Very sad - child screaming and running when out with my dog.

[YNK]

I have a very soft staffie x and there is a patch of grassland next to a pavement and postbox where we go for a run about.

Two little girls were walking on to the postbox when one started to scream and flap her arms and grapple with the other. My dog loves kids and ran in her direction at which point she started running and screaming even louder so Rita picked up pace. I called to her and she stopped.

Every time I called Rita she stopped running but this little girl became hysterical. I had to put Rita's lead on because the little girl didn't seem able to control herself and Rita thought it was a game.

I called the little girl over to see if she was ok (Rita was on the lead at that point) but she screamed louder when I started to walk towards her. The two girls ran off like lightning screaming their heads off.

At no point did Rita touch the children and she stopped everytime I called her but I'm so upset seeing this child so distressed. This has really shaken me up.

[LaMeuf]

The OP may not have been breaking the law but that does not mean that she was behaving correctly. Dogs should always be kept on a lead when there are children nearby. Even if you think your dog is well-behaved, children are by their nature unpredictable, as OP found out the other day.

[merrymouse]

If dogs should always be kept on a lead when a child might be nearby, you would never be able to let a dog be outside without a lead. I think a little give and take is required.

[MamaMaiasaura]

mop calm down! I've never suggested it be pts! It isn't dog I had issue with but the op behaviour

[Mopswerver]

Her behaviour was correct imo. Your only point appears to be that you think all dogs should be on leads at all times but this is not necessary for most dogs in most situations. If you read the op carefully I wonder what you think she ought to have done differently? She recalled the dog (who hadn't done anything) put on its lead, asked if the child was OK? Nice dog, good owner.

[Mopswerver]

MamaMaisaura I know you didn't suggest the dog be put down but some previous posters have suggested that!

[Pagwatch]

Mopswerve

I agree with much of what you say but would you please refrain from trying to reassure scared children that your dog is harmless. Absoloutely never ever helpful. And in the case of children like mine it woukd massively increase his distress. It is not a nice thing to do however well intentioned. It is stupid.
A child who is screaming and running away from a dog should be left to retreat.

[MamaMaiasaura]

mop where have I said a dog should be on a lead at all times?? Please highlight. I have said they should be on a leash around children (by this I mean other children, not family of dog).

And she didn't just cal dog back. 3 x did she leave it "wanting to play" and having to call for dog to stop and then recalled onto lead.

[Cheddars]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. If only the op had read this thread before it all happened.

[YNK]

Pag I have taken this from what was a horrrible experience that I will always move away from anyone that feels afraid of me no matter how confused I may be about their fear.
I must admit I have a phobia about a particular situation which I would not be helped by being persued so I can relate to this. I guess I was caught off guard by the suddenless of the situation.
I run my dog/s twice day there and my dogs have never before been attracted by anyone on the pavement

[YNK]

I'm really sorry If I have offended anyone with children with specific problems that Im iignorant about - I'm always willing to learnn though!) My family have their share of genetic disabilities, mostly mobility related.
My walk with my dogs (as long as it lasts) is a great source of joy to me but I would nevwr want a child to be distressed!