to think that posts like this are partly to blame for children being attacked by dogs.

[flanjabelle]

www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/dogs-that-will-do-anything-for-kids?sub=2149965_1078954#.ndAmOBg4M

adorable? no.

dangerous? very.

some people are so fucking stupid.

disclaimer - some of the pictures on the link are fine, some are ridiculously dangerous, the boxer dog being used as a pony for example. The body language being shown by the boxer is so worrying. or the child standing on the dogs head?? why on earth do parents allow their children to do this?

I have a dog, and a toddler. They are never left alone together, and dd is supervised in her interactions with the dog. She is being taught to be gentle and respectful.

There are stories in the press again and again about children being hurt/killed by dogs, aibu to think things like this are just going to give idiots ideas?

[beedeepullen]

I don't know if you all heard the terrible news on Saturday :'(

a beautiful 3 week old baby boy was bitten by the family dog and taken to hospital where he later died.

the dog was only a small terrier.
it makes no difference the size of the dog, dogs should not be left around any children.

[1hamwich4]

I was pondering this the other day after hearing about the latest child hurt by a dog.

I think you have a point.

Dogs used to be kept to do a job, first and foremost. People were far more realistic about how they behaved because they wanted to exploit that behaviour. Dogs weren't as much of a pain in the arse because they were worked, so happy in their pack, not bored, and adequately exercised.

Now dogs are basically toys and are portrayed romantically as being much more human than they really are, by films, tv, books etc. People by and large don't have a clue about dog behaviour, treat them as cuddly toys, and bites from bored, under-exercised, poorly controlled animals are the result.

My conclusion was that we would all be better off if owners were required to prove they understood some basics of dog behaviour, care and exercise requirements before shopping for their latest lifestyle accessory.

[flanjabelle]

Good to see I'm not u.

It just makes me angry that people blame the dogs when a child is hurt or killed. so many times it can be prevented by treating the dog with respect and knowing dog body language.

[VenusVanDamme]

Some are sweet - looking out the window together, for example, and we have a cute pic of DDog standing up on back legs beside DH looking in at DS in the bath as if he's supervising. But why the fuck would you let your child draw on your dog and take a picture??? It's so cruel and you wonder why they have dogs in the first place.

[Mulligrubs]

YANBU I find most of those pictures terrifying..

[flanjabelle]

Venus because those dogs love kids so much they will do anything for them of course.

[Booboostoo]

Generally YANBU some of these kinds of photos are terrifying, but what's wrong with the video? The baby is sleeping so I watched it without sound but it seems like the kind of thing DCs should be doing with dogs. My DD has been 'training' the dogs since she was 18mo. The dogs already knew the commands but it is good for them to see her as someone they should listen to and as someone who rewards good behaviour.

[Wolfiefan]

Stitch that's weird. We manage risk all the time. Everything from crossing the road to hand washing.
Panda makes a great point. I want a dog. I'm reading up on breeds, training etc before we get anywhere near getting a dog. I'm also training my kids how to behave around animals. (My DD was nonplussed by the idea that if she ran past a dog it may well chase her!)

[WhatALoadOfOldBollocks]

"I get so fed up of people who say my dog is great with kids so tolerates anything. Until it doesn't. Why should dogs be pulled about by kids?"

Couldn't agree more. They are sentient beings not toys and should be treated with respect and kindness. why on earth anyone would think it's OK for their child to lie on top of, stand on or ride a dog is beyond me. Jeez, the amount of crap many dogs have to put up with is crazy.

Thanks for the link LeChien, very informative.

[Butterflywings168]

Completely agree.
Unfair to both dogs and kids, and completely irresponsible.