Dog to dog aggression while camping

dodge guy wrote:
My issue comes with dogs that aren't dog friendly! I see this at campgrounds a few times. My kids will ask if they can pet a particular dog and they say "no, he's nit friendly" same with my dog wanting to sniff another dog. Why would anyone bring an "unfriendly" dog to a place with kids?!

My dogs are well socialized and friendly as can be, but depending on what I've observed of your kids (even just for a few seconds) I might say that they're not friendly because I don't trust your kids. A lot of kids nowadays aren't dog savvy. You wouldn't believe how many times my dogs have been pushed, prodded, hit and even grabbed in bear hugs by clueless kids. One of my current dogs is very elderly and unsteady on his feet, and one is small. It's my responsibility to protect them. Now if we're set up near each other and I can observe your kids for awhile and I see that they're well-behaved and seem to know what to do around dogs, then I'd very likely change my mind. This is usually more of a concern for kids younger than yours, but you still never know. Any time a kid asks before petting, I mentally award them (and their parents) several brownie points. I know they've been taught that much!

And the same reasons hold true for why I might not want your dog sniffing mine -- One of mine is very old and unsteady, one is small. Plus since I have two dogs, having them meet one dog doesn't always work well. It's very easy for a single dog to feel intimidated upon meeting two dogs who have the pack thing going on. Intimidated dogs can get defensive and have a tendency to over-react.

In summary, there are many reasons why dog owners sometimes don't want kids or other dogs around theirs. Saying a dog isn't friendly is sometimes true, and sometimes it's just a way to prevent the interaction without having to go into detail.

And please note all use of "you" and "your" are generic. I don't know you, your kids or your dog, of course. This answer would apply to anyone.