Dear Editor: Having grown up in a home with a lovely dog for 13 years, I understand the special relationship between a dog owner and a dog. Our dog was my mountain biking, running and hiking buddy for many years.
As I continue to enjoy the North Shore trails and beaches, I have noticed that dogs can be a scary experience for little kids. My five-year-old daughter recently had a terrifying experience with a friendly off-leash dog, and it could have easily been prevented. We were enjoying a quiet afternoon on the beach when she was approached quickly by a dog. She fell over on her back because she was startled and it pinned her down and licked her until the owner pulled the dog off her. It didn't bite, but it left her with bruises and scratches on her back and arms and she now has an overwhelming fear of dogs. She felt attacked. The owner was very apologetic, and I believe the experience opened her eyes to the effects of her dog's
behaviour on others. My two other daughters witnessed this incident and are now more afraid of dogs too. The experience has greatly impacted our enjoyment of parks and beaches as a family. While this particular experience was quite memorable for my daughter, it was just one of many negative encounters that have contributed to a growing fear of dogs.
So on behalf of my daughters, dog owners, please understand that when your dog approaches another person, especially a child, it is not always received with reciprocal affection. I have been jumped on, chased, barked at and bitten countless times, and although I find it terribly annoying, I have been very forgiving. But I take a different stance with my kids. They don't understand a dog's behaviour because they have also had too many negative run-ins with dogs who are not controlled.
It's going to take a long time for my daughter to recover from this incident. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised
if she carries this fear into adulthood.
Just because you love your dog and think it's cute, doesn't mean that everyone else does. If your dog approaches someone who looks hesitant, or a child who is standing still in fear or trying to hide behind a parent, call it off. Do not just say "It's okay, she's friendly," or even worse "It's okay, he's just a puppy." It's not okay, it's frightening. The first words out of your mouth should be to control your dog.
I will be talking to my children about the dog's behaviour, so that they understand. If we would like to meet your dog, then we will approach you and ask. If your dog is not obedient 100 per cent of the time, keep it on a leash.
Every dog owner has a responsibility to train their dog and keep it under their control all the time.
Alison Nichols North Vancouver
