I think a useful message.

Bullseye1

I couldn't agree more with this.

Karlitto

True story! That and leaving a dog unattended with a kid, I mean really?.... NO dog should be left unattended with a child, be it a king Charles or a great dane.

Oh, one thing to note, with ANY pup anyone gets, just a bit of advice, poke them everywhere, pull their ears, tail, legs, feet, play with their toes, mouth and eyes, don't hurt them, but just get them used to the feeling of what a child would do.

For example, the wee girl in my signature, since I got her, I did all that stuff, we had a friend over to the house a while ago, he has 1.5 - 2 year twins, they are not afraid of dogs in the least, first thing they did was go over and yank on her tail while she was lying down, ya think she would even bother looking at what was grabbing her? Naw, didn't give a hoot.

ZiabR

As much patience Labs, Golden Retrievers have, you cannot blame them when a child is pulling at their face.

Karlitto

I agree,

I mean, imagine someone doing that to you?

lollsangel

I have told my kids you pull out of the dogs they can snap, they do have feelings. My daughter used to pull their tails so one day I pulled her ponytail and told it that if find that hurts and you want slap, imagine how the pups feel

Karlitto

lollsangel wrote: »

I have told my kids you pull out of the dogs they can snap, they do have feelings. My daughter used to pull their tails so one day I pulled her ponytail and told it that if find that hurts and you want slap, imagine how the pups feel

Haha, brilliant Did it work?

BillyMitchel

I'm on my phone so can't link but there's also another great video on YT about what not to let a kid do.

It's a rottie and its lying down and the parents put the toddler on the hound as if it a horse and get their phones out and start recording. You can obviously see the dog is straight away uncomfortable and the child keep bouncing up and down. Dog tries to move but parents don't let it. It keeps pushing it head back to get the child off. Keeps licking its lips. All while the child is slapping it and bouncing up and down. Every sign that the dog is about to bite it gives but fortunately the child falls and the dog walks off.

Some people have zero idea when it comes to stuff like this.

lollsangel

Karlitto wrote: »

Haha, brilliant Did it work?

Hasnt pulled a tail since

Karlitto

BillyMitchel wrote: »

I'm on my phone so can't link but there's also another great video on YT about what not to let a kid do.

It's a rottie and its lying down and the parents put the toddler on the hound as if it a horse and get their phones out and start recording. You can obviously see the dog is straight away uncomfortable and the child keep bouncing up and down. Dog tries to move but parents don't let it. It keeps pushing it head back to get the child off. Keeps licking its lips. All while the child is slapping it and bouncing up and down. Every sign that the dog is about to bite it gives but fortunately the child falls and the dog walks off.

Some people have zero idea when it comes to stuff like this.

See, and this is the thing, some dogs would be fine with that, some not. I do not understand people who get dogs (any breed) and do not learn how to read the dogs behavior, bite signs being one of the main areas of focus.

Karlitto

Is it this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9f4oIyDZwY

If so, I understand you, but I would disagree, no bite signs there, the dog is content at playing with his ball.

However, it is one thing letting a dog and a baby lie next to each other, but jesus, I wouldn't blame the dog if he had of turned an snapped. Especially because it is still only about 8 months to a year old (just guessing the age)

BillyMitchel

Karlitto wrote: »

Is it this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9f4oIyDZwY

If so, I understand you, but I would disagree, no bite signs there, the dog is content at playing with his ball.

However, it is one thing letting a dog and a baby lie next to each other, but jesus, I wouldn't blame the dog if he had of turned an snapped. Especially because it is still only about 8 months to a year old (just guessing the age)

Nah that's not it. Might be wrong but i wouldn't say that dog is even 8 months.

VonVix

Not enough children are taught to respect dogs and give them space (and not enough owners are aware a dog needs this no matter how much they are integrated into a family), especially when it comes to the dogs of friends and family, yes you may be familiar with the dog, but that does not mean you are free to get up in their space any way you want.

However, I am actually quite impressed with the Irish children I have met when walking my boys in the park. The majority of them (that are of age to be able to talk) never go up to my dogs, they often point and say "look! doggies!" and especially as I've got a fluffy pair of woofers that I could imagine any child having trouble staying away from, I am really impressed with how many seem to have been taught not to pet or approach a strange dog.

Karlitto

VonVix wrote: »

Not enough children are taught to respect dogs and give them space (and not enough owners are aware a dog needs this no matter how much they are integrated into a family), especially when it comes to the dogs of friends and family, yes you may be familiar with the dog, but that does not mean you are free to get up in their space any way you want.

However, I am actually quite impressed with the Irish children I have met when walking my boys in the park. The majority of them (that are of age to be able to talk) never go up to my dogs, they often point and say "look! doggies!" and especially as I've got a fluffy pair of woofers that I could imagine any child having trouble staying away from, I am really impressed with how many seem to have been taught not to pet or approach a strange dog.

Haha, yea, kids don't generally come up to my dogs at all, but mainly because the parents they are with are ignorantly afraid and pass that fear on to their children.

Karlitto

Found it..... ****ing idiots, and yep, there are all of the "get the **** off me" signs....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9rnK49QxJI

BillyMitchel

Karlitto wrote: »

Found it..... ****ing idiots, and yep, there are all of the "get the **** off me" signs....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9rnK49QxJI

Yep that's the one. First time I seen it I was like the dog is going to snap at any moment now. It even gets hard to watch.

Idiot parents in the background laughing!

anniehoo

Karlitto wrote: »

Found it..... ****ing idiots, and yep, there are all of the "get the **** off me" signs....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9rnK49QxJI

:eek: Oh my god I had to turn it off at 1:20. That is painful to watch.

Karlitto

BillyMitchel wrote: »

Yep that's the one. First time I seen it I was like the dog is going to snap at any moment now. It even gets hard to watch.

Idiot parents in the background laughing!

You can tell within about 5 seconds of seeing the dog. BAH! I have thought for a very long time that to own ANY dog, you should have to do a dog training course (nothing too intense, just the basics in owning a dog) and sit a test to get YOUR license.

This way, you would be licensed to own a dog, less dogs would be found in pounds and being put down due to idiots who could not manage them. As well, would dramatically increase responsible dog ownership.

Karlitto

anniehoo wrote: »

:eek: Oh my god I had to turn it off at 1:20. That is painful to watch.

Yea, it is pretty shocking. And you know the headlines would be "Child savaged by vicious Rottweiler" Sickens me.

angeldaisy

My son absolutely loves dogs, but it has been drummed into him to ask the owners first before approaching them

Unfortunately one day he forgot to ask, and the dog in question snapped at him. thankfully it was a warning snap but it taught him a valuable lesson and reminded him that I wasn't just saying this for no reason whatsoever.

Believe me if a dog did bite my son, either my own dogs or someone else's because of his own stupidity I would not be blaming the owners.

It is incredibly frustrating when children approach dogs without asking first, because our lady looks really sweet we used to get it a lot, but she is terrified of strangers so her first response is to bark and snap at them. I don't bring her out in public very often, instead she is walked in private fields where she can run and sniff to her hearts content without being scared.

SpaceTime

I think people sometimes expect way too much of pets in terms of tolerance of being poked at.

I'd a visitor to the house who kept tickling and poking the cat when the cat was clearly annoyed / not interested in interacting with him. The cat eventually whacked him with a claw across the arm (scratching him a bit) and somehow this was suddenly all my 'evil cat's' fault.

They're animals we choose to share our homes with, and they are most definitely not toys!
A bit of mutual respect and a proper relationship is required and an ability to know what's going to get you scratched, bitten or put in harms way too.

I would absolutely never, ever let a small kid interact like that with a dog, cat or any animal.
All it takes is a bit of a bad temper or a misinterpretation of something and you've a MAJOR injury.

meoklmrk91

Karlitto wrote: »

Found it..... ****ing idiots, and yep, there are all of the "get the **** off me" signs....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9rnK49QxJI

My heart was in my mouth the whole time watching that, what a pair of ****ing idiots.

Karlitto

angeldaisy wrote: »

My son absolutely loves dogs, but it has been drummed into him to ask the owners first before approaching them

Unfortunately one day he forgot to ask, and the dog in question snapped at him. thankfully it was a warning snap but it taught him a valuable lesson and reminded him that I wasn't just saying this for no reason whatsoever.

Believe me if a dog did bite my son, either my own dogs or someone else's because of his own stupidity I would not be blaming the owners.

It is incredibly frustrating when children approach dogs without asking first, because our lady looks really sweet we used to get it a lot, but she is terrified of strangers so her first response is to bark and snap at them. I don't bring her out in public very often, instead she is walked in private fields where she can run and sniff to her hearts content without being scared.

That's a good mentality to have, people should always ask, and most of the time, they will say yep

Ya ever tried to get her socialized to make her not so nervous?

Hooked

angeldaisy wrote: »

My son absolutely loves dogs, but it has been drummed into him to ask the owners first before approaching them

Unfortunately one day he forgot to ask, and the dog in question snapped at him. thankfully it was a warning snap but it taught him a valuable lesson and reminded him that I wasn't just saying this for no reason whatsoever.

Believe me if a dog did bite my son, either my own dogs or someone else's because of his own stupidity I would not be blaming the owners.

It is incredibly frustrating when children approach dogs without asking first, because our lady looks really sweet we used to get it a lot, but she is terrified of strangers so her first response is to bark and snap at them. I don't bring her out in public very often, instead she is walked in private fields where she can run and sniff to her hearts content without being scared.

THIS!!! A child should always ask, and 'some' parents need to really tune in. I recently ranted about a mother letting (and fully aware of) her 3 year old wonder over in between my husky and a Doberman. As they were getting to know each other. Then the child followed around the back of me as I retreated with Hugo, trying to pull his tail.

Christ almighty! Also worth noting is the 'correct' way to greet a dog. None of this head patting, space invading, usual approach.

cocker5

lollsangel wrote: »

I have told my kids you pull out of the dogs they can snap, they do have feelings. My daughter used to pull their tails so one day I pulled her ponytail and told it that if find that hurts and you want slap, imagine how the pups feel

My sister took the same approach when my nephew when he was pulling my cockers ears, so she tugged his ear.... he didnt like it, so she said you think the dog likes it?

Never did it again :pac:

Karlitto

Hooked wrote: »

THIS!!! A child should always ask, and 'some' parents need to really tune in. I recently ranted about a mother letting her 3 year old wonder over in between my husky and a Doberman. As they were getting to now each other. Then the child followed around the back of me as I retreated with Hugo, trying to pull his tail.

Christ almighty! Also worth noting is the 'correct' way to greet a dog. None of this head patting, space invading, usual approach.

That's just irresponsible,

Not sure what ya mean about the second half,

The way I (personally) always introduce myself to a dog is to hunker down with my side facing the dog, look away, dog comes and sniffs my bum, walks away, and boom, we are friends. And I tell ya, never once has a dog snapped at my hand for that.

Hooked

Just found this online! Spot on...

Karlitto

Haha, brilliant

angeldaisy

Karlitto, we adopted her ladyship about 18 months ago, she barked at everyone and everything.

We now have her so she is fine with our friends and family, but she just finds strangers too stressful. To be honest it doesn't cause too much hassle, except on the odd occasion we have to visit the vets. But at least now she just barks and barks rather than snaps then barks.

On a few occasions we've had to wait outside for our appointment:o

toadfly

that poor dog. Desperate how some adults act. No cop on and its the dog and child that would suffer if the dog snapped.

I actually can't believe they encouraged their toddler to sit on a dogs chest and bounce on him.

mymo

Those parents in that video are idiots, I can't say anymore, I'll lose it.
The poor dog, it should be taken from them and found a decent home.

I taught my daughter from a baby to stay still and quiet and talk quietly to dogs, and let them come to her. Her granny had two older dogs that happily allowed her to pet them, and laid beside her pram as she slept. She knew from the time she could walk not to approach a dog, to stand still and ask the owner if she could say hello (which to her meant actually saying "hello doggy" and letting them sniff her), she never put a hand on a strange dog, but knew a few local dogs she could safely pet.
I have trained my dogs to "say hello" which means they will stand to be petted, the command tells them someone is going to touch them. But I have lost count of the number of kids and even adults that will just lunge at them or grab them. Yes they are hairy and cute, but how do these people know they are friendly?

I explain to every child I can how to say hello correctly, but I'm sick of parents just saying "it's fine, he/she loves dogs"

ValleyoftheDoll

anniehoo wrote: »

:eek: Oh my god I had to turn it off at 1:20. That is painful to watch.

I had to turn it off too :mad:

SpaceTime

We have had that issue with one friend's kid.

She comes in screaming "KITTTTTTYYYYY" at our very highly strung cat who gets totally freaked out by loud noises.

We spent a long time explaining that 'Kitty' is not a toy, can be approached with respect and very quietly, and gently and only with an adult present.

We gave her a demonstration of kitty's favourite pastime - pretending to kill fake mice! So, she now knows that he's potentially quite dangerous and to keep her hands and face out of harm's way!

Kids often equate pets and toys and it's a really dangerous thing to do.

Cats in particular can absolutely lacerate you and do horrendous damage if they are cornered / threatened or hurt. Some are patient, some aren't.

People also definitely make huge assumptions about dog behaviour that can lead to rather nasty situations.

angelfire9

SpaceTime wrote: »

We have had that issue with one friend's kid.

She comes in screaming "KITTTTTTYYYYY" at our very highly strung cat who gets totally freaked out by loud noises.

We spent a long time explaining that 'Kitty' is not a toy, can be approached with respect and very quietly, and gently and only with an adult present.

We gave her a demonstration of kitty's favourite pastime - pretending to kill fake mice! So, she now knows that he's potentially quite dangerous and to keep her hands and face out of harm's way!

Kids often equate pets and toys and it's a really dangerous thing to do.

Cats in particular can absolutely lacerate you and do horrendous damage if they are cornered / threatened or hurt. Some are patient, some aren't.

People also definitely make huge assumptions about dog behaviour that can lead to rather nasty situations.

My nieces come in the door my cats fight to get out the cat flap first!!

kylith

meoklmrk91 wrote: »

My heart was in my mouth the whole time watching that, what a pair of ****ing idiots.

Mine too! That video is an absolute testament to the patience of Rotties, it could easily have been a video of a dog snapping under stress.

Pumpkinseeds

Young children think that they can handle animals in the same way that they pick up a teddy bear or a doll. So they grab and squeeze, which of course can hurt and scare any animal. A lady collecting with me for a charity yesterday had a little dog with her and I was shocked at the number of adults who just picked up and cuddled the dog without asking if it was ok to do so, or if the dog was ok with strangers.

The number of parents who just walked their toddlers up to strange dogs without even checking with the owners on the dogs temperment was scary too. I remember our cats reaction to my husband's nephew when he was about 4. He'd come in the door and they couldn't get out to the room fast enough, I'd to watch him like a hawk and as soon as you'd take your eyes off him he'd be poking under the bed with something trying to make a hiding cat come out.

Parents need to teach their kids from a young age that animals need to be treated with respect and not to try to grab animals, especially ones they don't know.

Karlitto

Ok, so, I was sitting in the doghouse with Kim (my Rottie), just chillin', as you can see from the below and this family of 5 Asians, not sure where abouts form, walked inside, on the way back out, one of the children jumped towards her and shouted "BAH!"

What I presume to be the father started slapping the kid across the head and then apologized to me, and made the kid say sorry

I chuckled

Oh, and not a peep out of her, she just kinda looked at him with the look of "da hell is wrong with you?"

Pumpkinseeds

I saw 2 young girls aged about 5 or so, tormenting a dog in it's garden in December, despite the fact that the owners had a sign on the gate asking people to leave it alone. I fcuked them out of it, had tried being nice but they were ignoring me and they were back shouting in the gate at it when I passed by about 15 minutes later. Never was I so tempted to have a chat about Santa's true identity. Evil I know, but sometimes, just sometimes kids do things to deserve it:mad:

Karlitto

Pumpkinseeds wrote: »

I saw 2 young girls aged about 5 or so, tormenting a dog in it's garden in December, despite the fact that the owners had a sign on the gate asking people to leave it alone. I fcuked them out of it, had tried being nice but they were ignoring me and they were back shouting in the gate at it when I passed by about 15 minutes later. Never was I so tempted to have a chat about Santa's true identity. Evil I know, but sometimes, just sometimes kids do things to deserve it:mad:

Hehe, have been tempted before, but thought, it won't really do much as they will still get their presents, I am a big enough guy and it is easy to scare people, so I just scare the kids

the_syco

I wanted to drop-kick that kid so bad! Poor doggie. Hope the kid doesn't do something like that when it's owner isn't around!

Karlitto

the_syco wrote: »

I wanted to drop-kick that kid so bad! Poor doggie. Hope the kid doesn't do something like that when it's owner isn't around!

That's the problem, and the assumption would be "Vicious dog savages child for no reason"

In saying that, NO dog should EVER be left alone with a young child, no exceptions.

The Bishop Basher

Karlitto wrote: »

Hehe, have been tempted before, but thought, it won't really do much as they will still get their presents, I am a big enough guy and it is easy to scare people, so I just scare the kids

You use your size as an adult to indimidate children ??? Really ??? As for even thinking about telling children about Christmas. How has that even crossed your mind ?? What's wrong with you people ? There are ways and means to deal with unruly kids and neither of the above are appropriate.

Anyway, I don't find this a massive problem One of our dogs is very unchild friendly. He'd be fine for a short while but would snap if tested too much. We just make sure he's never in a position that could trigger this. Kids are kids. We can't control them all the time. We can control the dog though and avoid the situation before an issue can be created in the first place. My wife minds kids and we've never had the slightest issue yet.

Karlitto

Swanner wrote: »

You use your size as an adult to indimidate children ??? Really ??? As for even thinking about telling children about Christmas. How has that even crossed your mind ?? What's wrong with you people ? There are ways and means to deal with unruly kids and neither of the above are appropriate.

Anyway, I don't find this a massive problem One of our dogs is very unchild friendly. He'd be fine for a short while but would snap if tested too much. We just make sure he's never in a position that could trigger this. Kids are kids. We can't control them all the time. We can control the dog though and avoid the situation before an issue can be created in the first place. My wife minds kids and we've never had the slightest issue yet.

But if I see someone being picked on, or a dog/cat being terrorized by a kid, damn right I scare them. I also get enjoyment out of going "BOO!" at a kid when they are staring at me, the reaction is priceless.

Ok, so, please tell me how you deal with an unruly child when their parents are no where to be seen?

In response to your second paragraph, you are right It is all about being responsible, and as you have said, you make sure he is never in a position that could trigger a reaction.

Pumpkinseeds

Swanner wrote: »

You use your size as an adult to inimidate children ??? Really ??? As for even thinking about telling children about Christmas. How has that even crossed your mind ?? What's wrong with you people ? There are ways and means to deal with unruly kids and neither of the above are appropriate.

Anyway, I don't find this a massive problem One of our dogs is very unchild friendly. He'd be fine for a short while but would snap if tested too much. We just make sure he's never in a position that could trigger this. Kids are kids. We can't control them all the time. We can control the dog though and avoid the situation before an issue can be created in the first place. My wife minds kids and we've never had the slightest issue yet.

Ignorant nasty little brats that live a couple of streets away tormenting a nervous dog in it's own garden, possibly on a daily basis. My conscience would have been spotlessly clean had I done what I'd have liked to do. I'd have no hesitation next time, I'm only sorry I didn't do it that day.