A View from the Playground

Dalliances with Dogs

I think this will result in a lot of debate, but can I make an appeal to dog owners?

Please do not ask my toddler if they would like to stroke your dog. This must happen to us about two or three times a week. I find it a very awkward situation. As a parent, I know that I am not alone in this way of thinking. There are a number of reasons;

Although I do not want my children to be scared of dogs, I also do not want them to feel that they can approach any dog that they see out and about without consideration. I want them to have a healthy respect for animals. We have friends and family members who have dogs. My children  can play with those animals to get a bit of confidence around dogs.
 
I also would like to create a bit of awareness in my children that they should not do what strangers say to them. As not all strangers are acting out of kindness.

Thirdly, I quite often give my children snacks whilst we are out and about. Sometimes I cannot easily wipe their hands after they have stroked your sometimes wet and muddy animal.

To the woman in Verulamium Park who was extremely rude to me when I attempted to request that she didn’t come up to my toddler and virtually demand that he stroke her dog;
My toddler did not have the slightest inclination to stroke your dog, being a shy and quiet little fella he was intimidated by you. Please have some consideration and respect. We were feeding the ducks and playing. We were happy in our own world. Moments like this are rare and precious enough. Although you meant your intrusion as a kindness, it spoiled our moment and my memory of this day will now be tainted by your annoyance with me. I did not ask you to intrude into our world. I did not ask for your opinion or interference. I fear you may have done more damage than good.