[red98vett]

Originally Posted by DerbyLayne

As someone who works with children, YOU were in the wrong handling this situation.

Kids will be kids. They a curious little people, and when they love- they love a lot (ever seen kids with cats' tails?) I believe that most children don't fully comprehend the way you should treat a pet- ever seen preschoolers with their own friends? Same difference. They don't understand their own strength, and most of the time they don't mean to hurt anyone/thing. They're playing! or being grabby or whatever. They get so excited they can't handle themselves! Some of them even pee their pants at 5 they're so excited... Get it? How are they supposed to understand exactly how to handle a pet when some of their peers can't even control their bladder? Do you see now, a child is a child...

First Step. CALM DOWN.

Handle the situation like an adult. If you get upset, say sorry.

Is the dog ok?
Is the child ok?

Try talking to the kid EX: "Gentle! Gentle... You can't handle dogs like that... they're very fragile and they can get hurt..." Try talking to them in words they can understand. Show them how to handle the dog, how to pet the dog etc.

Then speak to the mother "Just so you know.... this and this happened and it really scared me, and I yelled- but we worked it out."

If was your friend, and you had handled it this way? I'd still speak with you, and if you handled it the way you said you did? Start grovelling... You handled my child, and as an adult you KNOW better. A kid is a kid ! It's not "eye for an eye"

And the kid went into your room? I bet money that that kid heard a dog in there... (or, what's behind this door? No one's looking...lol) Back to my original statement, they are curious little people...

what a great post !