Friend's dog bit a child, whose fault?

@SoVeryVeryBored that works if he is next to me and walking sedately and I am not making sure a different child isn’t drowning or something! If he’s running ahead or has briefly lingered behind or if I glance the opposite way and a dog approaches us or he sees an exceptionally appealing one he isn’t guaranteed not to pet it. I am on him and I do remind him he must check with the owner but children do things on impulse and I do think it is wise to remember that, not just where dogs are concerned either. He has got better, there was a stage where I thought he needed a lead. And treats, and poo bags, and a crate. I do often think he has a lot in common with your average golden retriever, he even looks a bit like one with wavy blonde hair

The dog should have been on a much shorter lead if the space was that tight you couldn’t pass at a reasonable space. If I was the kid’s parents I’d be furious too. I’d have called the police then and there and be pushing to get the dog destroyed. There are too many aggressive and untrained dogs out there.

Surely you take him by the hand and physically remove him? People are banging on about the level of control owners are expected to have over dogs, even when other run over and physically grab them, so parents should be able to control their child, most of whom presumably understand language.

The dog was on an extending lead ahead, away from the owner. You have your dog by your side when people are passing.

If a child cannot be taught the parents need to never keeping it under close control as ll manner of things could happen to them.

Try reading the post properly- I’m responding to what the other poster said. If thou think she started from the wrong point take it up with her.

It's the parents/child's fault completely. I was always brought up not to touch dogs I don't know without asking, and that's how I bring my children up too. Although the girl may be shocked and or frightened, the dog had a reflex reaction and girl was unhurt, she should take it as a lesson not to touch dogs she doesn't know. Forget about it.

I have a two year old and while we comment on dogs she sees I don’t let her get close and certainly wouldn’t let her touch one. On the off chance she darted and did and it bit her I’d be so angry at myself and would take sole blame for it.

I'd say it was dog owners fault

Clearly dog wasn't under control and lead was too long

Dog owner saw the family coming towards them and failed to keep the dog on a shorter lead.

If it's a new behaviour I'd be getting dog to the vet as it might be ill and that is also on owner for not noticing

Long leads shouldn’t be allowed for any dog if I’m honest so the dog owners should rethink that

but in this case depending on how far the dog was from the owner at the time then yes it’s the child and their parents fault

i have a child who loves dogs and it’s been a nightmare getting him to calm down when he sees one and always ask first if he can stroke them - no he’s not a toddler - he really should no better - although his stroke can then often end in a full on bear hug. I accept that if he gets bitten it’s my fault for not having my child on a shorter lead!

Everyone and no-one.

1.5m leash is quite long. We always shorten to have the dogs walking at our sides when passing people.

Children should be taught not to approach strange dogs.

Or parents could take some responsibility for their damn kids. Plus, a chihuahua could maim a child. People need to teach their children not to touch random dogs.

Child and parents fault.

All dogs above a certain size need muzzling in public. I would rather a 1000 muzzled dogs than 1 kid losing fingers.

Children should be taught to ask before petting a strange dog.

In credit to both children and their parents, in the 14 or so years I had a dog, I would say at least 90% of children asked before petting him - and he was a small, cute kind of dog (and as harmless and soft as he looked, never once bit or got aggressive - miss him every day).

You have to understand that not all people are reasonable.

The parents fault of course. Always ask for permission before petting a dog - some dogs do not like it and can become distressed; can never know how they will react

There's a nip and a bite and this was a nip. Girl needs to learn some sense around animals and her parents need to learn some manners.

if your friend has a dog who gets bitey when children try to pet it, it needs to be muzzled. The fact that the dog was scared doesn’t mean a bite is any less painful!

I don't think it is the dog's fault at all but perhaps a lesson for all. I have a lurcher who seems to be a magnet for little children. Whenever I walk him in a public place I make sure to swap sides if necessary to put myself between my dog and strangers. Honestly more to protect my dog from stressful situations and to give me more reaction time if needed.

edit: misread

I have a nervous dog who basically wants to be ignored. She wouldn’t bite but doesn’t want patting by random kids and will try to get behind me. It never ceases to amaze me the number of children who get upset or annoyed when I say no to stroking the dog and the parents that don’t back me up!

When I walk my friend’s gentle but slightly nervous dog I bring him right by my leg if there are people approaching on a path, out of consideration for path use but also it is important to protect your dog from the unknown. Kids are often erratic around dogs

But the child’s family need to put their energy into teaching their child not to rush towards strange dogs and touch them. That was very much their fault

Parents fault