Kids walking the dogs

[Thebluedog]

I have 2 dc, 9 & 5.

We live in a small village, the type of place where everyone knows everyone, the kids go to the local school, as do most of the other local children.

My 9 year old daughter has just started to walk the dog for a walk around the block, there are no roads to cross and it's literally a 4 minute walk. It's her first taste of freedom and she knows she's not to stop anywhere even if she sees a friend. It's a way of her earning some pocket money too.

So far my 5 year old hasn't been allowed to go along due to her age - AIBU?

[Justhadmyhaircut]

My dd 10+11 walk our dog but ds 8 isn't allowed. .
Being responsible for the dog is enough for your older dc. .

[WhooooAmI24601]

DS1 is 11 and walks the dog often. DS2 is 6 and went with him once recently and it turned into a shitstorm about who was/wasn't going to poop scoop. DS2 will now be allowed to go with him when he's 47. Maybe.

For a sensible 9 year old that's fine. The responsibility of a younger sibling might be a little too much, though, depending on the sibling and how sensible they are.

[Jupitar]

My 12 year old was walking our dog whilst I was at work when another dog came over and had a go at our dog. My son phoned me really upset saying she'd been attacked so I was imagining the worst, and rushed home.

It turned out it was just a bit of a scuffle and I see the other dog and it's owner all the time and the dogs are fine.

Just make sure your child is aware of what to do if another dog comes over and starts growling

[Thebluedog]

She's very good with the dog and sensible, I always make sure I'm around to make sure she comes home within her allotted time.

I have the same fear Whooooo that it will turn into a bun fight if her sibling goes along too

[WhatALoadOfOldBollocks]

It depends on the dog, the child and how much the child understands dog behaviour. Reason I say is I've witnessed a few occasions where there's been a minor scuffle between dogs and the children just didn't know what to do. In certain situations it could make matters worse. Saying that, there are plently of adults who don't have a clue either.

[krustykittens]

I think it is fair to make her responsible for the dog but not for her five year old sibling. Stick to the arrangement you already have, OP, it is sensible enough.

[pinkyflower]

YABVU!!!

What if your dog attacks? What if another dog attacks? would your child be able to effectively diffuse the situation, would she know what to do without panicking and would she have the physical strength to react to a dog that is pulling, or get your dog out of the way of an attack?

Responsibility is good, but animals are unpredictable and when it comes to being out unsupervised, i really don't think it is something that can be trusted to a child.

[MidnightAura]

I would say yabu.

The summer holidays have just started here and I am seeing a lot of young kids out with dogs. I saw two little girls being dragged behind a Labradoodle who was desperate to get to my female dog who's in heat.

He is a lovely dog (I see him a lot and the dogs play together) but he almost pulled the little girl off her feet to get to us.

[IStoleDipsysHat]

9 is too young to not panic should they come up against another dog who is dog aggressive.
There are other things you need to consider as well. For example my childhood dog would be fine around other dogs and people when out for a walk when anyone took him, except me. I was the youngest in the family and his behaviour changed from normal affable family pet, to, this is the youngest, they must be protected at all costs. He got hyper alert and very aggressive towards any other animal or person approaching me. If we went out with other family members he was his relaxed normal self again. I was around 12.