Traumatized
I officially don’t like irresponsible dog owners.
Fulton and Therese were traumatized on Friday by a dog who’s owner did not have it on a leash while she was out for a jog. Unfortunately she couldn’t keep up with her canine and it ran straight for us while I was taking the kids on a bike ride. The dog was about the size of Fulton and of course, the kids started screaming. I asked the owner to put her leash on her dog–which she didn’t do even after that because we saw the pair again on our way home.
Most of you who have dogs know that the kids weren’t big fans of these animals to begin with. The most unfortunate part of this all, is that my kids were scared today to go out on a bike ride. They were peddling slow and apprehensive at every corner. Therese wouldn’t take the lead like she usually does. Fulton even said, “I don’t want to go that way. The dog might come out.” I took them that particular route anyway, assuring them that it would be safe and I wouldn’t let anything happen to them. And now they are even more weary just passes houses where we know there are dogs. Their joy in biking riding is gone in less than a couple of weeks.
I know they are well meaning when dog owners say, “oh, my dog is nice. It wouldn’t hurt you.” Quite frankly, we don’t know your dogs and they don’t know us. And you never know what a dog will do when faced with a 5 year old screaming kid.
So what to do (beside carry pepper spray)? How do I keep the kids from going completely bonkers when they see a dog? And there’s NO WAY we’re getting a dog to get the kids used to them.
That is a tough one, at their age, there is no sure remedy for dog fright. Maybe try letting them watch Lady and the Tramp or 101 Dalmations? I know, they are Disney movies, so there is a slight moral dilemma (Disney does support many causes that we as Catholics don’t agree with), but short of having a dog, or visiting someone with a dog to get them used to the animals and teaching them that most dogs are nice and just want to lick, these movies may show that dogs are usually not mean and shouldn’t be feared by us big people.
You could also have Adam go and defend his children by having a stern talking with the dog and the owner with the kids watching the whole thing.
We are former pet owners and just like Children, dogs will do some of the most unexpected things. If you are in the City of Austin, there is a leash law, I believe, and you could call animal control if you see it happen again, but I am not completely sure about that course of action.
I think exposing the kids to dogs at a gradual pace should work. Start out with small dogs or puppies and work your way up. Pet stores let kids come in and pet the animals in a controlled environment all the time here. It’s like a mini petting zoo and it’s free! They can interact with more than dogs also. There’s rabbits, gerbals, hamsters, ferrets, ect.. They could see some colorful fish and squaking birds that remind them of their Uncle Marc.
I think it could be a great experience even if it’s a one-time thing. If you have any friends with other small animals, you can try that as well.
My poor little ones! It is not good that they are afraid of dogs. And for that lady that did not put a leash on the dog after you asked shows how irresponsible of a dog owner she is. That is common curiosity, like asking someone not to blow cigarette smoke toward you. Good advise was given above. I agree with Aunt Mary on taking them to a pet store to see the dogs.. remember as puppies, dogs are going to jump and be very hyper.
I think they need to be around an adult dog to learn the do’s and don’t of being around them. Adult dogs are a lot calmer and tend to listen better to the owners. I have been bitten a few times by dogs, and I have learned that yes they are unpredictable, yet I am still not afraid of them. One thing everyone should know is if you want to pet a persons dog, you should always ask, because they will tell you if the dog might bite.
When I have kids meet my lil Ginger which is half terrier/chihuhua. I tell and show them how to approach her, how to put their hand out (hand closed so she smells the back of the hand, knuckles) while I hold her, this way she can not grab the fingers. and reassure them not to be scared, animals smell/ sense fear which makes them agitated. Once she sniffs the hand and is calm then I let them pet her still holding her and her head because they are new to her as well and she will follow their hands. Once they pet her a couple of times she is pretty much okay as long as she is not startled (like most dogs get with unfamiliar sounds.) and all are still supervised.
Things to keep in mind. Kids should never scream around a dog because if the dog is not around screaming kids it will get agitated and could become aggressive because it is scared. They need to stay calm. Never run from a dog, their instinct is to chase. They need to calmly walk away backwards and firmly in a stern voice say NO!!! or GO AWAY!!! Never point/ wiggle your finger towards a strange dog and yell no… some dogs take that as they are going to be attacked and might charge. (The raising of the hand as to be hit) The Best thing to do is stomp your foot and Say “NO” or “Go AWAY!” loudly in a deep mean voice. With my experience that seems to scare them off.
If it helps I can bring Ginger over on a day trip to help the kids try to get over their fears and show what to do around strange dogs.
Love Ya,
Hugs and Kisses to the kiddos!
Aunt Nana