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Kids & Other People’s Dogs. Do you allow your kids to approach dogs that are with their owners ... or do you not?
It’s OK if we say so. We told our daughter that she’s not allowed to touch any animal unless Mommy or Daddy says it’s OK. I do have to remind her when we go on walks if she sees someone walking a puppy or small dog. However, I think she really understands, as we were almost attacked by a dog on a walk last summer when I was pregnant. Alicia Boston
Petting strange dogs is NOT allowed. I don’t let my kids touch any strange dogs. Just because an owner says he has a great dog ... you never know what a dog is going to do. I know this from a childhood bite. I tell them we have dogs at home to cuddle and pet! Amanda Ducharme
Get permission and ask the proper way to pet that particular dog. The more dogs are socialized, the friendlier they will become. Every time we spot an animal I always remind my young kiddos to ask before they touch (and then I double check with the owner). Most people out walking their dogs don’t mind when we ask; sometimes there’s a preference like not rubbing a certain spot or getting close to the face. The more in tune you are about an animal the safer you are. We’re an animalloving family. Trisha Glowniak
We love dogs and every moment we can be with them. I’ve always been a huge dog lover and owner. Luckily, my daughter gets to grow up with dogs as well, all different breeds/ mixes and sizes. If I didn’t own it, I was
fostering it, or we were at our local no-kill shelter socializing and walking them. We love to take our dogs to the dog park as well and to any park they’re allowed. She wants to pet every dog, but she has been taught the rules from very early on. Only if I’m beside her, the dog’s owner is within arms reach and grants permission and I pet the dog first. Also, we never pat on the head, only on the back while talking to the dog in a calm tone of voice. Most dogs probably wouldn’t care to be pet on the head, but some see it as a sign you’re trying to dominant them and can act unpredictably. It’s also important to observe the dog’s body language no matter what the owner may say about the dog. The dog tells you everything you need to know about it. Becca Cherry Fugate (please turn the page for more “Parent Talk”)
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