Abeera
Training and understanding are paramount in the complex dance of coexistence between humans and dogs. Dogs, as beloved companions, must learn to navigate our human-centric world while still honouring their innate instincts. However, this delicate balance extends beyond the four-legged realm, encompassing the need for both dogs and children to comprehend the nuances of appropriate behaviour and boundaries when interacting with each other and with other people’s pets. Dogs have feelings and react differently when uncomfortable. Mastering this symbiotic relationship requires a subtle approach rooted in respect, education, and empathy.
For instance, in a recent Reddit post, a person recounted an incident while walking their dogs. Despite waving at a smiling boy nearby, the situation quickly escalated when the boy approached the dogs without supervision. OP had to intervene to prevent any harm, leading to a tense moment with the boy’s father. While OP wonders if they overreacted, it underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and understanding canine behaviour.
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Source: Reddit
1. OP wonders if he overreacted by yelling at a kid who tried to approach his dogs suddenly.
2. OP took his two dogs on a walk in the neighbourhood, where he waved at the little boy who was smiling after seeing the dog.
3. As OP passed by the boy’s house, the sudden eruption of barking from their dogs prompted a swift turn in his direction. It was then that they noticed the small boy dashing toward his dogs with enthusiasm.
4. Standing between the dog and the kid, OP screamed at the boy to step back from the dogs and not touch them.
5. Amidst the commotion, the father emerged from the house and swiftly scooped up his child, his expression a mix of concern and reproach.
6. OP’s reaction stemmed from a place of genuine concern for both the child’s safety and the well-being of his beloved dogs. Fearing that the dogs, startled by the sudden approach, might react in a way that could potentially harm the child.
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this.
7. Indeed, while OP’s reaction may have startled the child, it was a necessary response to prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
8. OP’s scream, though startling, was a precautionary measure to prevent the dogs from perceiving the child’s approach as a threat to their owner’s safety, potentially triggering a defensive response.
9. OP should train himself to remain calm in such situations so he can handle these situations well in the future.
10. Better supervision from the parents could have averted a potential disaster, as the child’s unsupervised approach to the dogs posed a significant risk of injury.
11. Teaching your kids to never approach a stranger dog without the consent of the owner is an important thing.
12. It is better to yell at the kid than have it bitten by the scared dogs.
13. OP fulfilled his responsibility as a dog owner by taking swift action to prevent any harm befalling the child or his dogs, ensuring the safety of all involved.
14. OP did what he could do best in that unexpected situation.
15. If there’s a concern your dogs might bite when startled, consider muzzling them for their safety on walks.
16. OP did nothing wrong and essentially protected the kid from potential harm.
17. Concerns about potential triggers in the heat of the moment are valid. It’s risky to let kids chase after strangers’ dogs like that.
18. OP’s first responsibility was his dogs and the kid should have been the first responsibility of his parents.
19. You never know what a stranger kid running up to your dog would do….pat it or pull its fur?
20. The adults should have kept an eye on the kid. The dogs got intimidated and could have bitten the kid.
Redditors collectively agreed that OP was NTA, recognizing the dual responsibilities inherent in owning both dogs and children. While OP’s reaction aimed to safeguard both the dogs and the child, it was acknowledged that reactions were inevitable. In the eyes of Redditors, OP’s actions were justified, indicating that they did not overreact. Do share your opinions in the comments section below.
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