog.
- Title: In-Laws Hide Aggressive Dog From Family · Slate Magazine
- Summary: Family visits to in-laws interrupted by hidden aggressive dog. Family refuses to visit in-laws after discovering elderly dog with dementia and aggression.
- Keywords: sister-in-law, dog, dementia, sundowning, in-laws, children, veterinarian, rehome, aggression, parenting, family, Hide
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/10/family-advice-parenting-grandparents-dog-danger-vet.html?via=rss
- Author: Michelle Herman
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sister-in-law, dog, dementia, sundowning, in-laws, children, veterinarian, rehome, aggression, parenting, family
## Dog with dementia
My sister-in-law’s 14-year-old dog has lost hearing and developed dementia with severe sundowning episodes.
## Dog behavior issues
A trainer and veterinarian tried behavioral and medical interventions but nothing helped the dog’s aggression.
## Baby and dog conflict
The dog and 11-month-old baby have been kept in separate rooms but now the child is more mobile and the dog is more aggressive.
## Vet recommends euthanasia
The vet recommended euthanasia as the kindest option for the dog after failed interventions.
## Parents-in-law’s reaction
My mother-in-law was sad when told the dog might be put down, but my father-in-law became angry and wanted to rehome the dog instead.
## Family visits interrupted
We heard barking and crying from another room when visiting in-laws, realizing the dog was hidden in their house.
## In-laws deny dog’s danger
In-laws claim the dog is calm with them on the couch and blame the new baby for his aggression.
## Family’s decision
We will not visit in-laws as long as the dog is there, but we invite them over at our house instead.
## In-laws’ response
In-laws send photos of the dog calmly sitting with them on the couch, saying they’ve had no issues since he came there.
## Family’s next step
We will invite in-laws to visit at our house with the dog left at home to ensure safety.
## Key takeaway

Family refuses to visit in-laws after discovering elderly dog with dementia and aggression.