PSA Please don't bring your dog to the bus stop

[MaumeeMom]

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...but for kids to be afraid of ALL dogs, seems a bit over the top.

Sometimes there are underlying reasons for the fear. Any dog can be scary - big, little, fuzzy, short haired. Being afraid of all dogs can be a survival mechanism and is not over the top at all.

PARTIAL
My only point is that dogs are a big part of our society (in many parts of the world) and that to ban all dogs from an area, even if they're on a leash, seems a bit extreme.

Spoken like a dog lover. Due to our family situation, I appreciate that there are dog free areas in this country. Dogs may be a big part of your society but not mine. Schools are safety zones and I am glad that dogs/pets are not allowed on school property.

Also, if you had allowed your (natural, of course) fear of dogs to make you never able to interact with any dog again, I think it would have truly limited your social interactions.

I really don't feel this way. How are we limited because we have to avoid dogs? We socialize with people, we go to stores, the cinema, schools, sporting events. Again, dogs may be a big part of your life but it is quite possible to do without them and have a fulfilling life.

My DS#2 is extremely allergic to pet dander. He reacts immediately when exposed to dogs. He sometimes even has trouble at the zoo if it is shedding time or if we get close to someone who has been to the petting area.

Due to the fact that he can't be near them and hasn't been able to experience a dog's "friendship" he is terrified of them. I see this as a survival instinct.

His social growth is not stunted. We do just fine.

I really have no problem with dogs as long as they are controlled and well behaved. Just please keep them away from my kids, especially if I have explained the situation.

 

[Pakey]

I go by the bus stop 5 mornings a week with my leashed dog. There's no way around it; it's either walk the dog by the kids or don't walk at all. There are 3 stops, 15 minutes apart, each has at least 20 kids. I stay back until traffic is clear and then I walk off the sidewalk and into the street to avoid any chance of contact with children.

My dog is small, hairless, one-eyed and a rescue who was abused. He will bite as he does not see well and is terrified of everyone (even after 3 years, he still bites my husband if my husband tries to pick him up). He won't lunge or go on attack but he will bite if someone rushes up to him or tries to touch him.

I can't tell you the number of times that one of those children will run out into the street, screaming, "can I pet your dog"? as I quickly scoop the dog into my arms before he has a chance to bite anyone with his 4 teeth.

I think all dogs should be kept under control and not allowed to touch anyone without permission. I'm sorry for children who are terrified of dogs. All children (and adults) should learn and respect that dogs are animals, not all are friendly, and behavior can be unpredictable. As an owner, it's my job to keep the dog (and his messes) from infringing on anyone else.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I go by the bus stop 5 mornings a week with my leashed dog. There's no way around it; it's either walk the dog by the kids or don't walk at all. There are 3 stops, 15 minutes apart, each has at least 20 kids. I stay back until traffic is clear and then I walk off the sidewalk and into the street to avoid any chance of contact with children.

My dog is small, hairless, one-eyed and a rescue who was abused. He will bite as he does not see well and is terrified of everyone (even after 3 years, he still bites my husband if my husband tries to pick him up). He won't lunge or go on attack but he will bite if someone rushes up to him or tries to touch him.

I can't tell you the number of times that one of those children will run out into the street, screaming, "can I pet your dog"? as I quickly scoop the dog into my arms before he has a chance to bite anyone with his 4 teeth.

I think all dogs should be kept under control and not allowed to touch anyone without permission. I'm sorry for children who are terrified of dogs. All children (and adults) should learn and respect that dogs are animals, not all are friendly, and behavior can be unpredictable. As an owner, it's my job to keep the dog (and his messes) from infringing on anyone else.

I have taught my children exactly that. I have told them to ask me and the dog's owner if they can approach a dog first. If and only if they have the okay I instructed them to let the dog sniff their hand first to get acquainted. No sudden moves, treat them gently, and don't put their faces near the dog's face. Oh and I've told them even a good dog can have a bad day. I tell them to be mindful.

I think they really appreciate dogs that are well behaved. They ask questions of their owners, speak nicely to the dogs, and treat the dogs gently. I would like to get a dog for them someday.