Some dogs can be trusted with children throwing themselves all over that dog, but parents should ALWAYS ask if it's ok to pet the dog, and should always talk with the owner to make sure the dog does not bite. Not all dog owners will admit to the fact that their dog may bite, tho, and it's a shame. Parents should not only ask if the dog bites, but they should be able to read the dog's body language before sending the kids to pet it. Some parents are WAY too trusting, and I pray that they don't pay for it with a not-so-friendly dog.

Sometimes kids (of questionable upbringing) will come up to Graham and throw their arms around him without asking if it's ok, or if he bites. I adore kids, and so does Graham, in fact I have always believed Graham would be happier in a household with kids because he loves them so much, but the parents should ALWAYS ask before they come up to ANY strange dog. I was at the park a few weeks ago and a family with a couple little kids came running up to Graham. They were just about to walk up to him and cuddle with him and the parents, instead of yelling out, "ask if the dog bites before you pet it" they yelled out, "be careful, you two". I felt it was giving the kids false hope that all dogs are friendly. I stopped them before they approched Graham and made them aware that they should always ask before they pet ANY dog. After I talked to them, of course they asked if he bit, but it was only because I had to tell them first.

It sure would be nice if parents taught their kids to always ask before they pet a strange dog. It's easy for kids when they live with a dog that is normally untrustworthy, but most kids (at least where I live) have friendly family pets, and therefor, believe all dogs are friendly because of that.