Dogs on buses near babies

[FireLamp]

Just to be clear, this isn't a goady thread about dogs and I don't hate dogs. Interested in others opinions as I have to take the bus daily!

I think owners should keep them away from prams and only take them on buses if there's plenty of space! AIBU?

Today, coming back from a long walk at a local beauty spot, someone plonked their husky-type dog right next to DS in his pram (pram was in the area with fold-up seats, 2 other prams opposite). As dog was on eye level with 10-month DS I asked him to move the dog. He assured me dog 'won't hurt him' but I said I'd rather not take the risk thanks, especially as DS will try to grab anything furry and interesting. He reluctantly moved dog into the aisle, where it meandered around on the end of a long lead, sniffing people and getting in everyone's way.

I've had similar with someone's dog licking my ankle on the bus, owner didn't seem to think it mattered

Did I overreact or AIBR to think dogs should be kept on a short lead on buses, sitting next to their owner, away from babies/small children?

Widdlin so it is my DSis problem that her ASD means she cannot stand to be in enclosed, close proximity with dogs?

I don't drive and as my bulldog has health issues we travel regularly on the bus
I always stand in the pushchair/wheelchair area with her sat between my legs (if that makes sense!)
I don't sit down as she would want to sit on my lap and a 23kg lap dog is no fun!
I'm aware some people don't like dogs so keep her on a tight lead, I also would not stand near a pushchair if possible to avoid the chance of a young child grabbing her, she's as soft as they come but I would not risk it

Is it ok if a child pulls a Guide Dog's ears or kicks it?

Property seems to be on a different thread about dogs

GreyHare, so hold the dog the whole way so it cannot lick or sniff or nuzzle. Nobody would tolerate it from me so why should I tolerate it from your dog.
I'm just thankful I haven't needed to take s bus since university. Although I very clearly remember in those days that only guide dogs were allowed on the bus. I don't know why or when that changed.

If my child grabbed at a dog or a person I would move or restrain her. If she licked someone's feet, I would expect them to think it quite disgusting.

I would rather a dog sat next to me than a mum with a toddler on her knee who proceeded to start chucking a Maccie D all over the shop whilst squeezing a juice carton for all it's worth, showering all and sundry with their Happy meal.

It'll be a cold day in hell before a thread even mentioning dogs on here doesn't turn hysterical. A cold cold day indeed...

I don't hate dogs at all. Nor am I frightened by them. I dislike dog owners who cannot comprehend that for many people, the idea of being barked at, licked or nuzzled is quite revolting. I also think it is naive not to be aware that dogs, like most animals, can become agitated and aggressive at any point.

Start one Navy, just for the crack. I promise to jump in and start extrapolating within at least 2 posts.

I very occassionally get on the bus with the dog.
I regularly get the train.

I make her lie under the seat out of the way or bag seats on the train away from people. I don't let her wander.

Most taxi won't take dogs to the person who said use taxi for the vets

I have the other problem of parents thinking it is okay to let their child pester the dog and affectively leave me watching their kid while they don't supervise for the whole journey.

But property, you and many others ignored the voices of the responsible dog owners on this thread (me included) and just went all...frothy!

I know my dogs. I know what they will do before they even think about it. They aren't that bright, bless them.

I do watch them though.

Someone in a 4x4 containing dogs in the boot parked over a drive would just ignite MN.

Imagine they had stopped to BF a 3 yr old. Wowsers.

If there was a way to sneak in a loo brush in there, Newes them you will break the internet.

I'm not at all frothy!

Navy, the point is that you know your dog. And as a good many dogs can be prone to aggression or unpredictability then it's perfectly reasonable for someone who doesn't know your dog to feel uncomfortable if your dog is very close to their baby. Fwiw, I'm not frightened, nor would I be particularly worried, although I would be wary and perhaps get in between. However, the idea of being licked or nuzzled by a dog makes me feel queasy. Likewise, the idea that a strange man on a bus might lick or nuzzle me makes me queasy.

It's propping the rear window open to let air at the dogs, Chardonnay.

"My gs is deathly allergic to dogs. So YANBU Op."

"But it's foolish not to understand that animals can be unpredictable especially around young children."

So guide dogs aren't included in these thoughts?

Both my dogs were / are well behaved and have sat as quietly on public transport as you would expect a guide dog do to. It is a little surprising that their presence on a bus or train would be so alarming to so many on this thread.

God yeah, Property.

I take ds1 in his buggy and ddog on public transport frequently as i cant drive and dogs arent allowed in taxis here. I have had no issues. I always ask the driver if its okay for ddog to come on as its at the drivers discretion. Never have i been refused, though some say keep ddog off the seat which is common sense. If people dont want to be near ddog they move when i bring him on and the people who want to clap him do.