I probably am being U but am upset

[Bethshine82]

I know already people will say this was my fault but I'm upset.

Took DS aged 2.5 to corner shop today. As we walled up there was a dog tied up to the fence waiting for its owner. My DS likes dogs and this one stood up and wagged its tail.
I told DS just to wave at it as obviously I don't encourage him to pet strange dogs but he put his hand out to stroke it. As he did so it growled, jumped up and bit him on the hand. It has broken the skin in two places.
I was so upset I just took DS home. But now I wonder if I should have waited to see who the dog belonged to. I'm sure everyone will say it was my fault but I kind of think if your dog is that vicious it should have a muzzle. DS hadn't even touched it.

What should I have done? Not that it matters now, but been mulling it over since and although I feel it was partly my fault for not just dragging DS away before he could go near the dog another part of me thinks this dog could be a risk.

It was some sort of long haired terrier type dog. Not a big dog at all.

Sorry this happened OP.

I think Plumpy speaks much sense.

Our dog is a really lovely golden retriever, quite a submissive and gentle dog. But very occasionally, she reacts in a way I wouldn't expect - once, she turned and growled at a dog that approached us in a friendly way, and properly saw him off.

The thing is, dogs are unpredictable just like people are - they have bad days, get tired, ill, feel randomly threatened, don't like things, etc. I think it's a very sensible point to say that although DC generally like dogs, it's often not reciprocal. I know my dog doesn't like children - she lets them pet her, but you can see she's not bothered about them.

I don't think you can blame the owner, any more than you would expect to be blamed if your DS suddenly randomly shouted a rude word in public or similar. These things just happen. Am sorry for your DS but don't think you should have approached the owner or escalated this.

I do agree.
My friend had a dog that bit her two year old after she had been tormenting it. At the time I thought 'fair enough the dog has no other way of saying stop it.' They talked about having the dog put down but rehomed it instead.
I've always tried to teach DS that animals are not toys and have feelings too and he is pretty good. He only strokes very gently and doesn't shout or chase animals.

I suppose I was just shocked because it was just so quick and seemed out of the blue when dog had seemed friendly. And obviously it's my child so I'm more emotionally involved! Poor DS. His little face crumpled up and he kept saying 'why dog hurt hand? He cute, I like him.'

Awww. It's a shame. How is he now? Has he forgotten about it or not?

I think you might want to make sure he doesn't take some random phobia from this though; do you know a dog who is friendly who he could play with some time soon?

I'm not blaming you or saying it wasn't the dog owner's fault but in future, do be careful with strange dogs especially if their owners aren't around. You just never know.

I'm sorry your little one got bitten. Keep an eye on the wound, I'm sure you will though anyway.