I should preface this by saying I’m NOT anti-dog, nor do I think they should be muzzled, not allowed in public places and are just as important to people as children but if you can’t control it then it should be on a lead! I grew up with dogs; we had everything from Maltese poodles to a St. Bernard named Angie, which I used to crawl all over. Unfortunately, somewhere in my late twenties and early thirties I developed an irrational fear of them. I don’t know if it’s the media or my days as a backpacker with rabid dogs.
This morning we were in a lovely green space, with a couple of friends. A dog, not a large one, but a sinewy one, came racing towards us. The owner desperately was trying to call it back but it didn’t listen. You have no idea the level of fear I had….my first response is to run, but I didn’t, I just picked up Madame and then hid behind my friends, like a girl! The gentleman was very apologetic, and I was polite but all I wanted to say was put the (insert swear word) dog on a lead! In the end, I met the dog and it was absolutely fine but I think as a dog owner it’s your responsibility to keep it under control.
I’m doing my utmost to ensure that my daughter doesn’t develop this stupid fear and so far she hasn’t….I’ve allowed her to crawl all over a Newfoundlander. She adores dogs and sadly has a dog lead for her toys but no real dog. The only thing I’m trying to instil in her is that she always has to ask the owner before she approaches them.
I don’t know how many times I have seen dogs run at children in a playful way, but on too many occasions I have seen children in hysterics, and the owner always says don’t worry it’s okay. Sorry, but it’s not okay…..the child is obviously terrified and forcing it isn’t going to help, it’s only going to exacerbate the problem.
Lets meet halfway….I won’t inflict my daughter on people who don’t like kids and if you can’t control your dog please put it on a lead. Thanking you in advance.