Kid Ran Towards Two Dogs To Pet Them And Was Yelled At By The Dogs' Owner, Now He Wonders If He Over-Reacted
There's a reason dogs are trained. If we would like to keep them as pets, we need to teach them to adapt to how we live.
That doesn't mean that you overlook their natural instincts; you simply utilize those instincts so that they won't be harmed or harm others. And if you're a parent, the basic rule is to teach your kids about common sense as well.
How they're approached and how to treat them, especially if they are dogs belonging to other people. Because dogs have feelings too and have different reactions when things aren't to their liking.
It's not like you can control every element either when there's someone testing your pets' limits. Take this Redditor, for example.
OP was walking her dogs, and when she passed by a house where there was a boy and his relatives pointing at the dogs, she waved at him when he smiled and continued with her walk until her dogs started barking.
OP turned to witness the boy running towards them unattended, aiming to pet her dogs. She had to step in between them since she panicked and screamed for the boy to get away from them. The dad came running after and picked up the boy, all the while scolding OP for screaming at the kid.
To which OP responded that he should've watched him in the first place. OP does wonder, though, if she overreacted in the situation.
Here's the original post
OP was normally walking her dogs, a big dog and a small one. A boy spotted them, and OP was gracious enough to acknowledge the boy when he smiled.
Suddenly, OP's dogs started barking, and that's when she saw the unattended boy run towards them, and she had to protect everyone.
Understanding the dynamics of fear and anxiety when it comes to children and animals is crucial. According to Dr. Janet Lansbury, a parenting expert, "Children are naturally curious about animals, but they often lack the understanding of how to approach them safely." This gap in understanding can lead to situations where a child's innocent desire to interact with a dog is met with fear or aggression from the animal or its owner, which can be distressing for both parties. Developmental psychologists emphasize the importance of teaching children about animal behavior and body language. As Dr. Becky Kennedy states, "By educating children on how to approach animals safely, parents can foster a more harmonious interaction that respects both the child's curiosity and the animal's comfort levels."
During the chaos, the dad came running towards them, picked up the child, and proceeded to scold OP.
OP acted in a panicked state but has doubts about whether she overreacted.
There was a collective agreement from Redditors that OP was NTA.
It doesn't matter if your kids love dogs; there are some boundaries they need to learn.
A behavioral psychologist highlights that the reactions of dog owners can often be tied to their own past experiences with animals. Research indicates that individuals who have had negative encounters with dogs may develop heightened anxiety around them, influencing their behavior as owners. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that dog owners who experienced a traumatic event involving a dog were more likely to react defensively when approached by unfamiliar children or adults. This protective instinct, while understandable, can sometimes lead to overreactions that may seem disproportionate to the situation.
Recognizing this may help both parents and dog owners approach such situations with empathy and understanding, reducing the likelihood of conflict and fostering a more compassionate environment for both children and pets.
It teaches them to respect animals and keeps them from possible harm too.
Teaching kids about respecting others' pets doesn't only apply to them petting the animals.
It also applies to behaviors that wouldn't freak anyone out, like screaming at the dogs.
Children often lack the experience to gauge how their actions affect others, particularly when it comes to animals. Research in developmental psychology suggests that children are still learning about empathy and social cues during early childhood. According to Dr. Susan Harter's work on self-concept and social development, children typically begin to understand others' emotions around the ages of 4 to 6. This developmental stage implies that a child running towards a dog to pet it may not fully recognize the potential stress it could cause for the dog or its owner.
To enhance this understanding, parents can engage in role-playing scenarios at home where children learn to read body language and understand the feelings of animals. These interactive lessons can promote empathy and better prepare them for real-life interactions.
Dogs are certainly built differently.
and would also react differently when subjected to chaotic situations, no matter how much you know them.
They are very territorial; it's in their nature, and they might think you're a threat.
Positive reinforcement strategies can significantly improve how children and animals interact. According to the principles outlined by B.F. Skinner in operant conditioning, behaviors followed by positive outcomes are likely to be repeated. Similarly, when a child approaches a dog in a calm and respectful manner, and the dog responds positively, the child learns that this behavior is acceptable and safe. Conversely, if a negative interaction occurs—such as being yelled at by the owner—it might discourage future positive engagements.
To foster positive experiences, parents and dog owners can work together to create safe environments for interactions, such as supervised playdates where both the child and the dog can get accustomed to each other in a controlled setting. This approach not only builds confidence in children but also helps reduce anxiety in animals.
These actions are common sense that should be taught to kids.
You can start the teaching at home; set some basic rules.
because dogs do have their own feelings and perspectives.
Understanding the concept of boundaries is fundamental in both human and animal interactions. Research suggests that teaching children about personal space and boundaries can enhance their social skills significantly. According to studies, children who are educated on respecting personal boundaries tend to develop healthier relationships as they grow. This principle extends to interactions with animals, where children should learn to respect a dog's space, looking for signs of comfort or distress.
Parents can use visual tools, such as charts or drawings, to illustrate what respectful interactions look like. By reinforcing these concepts regularly, children become more adept at reading cues and responding appropriately, which can lead to more harmonious encounters with animals.
Although some did not grasp the point of OP's fears.
There's a difference between the way kids scream at dogs and just screaming in general.
There's also the fact that the kid ran up unannounced, and OP only had enough power to handle the dogs.
The emotional responses of both children and dog owners can often be influenced by societal perceptions of dogs. Research in social psychology shows that media representations of dogs, particularly in movies and television, can shape public attitudes toward different breeds and their behaviors. For instance, studies have shown that children are often exposed to mixed messages regarding animals; while many portray dogs as friendly companions, some depict aggressive or dangerous behaviors that can instill fear.
Engaging in discussions about these portrayals can help children develop a more balanced perspective on animal behavior. Parents might consider sharing stories or media that highlight positive interactions between humans and dogs, fostering a narrative of kindness and respect that encourages children to approach animals with a sense of curiosity rather than fear.
And that can easily be overpowered by the kid's insistence.
Not only will the kids benefit from not screaming a certain way at dogs, but it might also be useful when they're actually hurt.
Having dogs means having responsibilities. Having kids means having responsibilities.
OP reacted in a way to ensure that neither her dogs nor the kid would be harmed, but that doesn't mean there were no reactions to be expected. In the view of the Redditors, OP is NTA and did not overreact.
Psychological Analysis
The boy's behavior could be explained by his natural curiosity and lack of understanding about appropriate boundaries with animals. The dog owner's reaction was likely driven by an instinct to protect her pets and prevent a potentially harmful situation. This incident underscores the importance of teaching children about respecting animals and their space.
Analysis generated by AI
Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward
The complexities of human-animal interactions, particularly involving children, underscore the need for education and understanding on both sides. As Dr. Lawrence Cohen, a child psychologist, states, "Teaching children to respect animals and understand their behavior is crucial for fostering empathy." Furthermore, Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, emphasizes that "Recognizing emotional cues in animals can help children navigate these interactions safely." Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate an environment where both children and animals can coexist harmoniously, enhancing mutual respect and understanding.
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