To get my kids to ask dog owners if it is okay to stroke their dogs?

[CruCru]

I've been teaching my kids that if they want to stroke a dog, they have to ask the owner if it is okay first. It gets a bit of a mixed reaction - some people are overjoyed that I haven't done that "There is a feral beast, keep away before it eats you" thing. Some people say no because their dog is funny around children (awesome, this is why the kids need to ask first).

However, some people seem to think it's a bit weird for kids to want to stroke their dogs. AIBU to do this? I like dogs a lot (and the kids LOVE them) but don't have one myself (we live in central London, it isn't practical).

As a dog owner I really appreciate it - mine can be a bit timid so I'll say "Yes, but be gentle with him as you're a giant to him" & he'll just stand there for a quick stroke....

Much rather that than when they just come up & poke their hands in his face....

Yanbu.

As a dog owner and a parent I think this is a great thing.

I'm trying to train my dog mad daughter to do this (dogs are far easier to train)

When children ask if they can touch my dog I congratulate them on asking and tell them of course they can. I love seeing children who haven't been conditioned to be afraid of dogs by anxious parents. I think most dog owners feel the same, and are happy for their dog to be petted if its temperament is amenable.

YADNBU! I like it when people ask if they can. I tend to be a bit cautious with my dog around children as she is very excitable and sometimes jumps up. Obviously that's often scary to children. That said she is very affectionate and if I have time to get her to sit before the child approaches she is as good as gold and will just sit there soaking up the strokes/cuddles