Entitled Mom Lets Daughter Sneak Up On Eating Dog, Then Raises Hell When It Growls

When someone wants to pet an unknown dog, they need to ask the owner for permission for their own safety. Owners know their pets, so they approve or deny such requests based on the dog's behavior and friendliness.

The OP, a 29-year-old woman, was vending items at an annual city fair where pets are welcome. She had her 2-year-old miniature dachshund with her, whom she provided with a bone to keep occupied and avoid disrupting her display.

Although her dachshund is generally friendly and quiet, it tends to protect its food by growling without escalating to an attack. During the event, a young girl, about 10 years old, approached him from behind, attempting to pet the dog.

However, the dog reacted by jumping up with the bone in its mouth and growling as a warning. This was the OP's first awareness of the girl, who had not sought permission to interact with the dog and was already reaching out to touch it.

The OP apologized to the girl, explaining that her dog was not aggressive but merely protective of its bone. She advised the girl to always ask for permission before approaching an unknown dog.

Shortly after, the girl's mother confronted the OP, upset and demanding that she control her "beastly" dog, claiming her daughter was frightened. By this time, the dog had finished its bone and was calmly napping beside the OP.

The OP reiterated the incident to the mother, expressing concern about the girl's approach to unfamiliar dogs without permission. The interaction with the mother grew heated before she eventually left.

The fair continued peacefully for the OP and her dog, receiving positive attention from other attendees. However, the OP noticed some disapproving glances from passersby following the confrontation, leading her to wonder if her actions were appropriate or if there was a better way to handle the situation.

The Original Story

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The OP Explained Her Dog Is Friendly with Strangers, but Always Protective of Its Food

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Understanding Child-Parent Relationships

This incident illustrates the complex dynamics between parenting styles and children's understanding of boundaries.

Developmental psychologists emphasize that children often test limits as a way of exploring their environment and understanding social cues.

In this case, the mother’s reaction may reflect her own parenting beliefs and concerns about safety, while the child’s actions indicate a lack of understanding about approaching animals.

So, When an Unknown Girl Tried to Pet the OP's Dog While She Was Chewing a Bone, the Dog Growled at Her

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The OP Explained to the Girl That Her Dog Is Only Protective of Its Food

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Research from Dr. William Doherty, family therapist, emphasizes that "children learn best when they receive clear guidance about social norms and boundaries from their parents." The child's behavior in this instance may highlight gaps in communication about safety around animals, suggesting a need for clearer guidance and teaching. According to Dr. Dan Kindlon, child psychologist, "children thrive in environments where they receive explicit instructions about acceptable behaviors, especially when interacting with pets."

But, Shortly After the Incident, the Girl's Mother Came to Confront the OP

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The OP Tried to Explain the Circumstance to the Mother but to No Avail

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The Role of Empathy in Parenting

Empathy plays a critical role in how parents respond to their children’s actions and teach them important social skills.

According to Dr. Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability and empathy, teaching children empathy involves modeling appropriate responses and providing context for their behaviors.

In this case, the mother may have had an opportunity to help her daughter understand the dog's perspective, rather than reacting with anger, which could foster greater empathy for both the child and the pet.

So, She Wonders If She Should Have Handled the Situation Differently

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A Redditor Said Parents Need to Teach Their Kids Pet Etiquette

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To enhance understanding and communication between parents and children, engaging in discussions about feelings and perspectives can be beneficial.

Role-playing scenarios can also help children practice appropriate interactions with animals, allowing them to learn boundaries in a safe environment.

Creating a consistent approach to teaching safety around pets can empower children to make better decisions and develop their empathetic skills.

The Kid Is Old Enough to Know Better

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The Girl Shouldn't Have Approached an Unfamiliar Dog

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Redditors told the OP that her perspective was not wrong. Parents should teach their kids how to approach unfamiliar animals, including dogs.

The mother failed to teach her child and tried to blame the OP. If the girl had asked the OP to pet her dog while he was chewing on a bone, the OP would have refused and prevented this incident.

The OP's Perspective Is Absolutely Right

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Dogs Are Not Public Domain

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No One Should Ever Just Approach a Stranger's Dog

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Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a common challenge parents face when balancing their child's curiosity with safety concerns. It's important for parents to approach these moments as teaching opportunities, guiding their children through understanding both their actions and the emotional responses of others, including pets.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Ultimately, this incident can serve as a learning experience for both the parent and child regarding boundaries and empathy.

By focusing on communication and understanding, parents can help their children navigate complex social interactions more effectively.