Why do you let your dog approach and/or sniff/slobber on me?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like these are teh same posters just arguing their point on another thread. Weird.

The crazy dog people? Likely.

I can't imagine that there are so many rude pet owners running around, but perhaps there are.

[Anonymous]

To give you an excuse to start a thread on DCUM. Why else?

[Anonymous]

For the most part, I think there are a few dog haters hellbent on using the Pets forum to complain about things they feel righteous about.

That said, and in the interest of anyone who really cares about how to live in a world with both dogs and children and anyone who wants to do the right thing, I think it's important to remember that nothing is black and white.

Kids are curious about dogs and dogs are curious about kids. Plenty of adults, even those with bad experiences, are still curious about dogs.

My responsibility, as a dog owner, is to obey the law at all times and have her leashed and under my control. Yes, I use a retractable leash, but I am never distracted while walking her and can absolutely guarantee that I have her locked her leash and pulled her close when anyone passes on the street. Dog owners should never assume that anyone passing is comfortable with dogs. It is my responsibility, full stop, to be in control of my dog and to insure she doesn't come in contact with anyone on our walks.

When we meet kids on the street, often they run up to my dog and I do what I need to do to make it a safe introduction. My dog knows to sit still, I crouch next to her and make sure I have her under control and allow the child to pet my dog. Frankly, my dog loves children and will happily let a toddler pull on her ears, snuggle her, or pat her on the back. That said, she is still an animal and my job is to make sure she is safe, and the child is safe. Eventually, at some point in the encounter, my dog will want to lick the kid's hand, like dogs do. If that is overly friendly, I pull her back. But so far, 100% of the time in the five years of my dog's life, everyone who has met my dog has not had an issue at this stage of the meeting.

Point is. It isn't black and white. We need to be responsible dog owners and parents. We should also remember that controlled introductions and interactions might be a benefit to both kids and pets.

[Anonymous]

My dogs are always on a short leash yet little kids come running up to them all of the time. Luckily my dogs are well behaved and kind but they are large. Anyhow, please keep your wild unruly kids at least 10 to 15 feet away from my dogs who are under control. Your kids are aggressively approaching my dogs and I don't like it. Maybe you need retractable leashes for your kids!

[Anonymous]

I don't. I don't let my dog do this to anyone, nor does any other dog owner I know. We can spot you, your negative body language, and your sour facial expression aimed at our dogs a mile away and we want nothing to do with you either. And if your toddler, who means well and hasn't yet been indoctrinated with your pathological hatred of dogs, approaches our pets, that's your fault, not ours. You seriously need some help for your obsession with dogs; it is really weird.