This is really irresponsible IMO - the parent should teach a child how to behave around a dog and introduce them to as many as possible i think. Many parents just reinforce the kids being scared by their own behavior.

Although i agree that most of the time there is a reason why a dog bites, there are also dogs that bite without provocation too

But the provocation could be a bad experience - such as being grabbed by the collar before receiving a thrashing. So innocently someone could just take such a dog by the collar ... and seemingly, without provocation, gets bitten.

IMO there are ALWAYS reasons why a dog has bitten seemingly unprovoked.

I get that reaction on the beach when Guinness is off lead. Because he's so big he worries people!! He's such a softie though. I think coz he's muzzled too they automatically think he's dangerous! he's only muzzled because he's an ex-racer!!

I grew up with dogs but Oscar was afraid of anything with fur and 4 legs when he was little. By the time he was 2 years old, he would run screaming and crying from dogs. My ex-SIL had a Yorkshire Terrier who Oscar clearly wanted to play with but she jumped up at him and that seemed to instill a deep seated fear.

I worked really hard with him - introducing him to all sorts of animals, including dogs. I would ask peopel in the street if he could just look at their dog without having to approach or be pproached. Nobody ever said no. Eventually after bout 18 months of this we had Zane as a small puppy.

Now Oscar loves all animals and has obviously grown up with the dogs I have now. He helps to walk them (well OK, he has a separate lead so I have overall control), he also owns a hamster who he feeds himself, he rides horses without the need to be led.

It was a lot of really hard work but it paid off. If only those stupid parents could see how enjoyable animals can be if their children and the dogs involved are given a chance, it would make all the difference.

I've noticed that when I take my dogs into schools, there are alwqays some children who say they are afraid and sit at the back so they don';t have to make contact with the dogs. It's surprising how many of them do actually come forward to say hello to the dogs when they see their friends doing it. but of course, they haven't got their silly parents telling them they'll get bitten etc.

I don't agree sorry

Fair enough! Still doesn't put me off you !!

I know that feeling!

Hmm...we don't get a lot of vistors (surprise surprise LOL!), so I'm not too bothered about putting them elsewhere on the odd occasion we have guests. That only means means shutting them in the kitchen or conservatory, which they are used to anyway. Even so...one of my dogs in particular isn't the best behaved, and not everyone wants ot be slobbered and jumped on by a 32kg ball of energy. My other two are far less offensive!

I have a lot of family members that are not dog people (understandment!) and even a few friends that dislike dogs, so I don't force them on anyone. Each to their own.

Oh man do NOT get me started on these sorts. I hate parents who instill fear of dogs in their children. Their kids ARE going to come across dogs in their life and it's far better to teach them how to act around them. Kids who don't are the ones who end up being bitten.

I once was walking Dahlia in a local park and there was a mother there with her two young kids (oldest was a girl about 4 or so, the boy was younger). She was throwing stuff for the ducks with the little boy and didn't even notice her daughter wander off toward me. The little girl asked if she could meet my dog and I was happy to let her. Just as she got near her and was about to pet her, the mother SCREECHED, ran over, and shouted "GET AWAY FROM THAT THING!!"

The little girl then started to cry, Dahlia looked scared, and I wanted to smack the lady.