Bus stop and dogs

[Mouse House Mama]

That is why I would stand away from the group. I know there are plenty of people that don't teach their kids appropriate and safe behavior around dogs. If I am standing back ten feet I can control the interaction.

Regarding fearful children, I do not think it would be unreasonable for a parent to request that a dog not come to the bus stop if it is jumping on people. But a dog that is sitting quietly away from the children? I do not think that would be a reasonable request. The fact is that you will encounter dogs in public. I think I would be better for a fearful child to experience (even from a far) a well behaved dog than to attempt to shield them from all dogs.

While I will agree with the bolded I do have to say that I don't think people should have to worry about any animal at the bus stop. Yes, I will encounter dogs in public but I do not think it is unreasonable to not expect to deal with animals at a school bus stop. The same way I don't expect to deal with them at the grocery store or at the school.
I also have yet to see all these "well behaved" dogs that some people are talking about. What I do see is their dogs running up to me and my family trying to sniff us or jump or rub against us. All the while the owner gushes about how "friendly" their dog is and just wants to say hello. Yeah, I am not interested in interacting with anyone's animal so to me they are not friendly or well behaved. I love animals and all but I don't want to play with anyone's.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I guess thats the difference between people, no matter how well behaved my dog is, I don't feel her feelings, or my own feelings of what my rights are, are more important than the feelings of a scared child. Now if we were talking about a public park that would be one thing, but we are talking about a school bus stop, and as far as I'm concerned when kids are there waiting for transportation it ceases to be "public" for that brief period in the morning and afternoon. Its all what is seen as ridiculous and unreasonable, and obviously we differ.

I am sorry, but walking a dog isn't the same as walking him to a bus stop. As I said we frequently take our dogs to the bus stop but if anyone of the kids had a problem, at least our neighborhood is considerate enough to walk the dog later or somewhere else. Your need to walk to dog that little distance to the bus stop does not trump a child being afraid of dogs. That is rude and selfish as far as I am concerned. The dog doesn't have to walk then or that way. Sure they like to go, but so what. I bet some kids would like it if the dogs didn't come. They have to be there to catch the bus, Dogs, last time I checked didn't ride busses to school.

I can't believe the attitudes here. We aren't talking about walking a dog around a neighborhood, we are talking about walking a dog TO a bus stop and then having the dog sit there. BIG DIFFERENCE.

I completely agree.

 

[okeydokey]

Yes, I take my dog to the bus stop. It's usually my DD and one other girl waiting. I never let my dog jump up on anyone. I will continue to take my dog to the bus stop.

 

[Jaime4004]

How small are these bus stops you all have? Mine is on a large, residential street. I can bring my dog, wait for my kids, and still be 30 feet away from the actual bus when it stops and the kids coming off it... No one but my own kids needs to come anywhere near me. I was afraid of dogs also when I was younger (because of the large, jumpy, doberman that my neighbor never kept leashed) but my parents never felt the need to shelter me from seeing them on the street. I still grew up happy and well-adjusted, now owning 2 dogs of my own. I doubt the child will be seriously traumatized from seeing a dog on a street. The real issue is the dog who jumps on the aide, that is scary for anyone, not other dogs minding their own business but being out in public...

 

[jrmasm]

While I will agree with the bolded I do have to say that I don't think people should have to worry about any animal at the bus stop. Yes, I will encounter dogs in public but I do not think it is unreasonable to not expect to deal with animals at a school bus stop. The same way I don't expect to deal with them at the grocery store or at the school.
I also have yet to see all these "well behaved" dogs that some people are talking about. What I do see is their dogs running up to me and my family trying to sniff us or jump or rub against us. All the while the owner gushes about how "friendly" their dog is and just wants to say hello. Yeah, I am not interested in interacting with anyone's animal so to me they are not friendly or well behaved. I love animals and all but I don't want to play with anyone's.

I don't think you should have to deal with a dog at a bus stop either. Where we differ is that I don't see what anyone has to deal with when a dog is sitting away from a group.

And I see lots of ill behaved dogs too.

 

[agnes!]

Our school bus stop has about 25 kids getting on at the stop. There is one special needs child as well. Why do people bring dogs to the bus stop? One neighbor insists on bringing her big dog (pit bull) to the bus stop every day and the special needs girl is clearly upset and afraid. And her aid that meets her at the bus is dressed all nicely and this dog always jumps on her.

Would you continue to bring your dog? Personally, I have 2 dogs and never bring them to the bus. It's chaos there and I worry about the dogs as well as the kids.

Totally agree. Like I said before, if someone, child included couldn't handle my dog sitting nicely on a leash ten feet away from them, they really need some help with dealing with public situations.

I'd like to reiterate that the child in OP is special-needs, that the dog in this instance is not sitting quietly but habitually getting out-of-control with an adult who is not their owner. Whatever happens, someone - one of the other parents, the school-bus driver, the Transportation Department, maybe the aide (she could be more concerned about getting the girl on the bus, maybe concerned about ticking off a parent with a big-dog or whatever), maybe the principal...*someone* needs to step in and try to make the situation bearable for the child. She has to be there, every single day...maybe the dog is making her scared of school, maybe her parents don't know why Susie doesn't want to wait at the bus stop, maybe she actually likes dogs but has never really petted one...
OP, since you've noticed this habitual behavior at the very least you need to contact the girl's parents - her mom & dad really need to know, it's up to them to decide how to handle it, I would perhaps even talk to the aide if I could.

I think if I were in this situation, the moment I realized that this was happening every single stinkin' day I would have immediately asked (maybe even nicely told) this other woman to leave Fido at home and then gotten in touch with the girl's parents by cell-phone.

agnes!

 

[kglenn]

That is why I would stand away from the group. I know there are plenty of people that don't teach their kids appropriate and safe behavior around dogs. If I am standing back ten feet I can control the interaction.

Regarding fearful children, I do not think it would be unreasonable for a parent to request that a dog not come to the bus stop if it is jumping on people. But a dog that is sitting quietly away from the children? I do not think that would be a reasonable request. The fact is that you will encounter dogs in public. I think I would be better for a fearful child to experience (even from a far) a well behaved dog than to attempt to shield them from all dogs.

i agree. and some thoughts to add... some people might choose to bring their dog to get them accustomed to public encounters. in my opinion, it is important for any well trained dog to be able to perform in all sorts of places and situations. we take our dog regularly to the pet store/lowes etc so he will be well behaved in public and not act like this dog you mentioned. i think public experiences are crucial to that training... otherwise i don't know that our dog could ever leave the house. key to all of this is a good owner whom is courteous to others space and mindful of those with fears... you want people to think... "wow, what a great dog" not "what are they thinking".

 

[MichelleVW]

I'd like to reiterate that the child in OP is special-needs, that the dog in this instance is not sitting quietly but habitually getting out-of-control with an adult who is not their owner. Whatever happens, someone - one of the other parents, the school-bus driver, the Transportation Department, maybe the aide (she could be more concerned about getting the girl on the bus, maybe concerned about ticking off a parent with a big-dog or whatever), maybe the principal...*someone* needs to step in and try to make the situation bearable for the child. She has to be there, every single day...maybe the dog is making her scared of school, maybe her parents don't know why Susie doesn't want to wait at the bus stop, maybe she actually likes dogs but has never really petted one...
OP, since you've noticed this habitual behavior at the very least you need to contact the girl's parents - her mom & dad really need to know, it's up to them to decide how to handle it, I would perhaps even talk to the aide if I could.

I think if I were in this situation, the moment I realized that this was happening every single stinkin' day I would have immediately asked (maybe even nicely told) this other woman to leave Fido at home and then gotten in touch with the girl's parents by cell-phone.

agnes!

I totally agree that this particular dogs needs to stay away from the bus stop because it's a menace. But there is no reason that a responsible dog owner needs to keep their well behaved dog at home.

 

[mhsjax]

i agree. and some thoughts to add... some people might choose to bring their dog to get them accustomed to public encounters. in my opinion, it is important for any well trained dog to be able to perform in all sorts of places and situations. we take our dog regularly to the pet store/lowes etc so he will be well behaved in public and not act like this dog you mentioned. i think public experiences are crucial to that training... otherwise i don't know that our dog could ever leave the house. key to all of this is a good owner whom is courteous to others space and mindful of those with fears... you want people to think... "wow, what a great dog" not "what are they thinking".

I also agree that they need to be socialized, but take them where other dogs are, the pet store, the dog park or walking around the neighborhood. where I live we can take them to the beach if kept on a leash. But not the bus stop, IF, there are kids that are afraid. Like I said, I take mine and others do to, but almost everyone here has a dog and there are no fears, but if someone were afraid, then we would not.

 

[luvmy3]

How small are these bus stops you all have? Mine is on a large, residential street. I can bring my dog, wait for my kids, and still be 30 feet away from the actual bus when it stops and the kids coming off it... No one but my own kids needs to come anywhere near me. I was afraid of dogs also when I was younger (because of the large, jumpy, doberman that my neighbor never kept leashed) but my parents never felt the need to shelter me from seeing them on the street. I still grew up happy and well-adjusted, now owning 2 dogs of my own. I doubt the child will be seriously traumatized from seeing a dog on a street. The real issue is the dog who jumps on the aide, that is scary for anyone, not other dogs minding their own business but being out in public...

Seeing a dog on the street is not the same as sharing a bus stop with one, and for some people its much more than a fear, its that they are terrified or have anxiety, so yes they could be traumatized for life. Is that the case for everyone, of course not , it wasn't for you and thats great but you shouldn't discount other's fear becasue you managed to grow up well adjusted because you weren't sheltered

 

[luvmy3]

I totally agree that this particular dogs needs to stay away from the bus stop because it's a menace. But there is no reason that a responsible dog owner needs to keep their well behaved dog at home.

While you are right, there is no reason that they need to bring them to the bus stop either. However there are those who feel that a scared child is reason enough. Sure we could all bring our dogs to the bus stop, its our right, but its really how we would feel about ourselves afterwords. I wouldn't want to do that to any child who was uncomfortable around my dog, even if it was just sitting there, YMMV.

 

[mhsjax]

Seeing a dog on the street is not the same as sharing a bus stop with one, and for some people its much more than a fear, its that they are terrified or have anxiety, so yes they could be traumatized for life. Is that the case for everyone, of course not , it wasn't for you and thats great but you shouldn't discount other's fear becasue you managed to grow up well adjusted because you weren't sheltered

Yes, we are talking about kids here. And yes they ca be extremely afraid. And then they get to go to school and try and have a good day. I seriously don't understand some of the attitudes. We aren't talking about leaving your dog at home all the time or never letting him out. Dogs love to go to the bus stop. dogs also love chocolate, but you don't give it to them.

There are other ways to walk a dog. Go around the bus stop, go another way. If you are sitting at the bus stop, then you aren't "walking" the dog. Again, all of this applies if there are kids or even one child that is afraid. If the kids love the dog, then more power to you and the dog.

 

[Jaime4004]

Seeing a dog on the street is not the same as sharing a bus stop with one, and for some people its much more than a fear, its that they are terrified or have anxiety, so yes they could be traumatized for life. Is that the case for everyone, of course not , it wasn't for you and thats great but you shouldn't discount other's fear becasue you managed to grow up well adjusted because you weren't sheltered

I would guess this is where our view differs. As I said, being 30 (actually, more when I drove past our bus stop) feet or more, standing waiting for your kid, is not sharing a bus stop to me. It's not like the dog is standing at the opening of the bus doors. And yes, he is just on the street, no where near people. Children are afraid of many things, and usually get over them quite successfully...

 

[Hannathy]

What I don't get after 5 pages of responses is what business is it of anyones but the Aid who is getting jumped on and the girl who supposedly is afraid of dogs (and do we even know this for a fact or just supposing by the OP?) her parents.

If they aid who is an adult doesn't care enough to speak up then why should the OP butt in and call? maybe she truly doesn't care. And if she is the girls aid she should know if it is a problem to the girl,maybe it really isn't, and tell the school or the girls parents. If the girl is afraid I am sure she could tell her aid, teacher or her parents.

Why does everyone think they have the right to interfere where it really is none of their business.

OP as long as the dog isn't bothering you and the person it is bothering is an adult I would let them handle it. They may not appreciate you sticking your nose into it, I know I wouldn't if I was the aid. and the girl has parents.

 

[luvmy3]

I would guess this is where our view differs. As I said, being 30 (actually, more when I drove past our bus stop) feet or more, standing waiting for your kid, is not sharing a bus stop to me. It's not like the dog is standing at the opening of the bus doors. And yes, he is just on the street, no where near people. Children are afraid of many things, and usually get over them quite successfully...

Yes we do differ here, thats obvious. I realize kids can overcome their fears successfully, but I also realize some don't and I wouldn't want to be the type of person who feels that I should force a child to face their fears because its my right to walk my dog at the bus stop, and they should just get over it. Its clear you feel otherwise.

 

[luvmy3]

What I don't get after 5 pages of responses is what business is it of anyones but the Aid who is getting jumped on and the girl who supposedly is afraid of dogs (and do we even know this for a fact or just supposing by the OP?) her parents.

If they aid who is an adult doesn't care enough to speak up then why should the OP butt in and call? maybe she truly doesn't care. And if she is the girls aid she should know if it is a problem to the girl,maybe it really isn't, and tell the school or the girls parents. If the girl is afraid I am sure she could tell her aid, teacher or her parents.

Why does everyone think they have the right to interfere where it really is none of their business.

OP as long as the dog isn't bothering you and the person it is bothering is an adult I would let them handle it. They may not appreciate you sticking your nose into it, I know I wouldn't if I was the aid. and the girl has parents.

I had to go back to the OP because I wasn't sure if I missed it, but I didn't see where she said she was going to do something about.

 

[m&m's mom]

What I don't get after 5 pages of responses is what business is it of anyones but the Aid who is getting jumped on and the girl who supposedly is afraid of dogs (and do we even know this for a fact or just supposing by the OP?) her parents.

If they aid who is an adult doesn't care enough to speak up then why should the OP butt in and call? maybe she truly doesn't care. And if she is the girls aid she should know if it is a problem to the girl,maybe it really isn't, and tell the school or the girls parents. If the girl is afraid I am sure she could tell her aid, teacher or her parents.

Why does everyone think they have the right to interfere where it really is none of their business.

OP as long as the dog isn't bothering you and the person it is bothering is an adult I would let them handle it. They may not appreciate you sticking your nose into it, I know I wouldn't if I was the aid. and the girl has parents.

Because we are a caring society. We speak up and stick up for those that for whatever reason don't or can't.
I think we "stay out of peoples business" far TOO often!

 

[Jaime4004]

Yes we do differ here, thats obvious. I realize kids can overcome their fears successfully, but I also realize some don't and I wouldn't want to be the type of person who feels that I should force a child to face their fears because its my right to walk my dog at the bus stop, and they should just get over it. Its clear you feel otherwise.

Okay, maybe not so clear. I was more going for the dog is not actually at the bus stop, terrifying people, if it so clearly sitting far away. Same as dogs walking down the street, stopping to sniff the roses. No one is saying that they should allow their dogs to go near, lick, jump on, whatever, a child that is afraid.

 

[dzorn]

Our school bus stop has about 25 kids getting on at the stop. There is one special needs child as well. Why do people bring dogs to the bus stop? One neighbor insists on bringing her big dog (pit bull) to the bus stop every day and the special needs girl is clearly upset and afraid. And her aid that meets her at the bus is dressed all nicely and this dog always jumps on her.

Would you continue to bring your dog? Personally, I have 2 dogs and never bring them to the bus. It's chaos there and I worry about the dogs as well as the kids.

Totally agree. Like I said before, if someone, child included couldn't handle my dog sitting nicely on a leash ten feet away from them, they really need some help with dealing with public situations.

Yes they do need help with public situation, many special needs kids do. Having the dog upsetting the child and jumping on her aide is increasing her fear not helping it.

OP please call the school and talk to the principle. The aide may not realize how afraid of the dog the child is especially if she is trying to keep the dog from jumping on her. The school can also help the child by working on her fear of dogs.

The princpal can then speak with the dogs owner or inform animal control that they have a situation at the bus stop. The principal should also inform the special need childs parents. Often they are in outside therphy and they can work on her fear of dogs.

The owner should not be allowing the dog to jump on anyone and should be kept at a safe distance from the children. The aide should have spoken up the first time it happened.

Denise in MI

 

[HelenePA]

OP I dont understand why anyone at your stop hasn't spoken up for this lil girl?!? This isn't some cute lil dog sitting nicely its a dog scaring a child which is NOT okay.. totally not what most of you are talking about.. shame on that aide for not speaking up for that child! My older dd hates big (huge monster size ones!) dogs we just dont let her around them or if they are near we just ask/tell the owner to stay away. I dont understand why anyone at the OP stop hasn't done the same?