To not want my 18 month old's face licked by a random dog?

[CitrusBun]

Every morning we take our five year old and eighteen month old children to pre-school through a small local park. The park has a concrete path on it, and we do not stray from the path to the grass either side.

Every morning, there are two adults there with Labradors who are roaming off their leads. I don't have an issue with the dogs being off their leads, but I do have an issue with one of the dogs consistently wandering over and licking my eighteen month old's face. We don't know the dog owners, I've never suggested this approach is welcome, and my eighteen month old simply freezes and has never giggled, smiled or welcomed the approach.

I haven't yet overcome my Britishness to say something, but I will do tomorrow. Before I do - AIBU to have a problem with this? I fully appreciate the dogs aren't dangerous (AFAIK) and that some people like dogs doing this. But doesn't my eighteen month old have the right not to just be licked by a random dog? Or by default is this just accepted behaviour?

I should point out that the owners seem to understand this isn't welcome, because they tend to say their dog's name in a disappointed voice. But they don't make a move to stop him or apologise or anything like that.

I wouldn't bother with the owners. They are clearly lazy and don't care. I'd deal with the dog.

When the dog approaches, I would say "Uh-Uh, NO" and then gesture with your arm for the dog to go back away. There's a decent chance the dog will understand. especially if you use a stern tone. If the dog continues to approach, put yourself in the way so the dog can't like the 18mo's face and only at that point shout for the owners.

It's interesting you're a man.

eh? The op is a woman who has given birth on another thread? How very…nuanced

"GET YOUR DOG AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER BEFORE I KICK IT AWAY" - reckon you'll only have to say it once.

I'd be more concerned that a dog's mouth is getting so close to your child's face, what if it bit your child? I can't believe you're letting this continuously happen, try harder OP

Yes.

OCD?

Fairly aggressive since the OP has let this happen numerous times.

I have a lab and yes it isn’t acceptable.

However, advocate for your child - pick the child up. The time you’ve had this verbal melt, the dog has already slurped. Knowing labs, they’ll just think you’re playing anyway. Kicking will get you nowhere, it’s 8 stone of floof.

Been like oooh 20 mins since a dog bashing thread though. I note it’s only a lab rather than a xl 😆nice one OP.

I'm a huge dog person but would never let my dog run up to someone with young children so not unreasonable at all to say something! My dog is great with the children of my friends and family, however not all children like dogs or want them in their space (absolutely fair enough), and young children can be unpredictable. I wouldn't want to put my dog in a position with a child I didn't know who might try and grab him - as good natured as any dog is - they are still animals!

I pick my 2 year old up anytime any dog is off lead around her. Not in any panicked way, I don't want her to be scared of them but I absolutely will not risk a strangers dog being physical with her in any way.

I don't think for a second OP would actually have to kick it, and yes, obviously I would be picking child up at same time as yelling at shitty owners.

Some of the dog owners on here saying the parents should be picking up their kids out of the way ffs - we shouldn’t have to do that, learn how to control your animal or don’t have one!

I am a besotted dog owner… but under no circumstances would I allow my dogs to lick another child OR would I have been happy had random dogs licked my kids.

You are absolutely within your rights to ask (loudly and not even that politely) that they keep their dogs away from your children.

NB edited to add: my dogs are well trained for young dogs - their recall is excellent and we always call them to us when there are children, runners, cyclists or anyone who simply looks nervous - they are our responsibility and if they do not have good recall, they should not be off lead in a public space.

I'm not sure that was the dog owners to be honest. Any responsible dog owner would agree that the dog shouldn't be doing that, and any irresponsible dog owner wouldn't give a shit.

@SoreAndTired1 The poorest of countries usually aren’t dog fans- or they keep the outside. Even if their homes are dirty/muddy.

The richest love them. Most people pretend too, oops. There are more dog friendly places in the U.K than ever before.

This is disgusting, why have you let this go on?! I can't believe you're letting some random dogs lick your child's face.

The first time is on them but when you haven't said anything that's on you. Dogs literally run around fields sniffing and licking s**ite and then coming over and slobbering on your 3 year old.

You've let them think this is OK because you've not said otherwise. Its not British it's not advocating for your child.

We had a dog continuously bark and run up to my child playing football in the park. I just shouted “go away” at the dog loudly every time it came near…I didn’t want to confront the owner and it worked as the owner got the message and put in on a lead after a few times. Stop being a pushover for the sake of your child.

Course you shouldn't have to, but people who see a dog come running at their dc should be doing something themselves in that situation. Not just let it happen, multiple times.

Ugh I have a friend with a flat coat retriever (a big dog!) who allows him to do this. I’ve had to stop going in dog walks with her in case anyone thinks I’m his owner. Absolutely unacceptable, and I grew up around dogs. That were well/trained.

Why don't you say something to her?

Genuinely, I would walk up to the owners and lick their faces.

This is unacceptable.

Whaaaaat? I would be SCREAMING at the owners to get the dog the f away from my child.my xhild once got attacked by a dog at 6 months old in his pram. Takes a split second. Even if that doesn't happen, licking your child's face is utterly disgusting. Stand up for your kid!

I would physically prevent the dog from getting near my child if it happened again. And give the useless owner a massive bollocking.

…. Your 18mo is on the ground being approached by strange dogs….

that’s where you’re being unreasonable. See dogs off lead, pick the kid up! You don’t know these dogs are just going to be licking!

Dogs off lead, whatever, baby walking, cool. But dude! Protect that kid

Have you not asked them to call their dog away from your toddler and put it on a lead? I know it sounds unlikely to rip into your child (and you have not implied that it would) but you absolutely have the right to roam unobstructed and unlicked through the park. I doubt very much that this park is an off-leash area. Let them know that you don’t want their dog - or any dog - running up and snogging your kid’s face.

Of course you aren't BU!
I'd have a problem with them being off lead to. Speak up before your kids get mauled