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Posted by to the parents on July 17, 2005 at 19:33:46:
In Reply to: Dogs in Grandview Park posted by nemo on December 31, 2004 at 23:38:19:
I have a dog, that to some is fairly large. He's a wonderful mutt that I love dearly and so do all that meet him. At the same time, I respect the fact that some people and especially kids are intimidated by dogs, or at least don't love them as much as I. I will move him to the other side of the walk when passing parents and little kids, and keep him away from playgrounds when he's off leash at the park. Owners play a large part in how dogs are perceived.
At the same time I am incredibly annoyed at how many children don't seem to know anything about dogs. So many children freak out or start screaming when they see a dog or rush up to it or try to pull on its tail, etc. Even if you don't own a dog, as parents you need to introduce your child to dogs so the develop a healthy respect for the animal. There's no need for a child to start screaming in terror when they see a friendly dog pass them (unless they've had a bad incident in the past) and it's only made worse when a parent condones the behaviour.
I am surprised at how rarely a child will ask permission before approaching my dog and then hold out their hand to be sniffed before petting him. I am very impressed when a child does this, it shows their parents have taught them well. I understand and respect a parent's concern for their child, especially around unknown dogs. This is understandable--it's the kids that are so terrified of animals and the parents that allow this, instead of building their confidence around them. I just wanted to relay my concerns as a dog owner and as a dog lover since childhood. Even after being bitten by dogs as a child I have always loved dogs. They make a big difference in people's lives. I am so dismayed at what some children are missing out on because of their parents.