To think parents should teach their children how to behave round dogs

[Xihha]

There have been a few posts lately about people needing to control their dogs more (and I agree, if you cant control our dog and clean up after it then you shouldn't have a dog imo), but is it unreasonable to expect parents to teach children to be a bit more careful round dogs?

Whilst walking my dog (on his lead) a child who looked about 10 ran up and stuck his head in my dogs face to make a fuss of him whilst i was picking up doggys poo, without checking if it was ok, there have been other times kids have just walked up and started pulling doggy around, this sort of thing happens a lot, especially in the summer when there are more kids out playing and the parents rarely say anything about it.

It's not really an issue with my great soppy lump of a dog because he loves kids and will put up with anything for a bit of fuss but shouldn't these kids know that you should check with the owners before approaching strange dogs and that even a nice dog can get pissed of if you start pulling it around?

Children and dogs are the main users of green spaces like parks; they're going to meet whether the owners/parents like it or not so it makes sense for dog owners to know that they are going to have to control their dog around the unpredictability that comes with children and other dogs and for parents to supervise their children around dogs and teach them to ask the owners if they're friendly. Because other dogs and children are unpredictable, if you have a dog who doesn't like being approached in a "hello nice doggy, stroke stroke" type way and will snap/bite it should have a muzzle on, I think. And you should be shouting "watch out darling this dog is not friendly please don't stroke him" to all approachers. I do think the onus is on the dog owner. It's nice if children are able to be taught how to ask/judge when to approach but some will be too young, unable to understand, frightened, have parents who don't think to teach them or are lax in supervising etc etc.

Having said that, the dogs and owners we have met recently on our travels have been lovely! They all told us that their dogs are friendly as soon as we were anywhere near, perhaps seeing the slightly unsure expression on my almost 4 year old's face. She's starting to be a bit less afraid of dogs and not want to get away from them immediately and it has been lovely for her (and us) to meet 3 very tame and friendly dogs of varying sizes and ages this weekend.

Wow I learned something on this thread...why people who lurk in the doghouse get kicked off mn a lot...

saintly I did know that kids with autism could be helped by pets/dogs, but I thought they were working dogs, and would need special training for the role.

ilove that's the worst insult on the thread!

kittens well I guess if you like dogs more than humans, it is likely that your own genes won't be going to far...

Personally I find humans more engaging and interesting...although I would say the same of cats...

Not that many cats get put down for attacking children...

My cats are more of a pita for stealing food etc than our dog. And have upset the neighbours (doing normal catty things) whereas they all like the dog.

My son is too old to be given a service dog. The pet dog cannot block him if he runs but otherwise by being a normal dog in the household has helped him considerably. I might upload a photo of the two of then later if I can get on a computer.

What's so great about owning a dog?

Off the top of my head:

Unconditional non-judgemental love.
Amusement
Fitness
Sense of responsibility
Warm feet
Cuddles
Joy
Company
Peace

Child hating? :rolls eyes:

I'd say Lazyjaney's a bit of both tbh MrsWolowitz.

Lazy, have yourself a Bonio, pet.

Is it a bit hot for you today?

Or did someone once love a dog more than they loved you?

I simply can't imagine where your vitriol stems from.

But I don't care that much

I think children need those skills. I think parents should teach them. A dog owner is perfectly within her rights to try to teach children - kindly and patiently and not sergeant-major style - if they suspect the child doesn't know how to behave around a dog.

However, I think plenty of dog owners should understand that the world doesn't revolve around their dogs. At the end of the day it is up to pet owners to teach their dogs how to behave around humans of every shape and size and should be socialised to deal well with all sorts of behaviour on the part of people, including children. If they are to be out and about they should be trained to complete obedience.

Dogs are wonderful pets and companions. Dog owners should understand that sometimes a dog is irresistible to a child with SN or just one who is naturally inquisitive or friendly and outgoing. The way they treat children they come in contact with should put the child first. They should not be treated as little ignoramuses or nuisances or delinquents.

My child will run round in circules, flap his arms around and squeal if a dog comes near him. He has SN and dog friendship is so far down the list of essential and safety lessons it barely registers.

If you cannot be sure your dog would be safe in those circumstances then I'm afraid you'll have to keep it on a lead. Children, of all shapes and sizes come first.

I've just read through this whole thread.

Hats off to all the sensible posters D0in etc, who have managed to give reasoned, articulate responses to somebody who is at best goady and at worst - well you know

You can't argue with stupid though.

Starlight - we're talking about children approaching dogs, not dogs approaching children, everyone with a dog on this thread has said absolutely that dogs shouldn't be approaching anyone.

There were some general tips for if a dog does approach but that's because everyone knows that is an issue even though it shouldn't be, because of course there are owners who let dogs run amock where they shouldn't.

ICBINEG I have to say that I agree with much of what you have said, until you made mention of cats! I hate the bloody things!
I have no idea what possessed the human race to decide to domesticate dogs/ cats or even guinea pigs in the first place. What gave us the right to take these animals from their natural state and breed and interbreed them into a non-natural state, which often causes health issues and then blame them when they don't quite fit into the little perfect box that we have created for them. Rant over!
and don't get me started on zoos!

I was responding to the title. I think it is sensible to teach your child how to be around dogs. It is sensible to teach them a whole bunch of stuff.

Unfortunately not all children are capable of learning all of the lessons they 'should' and need to use public spaces too.

I do sympathise with those who get children coming up to their dogs without asking. Children (especially at this time of year) have been coming up to my baby in his pram without asking and giving him things that he could choke on or will get upset about giving back, as well as forcing him to put up with general poking.

Children really CAN be annoying and unable to keep their hands to themselves, but, for the most part they are exploring the world and their boundaries. They are JUST children.

Gosh I'm amazed at how angry some people can get - at other people daring to own dogs. My DS managed to learn how to approach dogs from special agent Oso of all places. He follows those 'three special steps' to a tee. We don't have a dog, he's never seen an aggressive dog but now looks to me whenever he sees a dogs and begs me to ask. If the owner says no he knows that he can't go near and that's that. It was hardly the trial of a century. But I live in an area of responsible ownership and I can't remember the last time a dog bounded over.

Why do people keep dogs? I think anyone who can't think of ten reasons lack imagination. I can think of loads and I don't own any.