Parents sue Petco

[IliamnasQuest]

Being a person with dogs and not with human kids, I (of course) would prefer to see a pet store have a policy allowing dogs but not kids - IF they had to ban one or the other.

I know that's not practical, but sheesh - human kids can already go a zillion places that dogs are not allowed. Why not let the pet owners have a place to take their dogs?

I'm sorry the child got bit, but the news story didn't give enough information to truly form an opinion as to fault. But I DO know that there are way too many parents out there who just don't seem to have a clue as to the dangers of kids around animals. I was just talking to someone who told me the story of the guy in Yellowstone Park, who actually put his three year old child on the back of a grizzly so he could take a photo! (This has been some time ago now). The bear was pretty tame because it had been fed by people for a long time but it was still a death wish on that poor kid (the kid didn't get hurt, luckily). The parent should have lost all parental rights at that point.

Any parent who allows their child to run up to a strange dog should also lose parental rights, as far as I'm concerned. I had my big male shepherd on a sit-stay once, outside of a huge store, and these parents came walking up with their little girl (maybe 3 or 4 years old) and they watched as their kid ran forward and threw her arms around my dog's neck! Luckily I do a lot of training with my dogs and they have been taught to accept all sorts of handling (including pulling on their fur and tails and ears). Dawson could have taken this kid's face off, but he didn't react at all.

As dog owners, it's our responsibility to proof our dogs against all sorts of circumstances. My chows get tugged on and pushed and prodded. We go to nursing homes, where some of the residents get ahold of that fur and don't want to let go. My dogs accept it. We do "startle" training, where they learn to accept sudden loud noises. They're all taught to be obedience. I feel it's my responsibility to make my dogs as safe as possible and that way I can hopefully avoid ever being in the position where I'm the one being sued.

I hope the kid heals well and that she isn't too scarred by this (physically OR emotionally). And I hope the parents don't win a lawsuit that's probably fueled by greed (let's make some money off of our child's misfortune).

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

 

[Violet21]

My opinion is that people should not allow their children to pet strange dogs when they are out shopping. Sounds harsh but.. come on.. i was never allowed to touch a dog. In my opinion it is the parents fault for not keeping her away from it. They are responsible for their children.

Especially a Rottie. It is kind of commen knowledge that probably a good half of people that own rotts do not treat them properly and they are probably unstable dogs. It isn't the dogs fault or the kids. It's the owner and the parents and that is it.

 

[oriondw]

Well, I look at it this way:

If a kid sticks his finger into my dogs ear, mouth, pulls his tail, tries to ride him, etc. he will loose the whole arm in one fast snap.

Thats why we dont go to places with kids.

 

[Dobiegurl]

My dog is very touchy-feely. He doesn't like people hugging and pulling him but he tolerates it to a POINT. I cannot expect him to sit there will a bratty child pulls his ears with no mercy. If the child hurts him I would expect him to defend himself. I don't let kids play with him because kids are crazy and I will not put my dog through that stress. I understand that a dog should not bite a child for petting him or hugging him, but kids get out of hand and don't know how to act. Any child who is old enough to understand not to rush up on dogs deserves to get bit. If a child ever hurt my dog intentionally I would slap that kid across his/her face and let the parents say something to me. It would be a mess. I do not tolerate little evil children. One time my little brother beat my dog with a stick and when I caught him I snatched that stick and whooped him and he never "played" with my dog like that again. Kids need to be put in their place and if their parents don't do it then someone will. I think kids should have to be on leash when out in public.

 

[bubbatd]

When a child has run up to my dogs, I tell them to stop. Yes, my Golden's are friendly but I try to teach a child not to approach a dog this way. I had a hard time with raising my children to not expect all dogs to be like their Goldens . If I'm in an area with Chip and see a child wanting to pet him, I'll have him sit and tell his parent he's safe and loves kids.

 

[Julie]

My dog is very touchy-feely. He doesn't like people hugging and pulling him but he tolerates it to a POINT. I cannot expect him to sit there will a bratty child pulls his ears with no mercy. If the child hurts him I would expect him to defend himself. I don't let kids play with him because kids are crazy and I will not put my dog through that stress. I understand that a dog should not bite a child for petting him or hugging him, but kids get out of hand and don't know how to act. Any child who is old enough to understand not to rush up on dogs deserves to get bit. If a child ever hurt my dog intentionally I would slap that kid across his/her face and let the parents say something to me. It would be a mess. I do not tolerate little evil children. One time my little brother beat my dog with a stick and when I caught him I snatched that stick and whooped him and he never "played" with my dog like that again. Kids need to be put in their place and if their parents don't do it then someone will. I think kids should have to be on leash when out in public.

I first would like to say........try to slap my kid across the face. I am sure you would not be walking away from that. That is uncalled for and showing your true maturity. You are still a child yourself if your posted age is accurate. My daughter is your age. You still have so much to learn. Maybe you should start listening with a little less mouthing off.........you might learn something.

 

[Dobiegurl]

I first would like to say........try to slap my kid across the face. I am sure you would not be walking away from that. That is uncalled for and showing your true maturity. You are still a child yourself if your posted age is accurate. My daughter is your age. You still have so much to learn. Maybe you should start listening with a little less mouthing off.........you might learn something.

Well, tell your bratty child not to hurt my dog (not reffering to you, just in general). I am 16 and a teenager around my age hurt my dog intentionally there would be a fight. Whatever someone does to my dog I do right back to them. It is uncalled for to allow your child to hurt my dog. Its the same thing. So I should allow a child to hurt my dog but it would be uncalled for to defend my dog?? I think it would be better to get a slap then a bite from a big dog but thats just me, parents prefer a dog bite because thats where the big bucks are, right.

One time a girl around 9 or 10 just finished eating icecream and had nasty crap all over her hands and I was at PETSMART picking my dog up from GROOMING and she had the nerve to wipe her hands off on my dog. This girl was old enough to know what she was doing. So I rub it off of Chico and put it in her hair. And her mom just looked at me in shock and I said "is there a problem, maam" and she was about to say something and I said "i didn't think so" and walked away.

Let your child disrespect my dog and you won't be walking out of that one. If I have to keep my dog under control, why is it different for a child. Put em on leashed because they are out of control. It has nothing to do with maturity it has to do with protecting my dog's health and space. If you don't want to deal with my dogs mom don't touch my dog. Its as simple as that. Just because you have a child and I have a dog doesn't mean I can't protect my dog just like you would probably confront me if I disrespected your child.
I am usually respectful until someone messes with my dog. Chico may not be human but he is MY child and I will never allow someone to abuse him and get away with it. Same thing if my dog was being attacked by another dog. I will kill that other dog before letting my dog get seriously injured. He comes first to me not your bratty little kids. It really shows a parents maturity for letting them run up to dogs. Those parents who allow that to happen are looking for a law suit to get money and using their children as a pawn. There is no other explanation for a parent allowing a loved one to run up to a dog.

All I have to say is, if someone intentionally hurts my dog, there will be problems, major problems.

 

[Julie]

When a child has run up to my dogs, I tell them to stop. Yes, my Golden's are friendly but I try to teach a child not to approach a dog this way. I had a hard time with raising my children to not expect all dogs to be like their Goldens . If I'm in an area with Chip and see a child wanting to pet him, I'll have him sit and tell his parent he's safe and loves kids.

grammy,
If you read all of this thread I have said numerous times that my children are not allowed to approach strange dogs. This is only for their safety. Because alot of dog owners just automatically say "oh he doesn't bite, great with kids"
but then the unthinkable happens.

But if for an unknown/unexpected reason if my child ran up and hugged that dog and my child got smacked in the face by the owner of the dog, I would leave them laying there. Now if my child would have been bitten by the dog and not the owner, I would have perceived it as my fault mostly and would have taken care of my child. I think some need to realize the importance of not using violence and harsh methods to train their dogs and children.

 

[bubbatd]

Yes... I have to admit I didn't go back to post one. I'll re read !

 

[Julie]

Well, tell your bratty child not to hurt my dog (not reffering to you, just in general). I am 16 and a teenager around my age hurt my dog intentionally there would be a fight. Whatever someone does to my dog I do right back to them. One time a girl around 9 or 10 just finished eating icecream and had nasty crap all over her hands and I was at PETSMART picking my dog up from GROOMING and she had the nerve to wipe her hands off on my dog. This girl was old enough to know what she was doing. So I rub it off of Chico and put it in her hair. And her mom just looked at me in shock and I said "is there a problem, maam" and she was about to say something and I said "i didn't think so" and walked away.
Let your child disrespect my dog and you won't be walking out of that one. If I have to keep my dog under control, why is it different for a child. Put em on leashed because they are out of control. It has nothing to do with maturity it has to do with protecting my dog's health and space. If you don't want to deal with my dogs mom don't touch my dog. Its as simple as that. Just because you have a child and I have a dog doesn't mean I can't protect my dog just like you would probably confront me if I disrespected your child.
I am usually respectful until someone messes with my dog. Chico may not be human but he is MY child and I will never allow someone to abuse him and get away with it. Same thing if my dog was being attacked by another dog. I will kill that other dog before letting my dog get seriously injured. He comes first to me not your bratty little kids. It really shows a parents maturity for letting them run up to dogs. Those parents who allow that to happen are looking for a law suit to get money and using their children as a pawn. There is no other explanation for a parent allowing a loved one to run up to a dog. All I have to say is, if someone intentionally hurts my dog, there will be problems, major problems.

Again just showing your maturity level. I think you are really just "showing" yourself as many kids your age do. One day you might learn.
My kids are very respectful of other dogs and animals in general..........maybe you should go back and read all my previous posts...........And there is really no need in calling my children bratty little kids..........and if you read my post on the puppy horror stories thread you will see I am NOT a sue happy individual, because it was all there and I chose not to follow thru with such.

Again, Maybe you should open your ears instead of you mouth. You might learn something.

 

[Dobiegurl]

But if for an unknown/unexpected reason if my child ran up and hugged that dog and my child got smacked in the face by the owner of the dog, I would leave them laying there. Now if my child would have been bitten by the dog and not the owner, I would have perceived it as my fault mostly and would have taken care of my child. I think some need to realize the importance of not using violence and harsh methods to train their dogs and children

If you re-read my post I said if a child hurt my dog intentionally not if they run up to my dog. Why would I slap a child for hugging my dog. I would be uncomfortable with it but that is the kind of behavior I do encourage (not rushing up to a dog, but being gentle with them). I meant if a child came up and pulled his ear to make him whine or cry out in pain ( I have witnessed kids do this to dogs just to make them cry). Then they will get reprimanded by his mom, me. I cannot stand kids who are evil to animals. They burn then, cut them, hurt them just for the hell of it. Those are the kinds of kids I'm talking about. Not the good ones who just happened not to be taught by their parents not to run up to a dog. I will simply say don't touch, but sometimes I do let kids touch him but I make sure they are kind and gentle with him. I would never slap or even touch a child unless they did something really cruel to leave intentional pain on my dog.

 

[Dobiegurl]

Again just showing your maturity level. I think you are really just "showing" yourself as many kids your age do. One day you might learn.
My kids are very respectful of other dogs and animals in general..........maybe you should go back and read all my previous posts...........And there is really no need in calling my children bratty little kids..........and if you read my post on the puppy horror stories thread you will see I am NOT a sue happy individual, because it was all there and I chose not to follow thru with such.

Again, Maybe you should open your ears instead of you mouth. You might learn something.

Again, if you re read my post I said not reffering to you, just in general.

 

[Julie]

I do not tolerate little evil children. One time my little brother beat my dog with a stick and when I caught him I snatched that stick and whooped him and he never "played" with my dog like that again. Kids need to be put in their place and if their parents don't do it then someone will. I think kids should have to be on leash when out in public.

I don't care if you are referring to me or another person's child. I think you have anger issues, and it also shows in your previous posts about training your dog, and this one too.

 

[RD]

Dobiegurl, I see what you are saying. If anybody intentionally harmed my dog, I would be furious. However, most young children don't mean to hurt a dog. If a dog will react aggressively to a child coming into contact with them, the dog shouldn't be put in the position where it will be presented with that kind of situation and forced to defend itself.

But, no I would not slap a kid for unintentionally upsetting my dog. I am very aware of what my dog is doing and can usually see a problem coming before it happens, and because of that my dog has yet to have a negative experience with a kid. If I see one coming towards him and they don't even acknowledge me or ask me to pet him, I tell them to stop and show them how to "introduce" themselves to him.

I also happen to have a nearly bombproof dog who was extensively socialized with kids of all ages when he was younger. He will allow things from children that would alarm him if done by an adult.

 

[Dobiegurl]

But, no I would not slap a kid for unintentionally upsetting my dog. I am very aware of what my dog is doing and can usually see a problem coming before it happens, and because of that my dog has yet to have a negative experience with a kid. If I see one coming towards him and they don't even acknowledge me or ask me to pet him, I tell them to stop and show them how to "introduce" themselves to him.

I never said unintentionally hurting my dog. I can understand if a child stepped on his paw while walking by but I would not accept a child to lift up their leg and throw it down on my dogs feet and intentionally squash my dogs feet. I would never blame a child for not knowing how to approach a dog but I do have a problem with children who intentionally inflict damage to dogs.

 

[Dobiegurl]

I don't care if you are referring to me or another person's child. I think you have anger issues, and it also shows in your previous posts about training your dog, and this one too.

Thank you for diagnosing me for anger issues. Are you my new therapist?

What other posts are you reffering too. Whats wrong with the way I trained my dog? Please explain to me because the last time I checked my trainers name was (not given) not yours.

I shouldn't get mad if someone hurt my dog on purpose? Please explain that to me too. Because didn't you say you would be mad if I slapped your child, then I have the right to be mad if a child hurts my dog on purpose.

 

[oriondw]

If a child hit my dog with a stick, I would slap him so hard he'd see flying dogs...
(directed at bratty children)

If you think that your child is somehow more important then my dog, you are extremely mistaken ( Directed at julie)

 

[Julie]

If a child hit my dog with a stick, I would slap him so hard he'd see flying dogs...
(directed at bratty children)

If you think that your child is somehow more important then my dog, you are extremely mistaken ( Directed at julie)

Of course my child is more important than your dog. And if you think an animals life is equal too or more important than human life........then you got a couple screws loose.

And even if a child would hit your dog with a stick (and no mine wouldn't they have more respect for animals than that) you still have no right to lay a hand on a child, especially not your own. You would be the one sitting in jail for that, or worse.

 

[oriondw]

Of course my child is more important than your dog. And if you think an animals life is equal too or more important than human life........then you got a couple screws loose.

And even if a child would hit your dog with a stick (and no mine wouldn't they have more respect for animals than that) you still have no right to lay a hand on a child, especially not your own. You would be the one sitting in jail for that, or worse.

Dont know about you, by MY dog is more important to me then OTHERS child.

Lets make that clear. Not just any dog and any child.

 

[DanL]

Regardless of how you feel about the importance of your dog vs a kid, you hit the kid, or let your dog bite the kid, you will pay some pretty severe consequences. You let your dog bite the kid's arm off, your dog is as good as dead. You hit the kid yourself, your dog is as good as dead- because you'll be in jail and the dog will be sent to a shelter, and will be pretty much unadoptable because of the kind of dog it is and how it reacts to strangers.