to think some parents are completely lacking in brains when it comes to dogs?

[AnnieLobeseder]

I was leaving DD1's after-school club today, with my two dogs (on short leashes as children around) and the DDs, when we passed a man with a toddler in his arms. The little boy was leaning over to reach my dogs, going "doggy doggy" as toddlers do. And what does his idiot dad do? Without a single word to me brings the boy down to dog height and sticks his kid's face right in my large dog's face so the boy could pat them. WTF!?!?!?

I said to him that perhaps it was an idea to ask people if it was OK before letting his child touch strange dogs. He said "it's OK, he likes dogs". So I asked what if my dogs didn't like kids. He just shrugged and pointed to my two girls, which I guess means he assumed that since I have children, my dogs are lacking any inclination to react when strange children's faces are suddenly thrust in theirs.

As it happens, large dog recently had a bit of a problem with biting, though it was only on our property and training seems to have sorted her out.

But good holy lord of all things holy, what an idiot! I just hope that poor boy never does get bitten if he isn't taught to respect strange dogs. I teach my two never to touch a dog without asking the owner first.

YABU to think the parents are 'totally lacking in brains'. They made a mistake though.

Non-dog-owners really can't win, can we? When we're not being too scared of dogs, we're just being not scared enough! And it's strangely always because we're 'stupid' or 'hysterical' or 'totally lacking in brains' or something like that. All the sorts of words used to show how much more wonderful and enlightened and perfect dog-owners are.

Non-dog-owners never just make mistakes when approaching dogs, or at the other end of the spectrum have genuinely uncontrollable feelings of fear that might justify them not liking dogs running towards them. No, we're always just brainless or hysterical...

My dog gets very nervy when she's tied up as she was attacked once by a staffie whilst tied up. If someone approaches her without speaking with their hand out when she's tied up she'll snap at them; same with dogs approaching. I used to try and tie her up round the back of the play area to avoid anyone going near her but the amount of times i had to dash over to tell a child not to go up to her (they'd often see her and manage to get to her) got ridiculous. I tried a muzzle but she could get it off as she's a boxer with a short nose. She's fine if someone goes up and says "hello" in a friendly way, but if someone creeps up nervously (like kids) she's gets worried. I take the car now so I can put her in the boot where she's relaxed unless it's warm in which case I take her home then go back for a play again- a right faff! I too always remind my kids not to just stroke dogs.

YANBU. I have a dog and try and keep her away from kids when we're out walking as they can be all over her. She is used to my child, but like any normal person I don't leave them alone together.

I sometimes dread dog-walking in our local park, as dogs and children can be unpredictable. I try to keep them apart because its the kids and their parents who stress me out, not my dog. A little girl ran up to my bitch one time to stroke her, it was fine, but her dad grabbed her back, shouting at her that dogs bite! Don't clap them! She was terrified and I was mortified, esp as dog had done nothing except stand there accepting the attention. Idiot indeed. The parent. Not the dog.

So, let me check I've got this right. Parent not realising any dog can bite = idiot. Parent realising any dog can bite and grabbing child back = idiot because they don't do it in exactly the right way.

Basically, if you don't own a dog, you have to behave perfectly round dogs and know precisely as much about their behaviour as dog-owners, or you're an idiot. Not just someone who doesn't know enough and could be helped by having things explained to them - no no no - you're an idiot.

If you don't own a dog, you don't get to have a learning curve about their behaviour, you have to know straight away - or you can look forward to starring in an anecdote about the stupidity of non-dog-owners.

So, no pressure then...

It really isn't that complicated!

Just a matter of learning/teaching a bit of respect. Hysterical parents will doubtless end up with hysterical children.

1. Ask owner before approaching a strange dog

1. IF owner give permission stroke dog gently.

1. DON'T stick your face in dogs face, pull its tail, poke it in the eye, climb on it or stick anything in its ears.

IT'S A LIVING CREATURE NOT A STUFFED TOY

1. If you do any of the above expect that you may get bitten. If you do, apologize to the owner and the dog for your stupidity.

Ooh, can I post something helpful for dog-owners too?

1. Ask before letting your dog run up to people they don't know, especially if they have children.

1. If you haven't asked first, call the dog back - properly, not half-heartedly with a fond smile hoping everyone will join in with you admiring how cute your stinking sweet enormous little hellhound dog is.

1. If someone acts like they mind your dog running up to them, don't go home and post an anecdote about how hysterical and stupid they are - you should have considered that not everyone else might feel the same way about dogs that you do. Instead, apologise to that person for your lack of consideration in not controlling your animal.

squishycar - I posted some principles yesterday at 11.48am. They are very simple to follow for both dog-owners and non-dog owners.

nb I do not, nor have I ever, owned a dog. I don't believe in making a big drama about them though.

squishycar - I quite agree!

As a dog owner I don't allow my dog to run up to people I don't know, even other dog owners. And I don't appreciate strange dogs approaching my children either.

If you experience this I feel it would be more than reasonable to give these dog owners a lesson in personal space and respecting other peoples feelings, which may well include fear of their 'darling' dog.

People who don't want to be bothered by dogs, shouldn't have to be bothered by them.
But, people who wish to approach other peoples dogs should do so with a little sense and respect.

It seems both sides could do with a bit of educating.