Thoughts on people letting their 7-12 year old kid walk the family dog? It’s been disastrous as a reactive dog owner encountering this!

[corneilious]

I’ve now had two encounters in the last week with kids under 12 walking their dogs. I don’t blame the kids, but they end up not knowing how to handle their dog being reactive, which has, both times, sent my reactive dog into a 7/10 barking and lunging fit. I understand that some people get dogs to teach their kids responsibility but I do think that kids should be taught how to walk a dog properly before being sent out alone on neighborhood walks.

 

[christopherb]

@corneilious 7-12 is a big gap. A typical 12 year old should be able to walk a small to medium dog alone. A large or giant dog, I wouldn't be comfortable with it. And I wouldn't want an unattended 7 year old walking any dog.

Maybe call out to the kids "please give us space, my dog is not friendly". Teaching them to be more environmentally aware when walking a dog will help your dog and their dog.

 

[zuko]

@corneilious I think 7 is way too young, but middle school is ok if it’s a non-reactive small dog that the child can control.