About kids harassing my dog

[Madmaxxy]

I see so many posts on here about people being pissed off about dogs running up to their kids (Understandable) so here's a reverse, if you will.

I was standing in the queue outside a cafe with my dog (terrier mix about the size of a border terrier, for context, and a very dog friendly area, type of place they have a jar of treats at the till)

Mum and two kids approx aged 6/8 join the queue behind me. Mum is absolutely engrossed with something on her phone. The kids are obviously interested in my dog and the younger one starts flapping a leaflet in his face. I say quite clearly 'please don't do that, he's a bit nervous'

Mum obviously hears me, glances up from her phone and continues to ignore her kids. The kids then start really crowding him and chanting 'hot dog, hot dog, hot dog' a few inches from his face. He's now cowering behind my legs, and the younger one poked him on the back. Again I asked the child to not do that, and absolutely no acknowledgment from the mother. Luckily our turn to go in so we got away from them after that.

AIBU to think that after the first time I had to ask them to stop the mother should have reinforced the message and pulled them away... And after the second time it would have been a good time to teach the kids about dog safety, not to pet other peoples dogs without asking first etc. And certainly not to poke a dog in the back when it's not looking!!! My dog wouldn't have bitten them or anything but he was quite clearly bothered by it, and one day they might just pick the wrong dog to harass, and we all know who's fault it would be if anything happened.

AIBU to think it goes both ways and that kids need to be taught how to behave safely around dogs. And to think regardless, if kids are bothering a stranger the mother should have said something to them.

I probably would have raised my voice at them. My dog comes first and if she can't be bothered to educate her children I will

I have children running up to my dog to stroke him and the mother shouting 'its ok they're friendly' 🤔

Yanbu. Little gits. Shit parenting.

Yes absolutely you’re right, it’s a message im trying to drum in very young. You can never tell how a dog will react to a young child.

I’ve had this so many times (giant fluffy teddy bear dog!)

The last time I really lost my temper and stood between dog/child and said very firmly do not touch my dog go away.

From now on I won’t let children get within a mile of him if I can help it, it’s not worth the risk!

My dog is very friendly and loves it when kids fuss her or play with her. She's very gentle with them to the point I'm wondering if she'd be good as a therapy dog, specifically one of those who listen to kids reading.

Having said that, I do think children or their parents should ask me first before approaching her. I know it's fine, but they don't.

He's a small dog. Was there a reason you didn't just pick him up? If he had been pushed too far (and it sounded like thise kids wouldn't have stopped) it would have been a huge problem had he nipped or bitten. I'm not I any way suggesting the kids weren't in the wrong - they were and so was their mother. It's just in this world you can't get away from stupid and sometimes you have to take charge.

@Addicted2LuvIsland yes because I had my ten month old in the hiking contraption on my back! Can just about squat down to pick up a poo bag but that's about it 😅

Ah sorry. Anyway the mum needs a slap!

I have a very old, eejit of a greyhound who is well trained and has never shown a bit of aggression HOWEVER it just takes one second for that to change and a child to lose an eye or worse

NEVER put your face in front of a dog who is not your dog.

This is basic common sense

We have 2 Lhasa Apso and they have quite long fur so look cute. Whenever we take them to park so child can do park run we have loads of kids just running up and petting them. Very rarely do any of them ask. Our dogs love to be petted and will sit and offer their paw to shake if someone strokes them but some dogs don't like it and can be snappy.

Oh my god yet another example of parents not parenting.

I taught my DS to ask if he could touch someone's dog. Some owners declined which is fair enough. He would certainly never bully a dog. Also you just never know. Nervous dogs can bite.

Children need to know that all animals are entitled to space in the world. I would have told the parent what I thought.

Obviously their mother is a fool but YABU for taking it and asking MN if you were right. 'Dogs bite. Step away'.

My children know they have to ask first before going near any dog.
My youngest is 6 and even she knows that it's plain nasty to taunt any animals.
What was that mother thinking letting her children behave like that.

Unbelievable!
You are so NOT being unreasonable