[mattiematt]

I knew from before getting Sophie, now 14 months, that this breed and probably more to the point, this size dog doesn't usually like kids. So I have gone with that always in my mind. I have never had a bad comment, in fact sometimes I've been a bit embarrassed at how some people will criticize their own dog because they do not view it as "beautiful and perfect" as mine. How sad. When I purchased Sophie I just wanted to be sure she had a health guarentee, that her parents were friendly and sociable with other dogs and that her breeder was sociably agreeable to our family as well. What she looked like, how big she would be (keep in mind, she's a yorkie so how big could she be even if she would be big by yorkie standards) what kind of purse I would buy, just didn't enter the picture. Sooooo, knowing that she would probably be afraid of short people I started from the get go to help her be around kids. So as they approach, with that look (and you all know that look), I ask them if they would like to "meet" Sophie. If they reach out, I ask their parent if it would be OK. If there is no parent, I tell the kid "you need to ask your mom first" and that "I know Sophie would love to meet you." If the kid comes back it's usually with a parental figure. I also know that the kid really does want to meet my dog and has gone through this extra step to do so! I tell them that Sophie is very young that she is a little afraid of little people but has never bitten anyone. Then I teach a child how to approach. If she's on the floor, I have the child go down on one knee and with their hand in mine we touch "Sophie" under the chin. If Sophie is in the store basket seat, I do the same. Sophie loves to be pet by me, of course, so she learns that this is or can be true of a child as well. I tell them how much Sophie seems to love their touch and the child glows and Sophie melts! (my favorite moment!) Now that being said, I don't allow Sophie to play with children, even when I'm there. Everyone gets too excited, including Sophie, and something could happen that can change both of them forever. As far as adults, I think it's fair game for me to respond in the same way they present. But I have not yet had anyone be rude in such a way that I feel I should respond. I guess the worse thing that has ever happened is when a parent pulls their child away and tells them not to touch that dog. Kinda sad I think, but at the same time, I probably don't want Sophie to have that encounter anyway. So, there ya go. Win some, lose some. Either way, Sophie always comes out a winner.