I agree. A lot of people are misunderstanding several "trendy" child-rearing methods, thinking that their children should be free to choose their actions all the time. This means NO discipline, even in situations where the consequence does not support good decision making.
I was always taught to respect animals and their space, and to ALWAYS ask the owner's permission before petting a dog, and then to ask the DOG'S permission to pet him!!! Most of my friends are the same. I wish someone would teach these kids, because you know that the parents of these rude kids would sue you in a heartbeat if your dog bit, even just a little bite.
I did have a child ask me last week at petsmart if he could pet my dog, and he was very gentle with him. Also the little girl who lives down the street from me always comes running out when we go on our walk, and her mother follows behind her saying "ask if it's okay first! He might be grouchy today!" So all hope isn't lost.
I did have some kids teasing him in line at a pet store one day, not too long after I had gotten him. They were buying hermit crabs, and their dad was arguing with the clerk over the sale price of them. They kept calling Paddington, but when he would start to go over to him, they would act like they were afraid and run away. The first time, I said "Don't worry, he's nice. He just came because he thought you wanted to see him" Then they did the same thing again... and again... and again! Paddington was going NUTS! I told them Please stop, if you call him he's going to come and want to play. It isn't nice. They ignored me and kept doing it, so I picked Paddington up and gave them a mean glare. Their dad finished the purchase and as they were walking out, the older boy said "That lady was mean and her dog was mean!" and the dad said "Some people don't like kids." ... um, yeah, I don't like kids, that's why I chose an underpaid career as a PRESCHOOL TEACHER
I was so angry, and the person in line behind me said that I had been much too nice to them, she would have told them off after the second time.
-O