Parent Tells Dog Owner To “Choke Out” Their Dog After Elevator Encounters With Child Keeps Going Wrong
In this story, a dog owner (OP) living in an apartment complex found themselves in the middle of unexpected drama after their large but gentle dog developed a strange habit: barking every time she saw one particular kid in the building.
OP explained that the dog wasn’t aggressive or threatening. Rather, the constant barking was just her being excited.
But that didn’t matter. The child would scream, wave his arms, and panic every time the elevator doors opened, which only made the dog more excitable.
OP tried to be responsible about it. They talked to the parents, hoping to arrange a calm introduction between the dog and the child outside the elevator so both could relax.
However, the parents weren’t interested. Instead, they demanded the dog be “controlled” and even suggested using cruel methods to stop the barking.
Despite OP trying to avoid them, they kept bumping into the family over and over again, and as usual, the dog would bark at the sight of the kid.
This got really frustrating, as OP kept getting yelled at and accused of being irresponsible. According to OP, it wasn’t like the dog was lunging or doing anything aggressive. All this drama stemmed from just one or two barks per meeting, which seemed impossible to prevent
Now, OP feels stuck. They’ve done everything they can to de-escalate, but it’s starting to feel like nothing will ever be good enough.
Should they keep avoiding the family completely or just accept that their dog might always bark a bit in passing?
Read the full Reddit story below to get details of how everything unfolded.
Let’s dig into the details
OP’s dog has a habit of barking each time it sees on particular kid in the elevator
The parents of the child have warned OP to control their dog
Understanding Dog Behavior
Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, a renowned dog cognition researcher, emphasizes that dogs often bark out of excitement or anxiety, not aggression. Her studies suggest that a dog's vocalizations can serve as a form of communication rather than a threat.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for pet owners, especially in shared living environments. Dr. Horowitz advises gradual desensitization techniques, where the dog is exposed to the trigger (in this case, the child) in a controlled manner, helping to reduce the barking response over time.
Strategies for Positive Interactions
To foster a harmonious environment, experts recommend proactive measures like supervised introductions between the dog and the child. Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal behavior expert, emphasizes that gradual exposure in a controlled setting allows both parties to acclimate to each other.
Using treats and praise can reinforce positive interactions, helping the dog associate the child with good experiences. This approach not only aids in reducing barking but also builds a safer and more enjoyable living space for everyone.
OP has decided to avoid them completely by using the elevator when they’re not around.
Unfortunately, they still end up bumping into each other, and as usual, the dog barks
We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community
Therapists specializing in animal behavior suggest that establishing a calm environment for both the dog and child can significantly improve interactions. For instance, introducing the dog to the child while rewarding calm behavior can create positive associations.
Additionally, consistent training using commands like 'quiet' can help reinforce desired behaviors. Experts recommend using treats and praise to encourage the dog to remain calm when encountering the child, ultimately reducing anxiety for everyone involved.
“NTA sometimes your dog is going to bark. In my opinion, you're not letting your dog bark.”
“NTA. Dogs bark sometimes and especially when excited.”
“Quiet and control your dog. Don't inconvenience others with your big dog. YTA.”
The Impact of Fear in Children
Dr. Bruce Perry, a child psychiatrist, explains that children's fear responses can be heightened by unexpected situations, such as a barking dog. He notes that children may react with panic when they don't understand the cause of their fear, leading to distress.
Dr. Perry suggests educating children about dogs and their behaviors can empower them, allowing for more positive interactions. Familiarization through safe, supervised encounters can alleviate anxiety, promoting understanding rather than fear.
“If you just didn't care, it would be different, but you have put enough effort into resolving the situation.”
“Yes you are for sure the AH and depending on the age of the kid you might be giving them some real trauma.”
“Imagine being a small kid and having a large powerful dog bark at you when you are trapped inside an elevator.”
Experts in animal behavior highlight the importance of socialization for dogs, especially those living in multi-family settings. Dr. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, recommends early and consistent socialization with different people and environments to enhance a dog's adaptability.
When dogs are properly socialized, they can feel more comfortable and secure in various situations, reducing unwanted behaviors like excessive barking. Owners are encouraged to engage in regular training sessions that promote calmness and control in their pets.
The Reddit community is split on this one. While the majority have commended their efforts at de-escalating the issue, a good number of people feel that the parents have every right to speak against anything that scares their child.
One particular Reddit insisted that it’s not unusual for a child to be terrified of a large barking dog. Others even pressed further by saying that this could be traumatic for the child.
We can’t say that OP hasn’t made efforts to stop these barks, but it would be great to have the parents consider having another chat to see if they can all find a lasting solution.
We’d love to get your thoughts on this story. Tell us how you would have handled this if you were in OP’s shoes.
Expert Opinion
This situation really highlights how fear can drive people to react defensively, especially when it comes to their children. The parents' strong response may stem from a protective instinct, possibly fueled by their child's visible distress, which can escalate anxiety for both parties. It's a classic case of how misunderstandings can spiral out of control, with both the dog owner and the parents feeling trapped in their perspectives instead of communicating effectively to find common ground.Healing Approaches & Techniques
In conclusion, the situation described highlights the complexities of human-animal interactions, especially in shared living spaces. Experts advocate for understanding the motivations behind animal behaviors and the emotional responses of children.
Implementing gradual desensitization techniques, positive reinforcement, and educational strategies can significantly improve interactions between dogs and children. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging safe encounters, families can cultivate a harmonious coexistence that benefits both pets and children alike.
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