Do you teach your child(ren) not to run up to or touch a strange dog without asking first?

Question

I'm curious - how many parents here teach their children to ask the owner before approaching a strange dog?

My dog is afraid of small children (she was mistreated before I got her). I'm trying to train her to get used to people and not be nervous, but it's hard to take her out in public - not because she misbehaves (she's big but very gentle), but because I'm always having to block strange children from running up and touching her - or, to my amazement, grabbing, hitting, or even trying to kick at her! It seems like only one out of twenty will ask politely before trying to approach her (I'm so glad for those polite kids!).

Why don't people teach their children to ask first? As a parent, what would your response be if your child ran up to a strange dog and the owner blocked the child and said "No! please leave the dog alone - she's afraid". Would you get angry & defensive, or would you stop & think about teaching your child to ask before approaching a strange dog?

Thank you so much everyone for all of these great answers! It's reassuring to see there are so many here who do teach their kids not to run up to strange dogs. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Answer 1

oh yes.. I have taught each child to ask the person with the dog... stay at a distance till given an okay... hand out and under to allow the dog to sniff first... and then only pet once.. or twice.. and if my children are told no, he is not used to children... they have already been taught to politely let the owner know the dog is beautiful and thank you anyway that they understand... from very young it can be taught... and should be... it is not their dog..

Answer 2

Well I don't have kids but being a dog owner I will most definetly teach my kids Strange Dog Manners.

I'm a breeder and trainer of Labradors and have several of them that I walk at the same time. Kids seem to be very much drawn to my dog pack. Fortunatley I've taught each and every dog to sit and look at me if they see anyone coming up to them.

Sometimes I have a new puppy or a dog I'm training for someone else with me that doesn't know the drill and when a little kid comes up to pet them, I stop them and ask them to wait until the dog is calm before petting it or I will tell the child that this particular dog is afraid

I don't think any parent would be offended if you told a child your dog doesn't like being petted. If they do get offended then they aren't very responsible.

You sound like a very responsible dog owner to me and you're doing the right thing to ensure that your dog remains a canine good citizen--whether others think so or not.

Answer 3

Parents should definitely teach animal etiquette. We have had two cats since before my kids were born, and the kids were always taught to pet and touch them gently. Also, if an animal walks away, makes a warning sound, or is clearly trying to hide, you leave them alone. We now have a dog as well, and the rules are the same with the additional step of ensuring that the kids let the dog know that they are the boss. (I can't have a dog thinking it's above anyone in the family hierarchy.) When we're out, I always have my kids ask before they approach someone else's dog. Usually, people have kid-friendly dogs, and the kids are allowed to pet the dog. Once in a while, someone will say that their dog is not very friendly/tolerant/etc., and we just say hi to the dog from afar and move along. If kids approach my dog, I always tell them to be sure to ask before petting any animal. Because my small dog loves kids so much, she has been known to jump up to try to lick them in the face, and many kids interpret this as being bitten, especially if her teeth happen to catch them at all. While we are still working to get her not to jump as a general rule, I make sure to hold her down when other people pet her.

Answer 4

I did teach my son that. Absolutely. You don't know how the dog will react no matter how big or small. Allowing a child to not only run up to a dog but to abuse it as well shows bad parenting. That's only one thing out of so many different things that parent is obviously doing wrong.

I wouldn't get defensive if you told my son and me that the dog was afraid, and so what if someone else would get upset at that! Maybe they need to learn that not everything, every one and every creature is at their disposal. That there are times when permission should be granted, for both children and adults.

Answer 5

OMG! I wish people would do this, do you know HOW MANY TIMES my husband and I have had to teach kids and their parents how to approach a strange dog??? Of course it didn't help that my dog wasn't great with kids (push them over, likely to snap AT them to scare them -not bite them).

Also never run at a dog, it teaches them that you are submissive, particularly dangerous for small children.

1) Always walk calmly to a dog OR wait for the dog to approach
2) Always ask the owner
3) Always WAIT for the dog to sniff you before touching the dog
4) Don't speak in a high pitched excited way or AT LEAST don't do it until the dog has sniffed you and is acting calm

MOST IMPORTANT, particularly for small children: NEVER EVER EVER RUN AWAY FROM A DOG!!! PARTICULARLY ONE THAT IS GROWLING!! Running away triggers their prey instinct, or at best their play instinct either way you are getting jumped on, knocked over, or bitten.

Ugh I used to have to muzzle my dog while we worked through his problems. And I would have him muzzled AND in my arms on the elevator (50lbs dog! mind you, not something you usually carry) because he was so afraid of elevators. People would ask if they could pet him and I would say "No he will bite you" and they would still do it!!! I know some people don't recognize a training muzzle but still when someone says "WILL" not "might" stay back.

Answer 6

Teaching them to ask first is responsible parenting. Some people however would rather ignore that and then get offended if their child gets scared or attacked.
large dogs with that problem should be muzzled when going out side even some small dogs because little children are always running up to these irristitable for them I guess.
THe owner must make sure htat the dog whom she is socializing has only possitve experiences with strangers and that means speaking up or intraveaning with bully kids. or else the dog will not over come its fear and will feel defenseless when muzzled.
So yes there are responsibilites on both sides.the parents of the children and the Dog's handler (owner)

Answer 7

Absolutely!!

My son now knows, he's 2 1/2, he just kind of avoids the dog until I say its okay. My daughter, 1 1/2 is "just" beginning to understand the concept of wait and ask. But I'm always scared and on the lookout b/c she loves dogs in particular. So I really have to watch her. She's almost there, where she won't, but not quite.

Anyway, my reaction to your scenario - I would be grateful that the dog owner was watching out for my child.

I can't imagine not asking.

Answer 8

I taught my boys early to always ask before approaching an animal. I think you are correct in blocking you dog and asking children to not touch. Any parent who gets angry is the same parent who would probably sue if their child was bitten! I think unfortunately to many people don't teach their kids any manners.

Answer 9

As the Kratt Brothers say, "Never touch a strange animal without asking their owner first!"

You are in the right. Keep up the noble work. I wonder if you know about Cesar Milan. He rehabilitates dogs. You may take some hints from him with the recovery of your dog. He is 'The Dog Whisperer'. He is on National Geographic Channel and does some amazing work with dogs. Check it out if you are looking for tips or hints.

Answer 10

I don't have children but when I was little I was always told to ask. Mainly because my family had dogs that were nice but if you rushed they would snap. I think parents should just because you don't know a dogs temperment. Even small dogs have a big bite. Plus you have to think about the fact that child snatchers use dogs to coach the kids into coming with them. Kids need to beaware of things. The world isn't a safe place anymore