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AIBU?

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Original poster

Dog nipped child

379 replies

Twinkleandstressed · 01/01/2025 18:48

Dog was tied up outside corner shop - I could see him from the till point. Only picking up one item. Dog is usually friendly and calm. Child darts out of shop with father and runs towards my dog wanting to pet him. My dog reacts my growling and going to bite him. He didn’t thankfully but did hurt his lip by jumping. Dad is useless and just walks on to car. I quickly go outside and go to apologise. Mum who is sitting in the car is consoling child - I ask if he is hurt. She says just a scrape on mouth. I apologise again and explain that my dog must have been startled but I feel terrible and that I cannot trust my dog.

OP posts:
NeedABabelFish · 01/01/2025 18:51

It's really irresponsible to leave your dog tied up outside a shop.

Eta: you don't need to muzzle the dog, just leave him at home. Most dogs hate being left outside shops, you can see it in their body language that they find it stressful.
A child - anyone - running towards them can be perceived as a threat, they have no means of escape as they're tied up so their only choice is to try to deter the threat. If their initial warnings aren't heeded they escalate. It's not the dogs fault it was put in that position.

Symposium · 01/01/2025 18:51

Don't leave your dog unattended again.

Original poster
Twinkleandstressed · 01/01/2025 18:51

I think that too although he was startled. I may have to muzzle him in future.

OP posts:
Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 01/01/2025 18:50

I'd say your dog is a risk to children at the very least, and should be muzzled as a minimum.